Dryer Takes Too Long to Finish a Cycle: How to Fix It

Few things are as frustrating as putting a load of laundry in the dryer, expecting it to be dry in an hour, only to find your clothes still damp after what feels like an eternity. If your dryer is taking way too long to finish a cycle, trust me, I’ve been there! The good news is, you don’t need to buy a new dryer just yet—there are several common issues that might be causing this, and most of them are fixable with a bit of elbow grease.

I’ve gone through this a couple of times myself, and I’ll walk you through how I figured out the problem and fixed it, step by step. By the end of this, you’ll have your dryer back to its efficient, time-saving self. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Check the Lint Trap

Before diving into anything more complicated, start with the easiest and most obvious fix: the lint trap. If you haven’t cleaned the lint trap recently, it can get clogged and restrict airflow, which causes the dryer to work harder and take longer to dry clothes.

• Remove the lint trap: Pull out the lint filter (usually located just inside the dryer door) and clean off any lint. Even if it looks clear, give it a good wipe with your hand or a cloth.
• Wash the lint filter: Over time, fabric softeners and dryer sheets can leave a residue on the filter, making it less effective. I learned this the hard way when my dryer was running long cycles because the lint trap was clogged with a nearly invisible layer of gunk. Just wash it with warm, soapy water and let it dry completely before putting it back.

Once, I was convinced my dryer was broken when, in reality, the lint trap was so clogged with debris that it couldn’t do its job. After a quick clean, my dryer went back to finishing cycles on time.

Step 2: Inspect the Vent Hose

One of the most common culprits for a dryer taking forever to dry clothes is a clogged vent hose. The vent hose is responsible for carrying the moist air out of the dryer and your home. If it’s blocked, the moisture stays in the dryer, making it work harder and take longer to dry clothes.

• Disconnect the vent hose: First, unplug your dryer and pull it away from the wall. Carefully disconnect the vent hose from the back of the dryer (and the wall, if necessary).
• Check for blockages: Look inside the vent hose for any lint build-up or obstructions. I once found an entire bird’s nest inside mine! You can use a vent brush or even a vacuum to clear out the lint.
• Straighten any kinks: If the vent hose is kinked or squashed, it can restrict airflow. Make sure the hose is straight and has plenty of room for the air to flow freely.

After cleaning out my vent hose and straightening a few kinks, my dryer started drying clothes much faster. It was like night and day!

Step 3: Clean the Outside Vent

If the vent hose is clear but your dryer is still taking forever to finish a cycle, the problem might be with the outside vent where the dryer exhausts air to the outside of your home. If this vent is blocked, the moist air can’t escape, causing the dryer to run longer.

• Locate the outside vent: This is usually on the exterior wall of your home, where the dryer is installed. It may have a flap or screen to prevent debris or animals from getting in.
• Check for blockages: I once found my outside vent completely clogged with lint and leaves! Use your hand or a brush to clean out any debris blocking the vent. You might need a ladder if it’s in a tricky spot.
• Test the airflow: With the dryer running, check if air is freely flowing out of the vent. If the airflow feels weak, there’s likely still a blockage somewhere.

I remember spending nearly an hour troubleshooting my dryer’s slow cycles, only to discover a bird had built a nest in the outside vent! Once I cleared it out, my dryer’s performance improved immediately.

Step 4: Check the Moisture Sensor

Modern dryers come with a moisture sensor that detects how damp the clothes are and adjusts the drying time accordingly. If the sensor is dirty or malfunctioning, the dryer might think the clothes are still wet, even when they’re not, causing it to run longer than necessary.

• Locate the sensor: The moisture sensor is usually located inside the drum, near the lint filter. It looks like two small metal strips.
• Clean the sensor: Over time, fabric softener and dryer sheet residue can build up on the sensor, making it less accurate. I learned this after wondering why my dryer kept running for so long even though the clothes felt dry. A simple wipe with rubbing alcohol on a cloth cleaned the sensor and fixed the issue.

If cleaning doesn’t solve the problem, the sensor might need to be replaced, but that’s usually a quick and affordable fix.

Step 5: Test the Heating Element

If your dryer takes a long time but isn’t producing enough heat, the problem could be the heating element. I once had this happen, and it was a bit tricky to diagnose because the dryer was still running, just not effectively drying.

• Check the air temperature: Open the dryer door mid-cycle and feel the air inside. If it feels lukewarm or cool instead of hot, the heating element may be faulty.
• Test the heating element: Unplug the dryer and remove the back panel. The heating element is usually located near the bottom. You can test it with a multimeter to see if it has continuity. If it doesn’t, it’ll need to be replaced.

I replaced my dryer’s heating element after I noticed it wasn’t producing enough heat, and after that, drying times were cut in half. This fix might seem intimidating, but it’s totally doable with the right instructions!

Step 6: Check the Blower Wheel

The blower wheel is what circulates hot air inside the dryer. If it’s clogged or damaged, the air won’t move through the machine properly, causing it to run much longer than usual.

• Access the blower wheel: This is located near the back of the dryer. Unplug the machine and remove the back panel to access it.
• Inspect for damage: If the blower wheel is broken, cracked, or clogged with lint, it can’t do its job. I’ve had lint build up around mine before, slowing down airflow. A quick clean-up improved drying time instantly.

If the blower wheel is damaged, you’ll need to replace it. It’s a relatively simple fix that can make a big difference in performance.

Step 7: Reduce Load Size

This one’s easy to overlook, but overloading the dryer can make it work a lot harder than it should. If you’re packing the drum full of clothes, there might not be enough space for hot air to circulate properly, leading to longer drying times.

• Try smaller loads: If you’re drying a large load of clothes, split it in half and run two smaller loads instead.

I used to overload my dryer constantly, thinking it would save time. But after consistently ending up with damp clothes, I realized that running smaller loads dried everything faster and more evenly.

Step 8: Call a Professional (If Needed)

If you’ve tried all of these fixes and your dryer is still taking too long to finish a cycle, it might be time to call in a professional. There could be an internal issue like a malfunctioning thermostat or motor that needs expert attention.

That said, going through these steps on your own will often solve the problem and save you the cost of a repair bill!

Why Fixing It Yourself is Worth It

I’ve fixed my own dryer more than once, and each time, I’m reminded of how empowering it is to solve these problems myself. Not only do you save money, but you also gain a better understanding of how your appliance works, which can help prevent future issues.

The first time I solved a slow-drying issue by cleaning the lint trap and vent, I felt like a hero! It’s an easy fix that anyone can do with a little bit of effort, and it makes a huge difference in how your dryer performs.