How do I clean the sensors on my whirlpool dryer?
On the Whirlpool WGD87HEDC1 gas dryer, we clean the moisture sensor bars by wiping them with rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth; this removes fabric softener residue so the Auto/Sensor cycles can detect dryness accurately.
Where the sensors are (and what to clean)
In most Whirlpool dryers like the WGD87HEDC1, the moisture sensors are two metal bars mounted inside the drum area near the lint screen housing. Clean only the metal bars; do not spray liquid into the dryer.
Steps to clean the moisture sensors
- Turn the dryer off and let it cool.
- Dampen a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol).
- Firmly wipe both sensor bars end-to-end to remove waxy buildup.
- Let the alcohol fully evaporate (a minute or two).
- Run a small load on a Sensor/Auto cycle to confirm normal drying.
If drying is still inconsistent
Residue is common, but other issues can mimic “bad sensors.” Check these next:
- Lint screen and exhaust vent for restrictions (long dry times often start here).
- Overloading or mixed fabric weights in one load.
- Cycle selection (Timed Dry vs Sensor/Auto).
- Moisture sensor wiring or the sensor itself; consider replacing the dryer moisture sensor WP3387223 if cleaning does not help.
Quick symptom guide
| What you notice | Most common cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes still damp on Sensor/Auto | Sensor bars coated with softener residue | Clean sensor bars with alcohol |
| Cycle ends too soon | Poor contact (small loads, items not tumbling) | Add a few similar items; avoid single heavy item |
| Long dry times on any cycle | Vent restriction or airflow issue | Clean lint path and venting |
Why it matters
When the moisture sensors are coated, the dryer can misread moisture levels and either stop early or run longer than needed. Keeping the sensors clean helps protect fabrics, improves efficiency, and reduces repeat cycles.
Last updated: January 2026
How do I reset my Whirlpool Duet dryer F01?
To reset an F01 error on your Whirlpool gas dryer model WGD87HEDC1, we recommend doing a hard power reset by turning the dryer off at the breaker for 5 minutes, then restoring power and trying a cycle again. If F01 returns, the control or wiring needs attention.
Reset steps (safe, quick checks)
- Turn the dryer off and stop the cycle.
- Switch the dryer’s circuit breaker OFF for 5 minutes (or unplug if accessible).
- Restore power and run a timed dry cycle for 3 to 5 minutes.
- If the code comes back, power down again and check for a loose harness connection at the control area.
- If the dryer runs but behaves erratically (beeping, not responding), plan for a control diagnosis.
What F01 usually means on Whirlpool dryers
F01 commonly points to an electronic control problem (control board failure, stuck relay, or a communication/wiring issue). On WGD87HEDC1, the most likely repair path is inspecting connections first, then replacing the control if needed.
Common symptoms you may also see
- Dryer will not start or stops shortly after starting
- Buttons do not respond consistently
- Random beeping or cycle interruptions
Parts that are often involved
If the reset does not hold, these parts are commonly checked during troubleshooting:
| What we check | Why it matters | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic control board | Runs the motor, heat logic, and cycle timing | Plant prog c W10849080 |
| Moisture sensor | Can cause odd cycle behavior if readings are wrong | Dryer moisture sensor WP3387223 |
| Thermistor | Helps regulate temperature; bad readings can confuse control logic | Dryer thermistor WP8577274 |
Why it matters
Continuing to run a dryer that repeatedly throws F01 can lead to repeated shutdowns and inconsistent drying results. A clean reset helps rule out a temporary control glitch before you invest time in deeper diagnostics.
For code definitions and model-family troubleshooting steps, use our Whirlpool electronic control model dryer error codes.
Last updated: January 2026
What does LC mean on a Whirlpool duet?
On Whirlpool Duet-style dryers, LC (sometimes shown as LOC) means the control lock (child lock) is turned on, so the buttons will not respond normally. On your Whirlpool gas dryer model WGD87HEDC1, you typically turn it off by pressing and holding the Control Lock button for about 3 seconds.
How to turn off LC (control lock)
- Press and hold Control Lock for 3 seconds.
- If your panel labels it differently, press and hold the button with a lock icon for 3 seconds.
- If nothing changes, make sure the dryer is powered on (not in standby) and try again.
- If the display is flashing, press Power/Cancel once, then try the lock button again.
What to check if LC will not clear
- Stuck key: Press each key once to make sure none are physically stuck.
- Power reset: Unplug the dryer (or switch off the breaker) for 2 minutes, restore power, then try the lock button again.
- User interface issue: If the lock toggles on and off randomly, the console can be the cause; the Dryer control panel is a common suspect.
| Display message | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| LC / LOC | Control lock is enabled | Hold Control Lock (or lock icon) 3 seconds |
| Buttons beep but do nothing | Controls are locked | Unlock controls, then restart cycle |
Why it matters
Control lock prevents accidental cycle changes (especially with kids around). If you do not unlock it, the dryer can look “dead” even though power is present.
For more display and control-related codes used on Whirlpool dryers, use our Whirlpool duet dryer error codes guide.
Last updated: January 2026





