I'd be worried that there is such lint build-up in the machine to cause a risk for a fire.

At minimum, I would vacuum out the machine thoroughly. This means vacuuming in the lint trap area, unhooking the dryer from the vent, and vacuuming inside the vent from the rear of the machine. Cleaning from the rear is more important than the (easy) vacuuming from the front. Do it.

Make sure the vent to the outside is clear! When I moved into my house, we discovered a big plug of lint in the outside vent. The previous owner is very lucky there was not a fire. Eeesh.

If I actually smelled or suspected anything burning, I would get a repair person to check the machine out! Better safe than sorry.

Jean Marie

check the rollers

I have this exact same clothes dryer, with the same problem. My white sheets are now a dull grey color.

There is a black residue on the inside of the door of the dryer and in the drum.

Any suggestions ??

What water temp do you wash in?

Sounds like a control problem. Dryer is too hot and safety's are not kicking in., or insufficient air flow as related to heat output. Could also be a burner or gas valve issue. That's a fire hazard until you have that properly evaluated. #CAUTION

It's Maytag Performa, not Peformance. Citing the model number will tell for sure but some of those are not true Maytag dryers, they're a Norge design. The problem could be related to wear of the front drum support.

I have the identical problem. Noticed white washcloths & undies were getting grayer. Thought it was because I washed them with some towels. Considered it my fault. Today I washed a load of brand new never before used lovely snow white towels. They came out of the washer perfect, but out of the dryer totally gray - evenly coated. Black lint in vent has been removed, but entire interior of dryer is becoming darker. Even the lint trap is discolored. Verified that the thermostat is operating & it is. Just sick over my new towels. Cannot figure this one out! GRRR!

Beth Duff, you didn't cite the model number of your dryer for confirming the design. Some dryers have drum support or seal parts that wear over time (normal wear parts, like a belt on a washing machine) that can cause what you're experiencing.

Are you using propane gas? Ive seen this issue when using propane before.

Belt looks great, not worn & we are not using propane -natural gas. But will check for worn parts. Residue looks like graphite.

Could this be soot from the burner flame? If your gas/air ratio is not correct the flame produces black soot. Also dangerous carbon dioxide. Your burner could be clogged. It needs service immediately . I would not use it.

Well, the dryer is 16 years old. Appears that burner was causing soot & the lint was only catching the residue. Am making an executive decision not to bear the service call to determine status of burner & costs thereafter to repair it. Just not worth it. Thanks everyone for your comments.