How to reverse the door swing on a Whirlpool dryer

Does your dryer door get in the way when you’re moving laundry from the washer to the dryer? If it does, you might need to reverse the door swing.

This is an easy DIY repair that won’t take long to complete. We’re here to walk you through all the steps, so let’s get started.

If you need any replacement parts for your dryer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them or visit this page.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

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What you need

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Putty knife
• Towel

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Safety precautions

Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair. Keep these tips in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

READ MORE: 7 possible reasons why your electric dryer won’t shut off

Door swing reversal steps

1. Open the door and find the hinges. There’s one upper and one lower hinge, and each hinge has two Phillips screws.
2. Remove the bottom screw out of both hinges on the cabinet side.
3. Loosen the upper screw.
4. Lay a towel down nearby.
5. Pick up the door and remove it from the dryer.
6. Remove the remaining screws from the door side holding the hinges, then set them aside.
7. On the opposite side of the door, find the plugs. Remove them with a putty knife so you can install the hinges on that side.
8. Carefully install the plugs into the holes you just removed the screws from (where the hinges were).
9. Install the hinges in the spot where you removed the plugs from.
10. On the cabinet side, switch the strike from one side to the other. Don’t forget that the screws you loosened on the hinges have to be swapped to the other side.
11.  Reinstall the door.
12. Test the swing of the door to make sure it functions correctly.

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Dryer maintenance tips

• After every load, clean the lint filter to allow for proper airflow and prevent buildup that could start fires. Remove any lint or debris that’s accumulated in the filter. Rinse and scrub the filter with a mild detergent to remove stubborn debris; make sure it’s completely dry before reinstalling.
• Check the mesh screen of the filter for tears and replace it if it’s damaged.
• Regularly inspect and clean the venting system to ensure it’s free from blockages. Use a vacuum cleaner or a long-handled brush to remove any lint or debris that may have accumulated in the vent housing. Be sure to clean the entire length of the duct and the vent attached to the back of the dryer.
• Clean the drum regularly to remove any accumulated lint or debris. Use a soft brush or a clean cloth to wipe down the interior of the drum.
• Check the door seal (gasket) regularly and replace it if it’s not sealing properly.
• Check the vent hood on the outside of your home for debris and damage. Replace it with a new one if needed. Use a vacuum or cleaning kit with a long-handled brush to remove lint and other debris inside the ducting.

More information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you reverse the swing of your Whirlpool dryer door.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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