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[LG dryer] What causes rust and corrosion? — LG Help Guide: Causes

In the condenser of a dryer, metals that have high heat conductivity [e.g., gold, silver, copper, aluminum] are used to ensure superior heat exchange. These metals have electrochemical reactions with various substances in the air, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, moisture, and chemicals, and may corrode or become rusty. Corrosion of metals is an issue all….

[LG dryer] What causes rust and corrosion? LG USA help image
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TroubleshootingDryers

What to Check First

  1. The heat exchanger has rusted.
  2. In the condenser of a dryer, metals that have high heat conductivity [e.g., gold, silver, copper, aluminum] are used to ensure superior heat exchange. These metals have electrochemical reactions with various substances in the air, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, moisture, and chemicals, and may corrode or become rusty. Corrosion of metals is an issue all manufacturers have to manage due to the characteristics of a dryer meaning that it is frequently exposed to moisture.
  3. Copper pipes [Cu] LG uses in the pipeline show blue corrosion when corroded which forms a protective barrier on the surface of copper pipes and prevent additional corrosion by air or water. After some time (1 to 1.5 years), those blue products of corrosion will remain the same without further change. We can often see examples of such cases involving copper, such as on the Statue of Liberty in the U.S., and the roof of the National Assembly Building in Yeouido, Seoul.
  4. The Statue of Liberty was made by building an internal frame of iron and coating the surface with copper plate. As time passed, the copper has been corroded by the air and humidity, and the statue has turned a bluish green. The city of New York planned to restore the statue to the original copper color, but the citizens objected to the project, claiming that they prefer the blue color.
  5. Similarly, rust and corrosion can be found easily in objects in our everyday lives, such as coins, pots, and door handles. The products of rust and corrosion are naturally generated when metals, such as copper and iron, meet water and air and oxidize, with the action and result playing the role of a protective film against further oxidation. Corrosion/rust products provided a protective coat and blocks air and water from further penetration, thus preventing the corrosion from advancing further.
  6. We often find rust on old home appliances. Not only LG Electronics, but various manufacturers use aluminum, copper, and zinc-coated steel plates in main parts, such as motors and condensers.
  7. Corrosion and rust prevent further oxidation of the metals of condensers. Moreover, after one or one and a half years, those blue products of corrosion will remain the same without further change.
  8. In case of a condenser bracket, corrosion may occur in small areas on some cut edges. This is a natural phenomenon. In addition, this corrosion will not be extended to the whole unit, and will not affect the basic performance of the dryer.
  9. This guide was created for all models, so the images or content may be different from your product.

Why This Can Happen

Symptoms can have more than one cause, and the correct steps depend on the exact model, installation and operating conditions. Use the checks above to narrow the issue before service.

Safety and Model-Specific Guidance

Stop troubleshooting if you notice burning, electrical damage, unsafe heat, gas odor, refrigerant concerns, or water near electrical components. Follow the official LG USA instructions for your exact model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I check first for [LG dryer] What causes rust and corrosion??

The heat exchanger has rusted.

When should I stop troubleshooting and contact LG?

Stop if the product shows signs of electrical damage, burning, leaking near electrical components, or if the recommended checks do not resolve the issue. Use LG USA support for model-specific service guidance.

Does this guidance apply to every LG model?

Not always. Controls, error codes and service steps can differ by model. Confirm the exact model number and follow the linked LG USA article for model-specific instructions.

Related LG Products

These model pages are linked because the stored category or exact model matches this Help Library topic.

Buying Guides for This Product Type

Household use caseDryer Family & High-Use Household GuidePerformance & capacityDryer Performance, Capacity & Everyday-Use GuideEfficiency & running costDryer Efficiency, Energy & Running-Cost GuideFeatures & valueDryer Features Worth Paying For — Value Guide

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Read the Official LG Guide