Why Your Dryer Is Not Drying Clothes. Has your dryer been taking a long time to dry clothes and other textiles?
Standing around forever as your dryer slowly dries clothes isn’t just irritating; it can also be inefficient (and costly). Even if your clothes dryer appears to be performing well, it may be time for service or a repair. Luckily, however, the underlying causes are often fairly commonplace and can be remedied without having to purchase a shiny new appliance.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most common issues causing your dryer to slow down, along with some simple at-home solutions to get back on schedule with your laundry.
Clogged Lint Trap
The Problem:
One of the most commonly overlooked reasons for a long drying time is a clogged lint trap. The trap becomes clogged with lint, which hampers the flow of air necessary for proper drying.
The Fix:
After every load, clean your lint filter. Pull out the lint screen, remove the lint by hand, and every few weeks, remove fabric softener residue to keep the air flowing.
Blocked Vent Hose or Duct
The Problem:
If your lint trap is overdue for a deep clean, you may also notice lint accumulating near the hose or wall duct. All of this buildup is intended to prevent hot air from escaping, which slows down the drying time and can lead to a fire.
The Fix:
Unplug the dryer, and disconnect the vent hose from the back. Lint can be vacuumed or removed with a thin hose (an old venting hose for an electric clothes dryer works best). Deep clean the entire vent system every 6–12 months for best results. If you’re not comfortable with this task, consider hiring a professional dryer vent cleaning service.
Overloaded Dryer
The Problem:
Overstuffing your dryer may feel efficient, but it can actually prevent clothes from drying properly. Overloading inhibits air circulation and keeps clothing bunched together, slowing evaporation.
The Fix for Dryer Repair:
Dry smaller loads. Go by what the capacity guidelines of your dryer (which are normally printed in the manual) recommend, never filling its drum more than around 2/3 full. Clothing should be able to move freely for the best drying.
Dirty Moisture Sensor
The Problem:
Many of today’s dryers feature moisture sensors that detect the level of dampness in clothing and adjust the drying time accordingly. And if these sensors become dirty (with dryer sheets, lint, or residue), they can misread moisture levels and prematurely stop the cycle, resulting in damp clothes.
The Fix:
Locate the sensor (typically near the lint filter or drum) and gently clean it with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol. Perform this task monthly to ensure the sensor is functioning properly.
Worn or Broken Heating Element
The Problem:
Electric dryers use a heating element to create the warm air. If it’s partly or completely burned out, your dryer may spin but not get hot enough to dry clothing efficiently.
The Fix:
Use a multimeter to test the heating element for continuity, and replace it if necessary. If it’s bad, it will need to be replaced. It’s a more complex repair, so you may want to call an electrician if you’re not comfortable with electrical work.
Faulty Thermostat or Thermal Fuse
The Problem:
Thermostats and thermal fuses for dryers also function to regulate temperature. However, if one of the parts stops working, your dryer takes longer to dry.
The Fix:
Check the thermal fuse and thermostat with an Ohm meter. Replace any parts that aren’t working. Remember that if the thermal fuse has blown, it will also need to be diagnosed to determine the cause of the fuse blowing, such as a clogged vent or an overheated machine.
Vent Length–or Bad venting design
The Problem:
Vent system length or inefficient design (with multiple elbows) restricts airflow and efficiency. The greater the distance the air has to travel to escape, the more your dryer must work — and waste time.
The Fix:
If possible, reduce the length of your vent or the number of elbows in your ductwork. Always use hard or semi-rigid metal ducts, not plastic flexible ones, which are inefficient and can pose a fire hazard.
Old or Inefficient Dryer
The Problem:
Sometimes, the problem is that your dryer is no longer functioning properly. Older machines are also less energy-efficient and more prone to breakdown, often due to worn or degraded parts such as motors, belts, or sensors.
The Fix:
If your dryer is more than 10–15 years old and you’ve already gone through everything else above with no solution, it might be time to replace it. The New Appliance Cowboys dryers are significantly more efficient, which will save you money over time.
Bonus Tip: Check Your Washer
And your dryer might not be the only suspect. When your washing machine doesn’t spin clothes dry enough, it forces your dryer to work harder — and longer. Ensure the spin cycle on your washer is functioning properly, and avoid overloading it.
Final Thoughts
Dryers are simple machines that require only airflow, heat, and sensor control to function properly. If your dryer’s not drying clothes like it should, there are a few simple reasons why—and the solution may be easier than you think. Dryer: Clothes aren’t dry. If your dryer runs and spins but still doesn’t dry clothes effectively, don’t panic.
While your dryer may not require an extensive overhaul, understanding how to maintain it is a sure way to save money in the long run and keep your dryer running smoothly for a long time. And if the issue persists, you can always seek professional help from a reputable dryer repair company. Occasionally, a new set of eyes (and tools) can do wonders.