My dryer is hot to the touch — is that dangerous?
A warm dryer exterior is normal; a dryer exterior hot enough to be uncomfortable to touch is a warning sign. The most common cause is a restricted vent forcing the heating element to run hotter and longer than designed. Stop using the dryer and schedule a vent inspection immediately.
Normal temperatures: a dryer exterior will feel warm during a cycle — typically 90–110°F, roughly body temperature to slightly warmer. You can hold your hand on it comfortably.
Warning temperatures: if the exterior is hot enough that you reflexively pull your hand away, the internal temperature is well above design spec — usually because a restricted vent is preventing the hot, moist air from exiting. The thermostat and heating element are both working overtime trying to complete a cycle they can't finish.
Immediate action: stop the current cycle, pull the clothes out (they're probably too hot to handle normally — let them cool), unplug the dryer, and book an inspection. The dryer is not broken, but continuing to run it can cook the heating element, trigger a thermal fuse (which has to be replaced), or worst-case start a fire.
For gas dryers especially: an overheating cycle combined with a restricted vent is the scenario where combustion gases back up into the house. If you have a gas dryer and it's running unusually hot, check the CO detector and open a window in the laundry room until service.
Manufacturer resources
Official support pages for brands commonly referenced in this answer.
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