Dryer taking too long to dry? 7 causes and fixes
By the technicians at Maximum Appliance Repair. Updated
If your dryer now needs two cycles, don't assume it's broken. The most common cause is a vent that can't move air. These checks are listed from most to least common.
Safety first: unplug the appliance or switch off its breaker before you open panels, and shut off gas or water if you'll be near those lines.
1. Check the vent airflow
Run the dryer and go outside to the vent cap. You should feel strong, warm air. Weak air means lint in the vent run or a stuck flap. A clogged vent is also a fire risk; see dryer vent cleaning.
2. Wash the lint screen
Dryer sheets leave an invisible film on the screen. Run water over it: if water beads up instead of passing through, scrub it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and let it dry.
3. Check the transition hose
The flexible hose behind the dryer can kink or get crushed when the dryer is pushed back. Foil and vinyl hoses also trap lint. A semi-rigid metal duct works better.
4. Don't overload it
Clothes need room to tumble. A packed drum dries slowly and unevenly.
5. Make sure the washer is spinning
If clothes come out of the washer dripping, the dryer is doing the washer's job. A washer that isn't reaching full spin speed is the real problem.
6. Clean the moisture sensors
Automatic cycles use two metal strips inside the drum, usually near the lint screen, to sense dryness. Fabric softener coats them and the dryer stops too early. Wipe them with rubbing alcohol.
7. Check for partial heat
On an electric dryer, if one half of the double breaker trips, the drum turns but heats weakly or not at all. On a gas dryer, a weak igniter or failing gas valve coils can cause on-and-off heat.
When to call a technician
Call us if a clear vent and a clean screen don't fix it, if the dryer runs cold, or if it shuts off hot. A heating element, gas valve coil, igniter, thermostat or thermal fuse may need replacing. If your vent hasn't been cleaned in over a year, start with a vent cleaning.
Questions
How long should a dryer take to dry a load?
A normal load on a regular cycle usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Heavy towels and bedding take longer. If ordinary loads now take more than an hour, check the vent first.
Can a clogged dryer vent cause a fire?
Yes. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that failure to clean is the leading cause of clothes dryer fires in homes.