I remember the first time my dryer started taking forever to dry clothes. At first, I thought, Maybe I just overloaded it. So, I tried a smaller load. Still damp.
Next, I cranked up the heat and ran another cycle. Barely any difference.
Then, frustration set in. Was my dryer dying? Would I have to buy a new one?
Thankfully, I did some troubleshooting and found out that this is one of the most common dryer problems—and most of the time, it’s an easy fix.
If your dryer is suddenly taking two, three, even four cycles to dry a single load, don’t panic! Let’s go through the most common causes and get your dryer working like new again.
Step 1: Check for a Clogged Lint Trap (The #1 Culprit!)
If your dryer isn’t drying properly, the first thing you should check is the lint trap.
✅ Why? When the lint screen gets clogged, air can’t circulate properly, and your clothes take way longer to dry.
How to Fix It:
1️⃣ Remove the lint screen (usually located near the dryer door).
2️⃣ Peel off the visible lint.
3️⃣ Wash the screen with warm, soapy water (fabric softener buildup can make it less effective).
4️⃣ Let it dry completely before putting it back in.
💡 Pro Tip: If you hold your lint screen under running water and the water pools instead of flowing through, there’s residue blocking the mesh. Scrub it with an old toothbrush to remove buildup!
✅ If your dryer works better after cleaning the lint screen, problem solved!
❌ Still taking too long? Keep going.
Step 2: Check the Dryer Vent Hose (It Might Be Clogged!)
A clogged vent hose is the second most common reason dryers take too long to dry. If lint builds up in the vent, hot air can’t escape, and your dryer becomes a sauna that doesn’t actually dry anything.
How to Check It:
1️⃣ Pull the dryer away from the wall.
2️⃣ Locate the vent hose—the big silver tube connected to the back of the dryer.
3️⃣ Disconnect it (it should slide off or be secured with a clamp).
4️⃣ Look inside the hose—if you see lint buildup, you’ve found the issue.
🛠 How to Fix It:
✅ Use a vacuum hose or a dryer vent cleaning brush to clear out lint buildup.
✅ Check for kinks or bends in the hose—if the air can’t flow freely, drying takes longer.
✅ Make sure the outside vent (where hot air exits your home) is clear of debris.
💡 Pro Tip: If you find a LOT of lint buildup, you should be cleaning your dryer vent at least once a year—it’s a major fire hazard!
✅ If your dryer works better after clearing the vent, you just fixed it!
❌ Still not drying fast? Let’s keep troubleshooting.
Step 3: Check the Load Size (Are You Overloading It?)
I used to think stuffing my dryer full was the best way to save time. Spoiler alert: It’s not.
Why This Happens:
🔹 Overloading blocks airflow, so heat can’t reach all your clothes.
🔹 Wet clothes get tangled together, trapping moisture inside.
🔹 The dryer works harder but takes longer (and increases your energy bill!).
How to Fix It:
✅ Dry smaller loads—about half to two-thirds full is ideal.
✅ Mix heavy and light fabrics so air can circulate better.
✅ If drying bulky items (like towels or blankets), throw in a dry towel to help absorb moisture faster.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re drying a comforter or pillows, toss in a few clean tennis balls—they help fluff up the load and speed up drying!
✅ If your clothes dry faster after reducing the load, you’ve solved the problem!
❌ Still slow? Keep going.
Step 4: Check the Heating Element (Is It Working Properly?)
If your dryer is running but not getting hot enough, the heating element might be the issue.
How to Test It:
1️⃣ Turn the dryer on and let it run for a few minutes.
2️⃣ Open the door and feel inside.
3️⃣ If the air is only slightly warm or completely cold, the heating element may be faulty.
🛠 How to Fix It:
✅ Unplug the dryer for safety.
✅ Remove the back panel (or lower front panel, depending on your model).
✅ Locate the heating element (it looks like a metal coil).
✅ Check for breaks or burns in the coil.
✅ If it looks damaged, replace it—they usually cost around $30-$50.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re not sure how to replace it, look up your dryer model + “heating element replacement” on YouTube for a step-by-step guide!
✅ If replacing the heating element fixes the issue, congrats! You just saved a ton on a repair bill.
❌ Still slow drying? One last thing to check.
Step 5: Check the Thermostat & Moisture Sensor
Your dryer has a thermostat and moisture sensor that tell it when to heat up and when clothes are dry. If one of these is faulty, your dryer might be cutting heat too soon.
How to Check the Thermostat:
1️⃣ Turn the dryer on and let it run.
2️⃣ If it shuts off before clothes are fully dry, the thermostat might be faulty.
How to Check the Moisture Sensor:
1️⃣ Find the sensor bars inside the drum (usually near the lint trap).
2️⃣ Wipe them down with rubbing alcohol.
3️⃣ If they’re covered in residue, they might be misreading moisture levels and shutting off the dryer too soon.
🛠 How to Fix It:
✅ If the thermostat is faulty, it needs replacing (they cost around $20).
✅ If cleaning the moisture sensor fixes the issue, your dryer should now dry properly!
Test Your Dryer & Enjoy Faster Drying!
Now that you’ve cleaned the lint trap, checked the vent, tested the heating element, and cleaned the sensor—your dryer should be back to working like new!
🔹 Run a test load and see how long it takes.
🔹 If drying time is back to normal—congrats, you fixed it! 🎉
🔹 Still slow? It might be time to call a technician—but at least you’ve ruled out the most common (and easiest to fix) problems.
