Why Is My Dryer Taking So Long To Dry Clothes? Fix Slow Drying Issues

Why Does My Dryer Take So Long to Dry Clothes?

Having to run multiple drying cycles for your clothes to come out dry is frustrating and time consuming. A dryer that takes too long to dry is usually an indication of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

There are several common reasons why your dryer is not drying clothes efficiently:

Clogged Dryer Vent

The most common cause of a dryer taking too long to dry is a clogged dryer vent. Over time, lint builds up inside the vent pipe, restricting airflow. This prevents humid air from escaping from your dryer properly. A clogged dryer vent forces your machine to work harder and longer to dry clothes.

In addition to taking longer to dry, a clogged vent can cause the dryer to overheat. The lack of proper ventilation traps heat inside the dryer instead of expelling it outside. This buildup of heat can damage your dryer over time.

It's recommended to clean your dryer vent at least once a year. Use a dryer vent brush or vacuum hose attachment to remove any lint buildup. Ensure the outdoor vent hood is clear of any debris as well. Hiring a professional dryer vent cleaning service can help too.

Lint Screen Needs Cleaning

The lint screen (or lint filter) on your dryer catches all the lint and debris that comes off your clothes as they tumble. If this screen is clogged with lint, it will impede airflow in your dryer.

Clean the lint screen before every load. Use your fingers or a old toothbrush to scrub off any lint stuck to the screen. A dirty lint screen forces the dryer to work overtime to push air through the restricted filter.

Dryer Vent is Too Long

An over-extended or excessively long venting system can increase drying times. Every bend and turn in the vent pipe restricts airflow slightly. The longer the vent line, the more friction and resistance for the air to overcome.

The ideal dryer vent length is under 25 feet. Keep the vent as straight and short as possible. Limit bends and turns too. Having a vent that exceeds recommended length means it takes longer for humid air to exit your dryer.

Wrong Dryer Vent Material

Dryer vents are made from various materials like vinyl, aluminum and foil. Rigid, smooth-walled metal vents work best for optimizing airflow and drying times.

Vinyl, plastic or foil vents have more friction and kinks compared to metal. This creates resistance and turbulence in airflow. If possible, replace vinyl or foil vents with rigid metal for better drying performance.

Dryer Needs Maintenance

Like any appliance, dryers need periodic maintenance and cleaning to operate efficiently. Failure to properly maintain your dryer over time can lead to longer drying cycles.

Clean the lint screen before every load. Use compressed air to clear lint from the motor and internal components. Inspect the venting system annually. Replace worn drum rollers and belts as needed. These simple maintenance steps improve airflow and allow the dryer to run as designed.

Incorrect Dryer Settings

Using the wrong settings on your dryer can extend drying times unnecessarily. Make sure you are selecting the appropriate drying cycle, temperature and load size for the fabrics you are working with.

Overloading the dryer does not allow clothes to tumble freely. This results in uneven and inefficient drying. Make sure to not stuff too many clothes into the drum. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for optimal load sizes.

Using too low of a heat setting can also increase drying time. Check garment tags and choose the highest temperature safe for that fabric type. The hotter the air flowing through the clothes, the faster moisture evaporates.

Faulty Moisture Sensors

Many modern dryers have automatic moisture sensor cycles. These sensors detect when clothes are dry and automatically shut off the machine. Faulty moisture sensors can fail to read when clothes are actually dry.

If the sensors do not detect low moisture properly, they will continue running the dryer unnecessarily. Have an appliance technician inspect the sensor probes and wiring. Replacing faulty sensors can restore normal drying times.

Gas Valve or Burner Issues

For gas dryers, problems with the gas valve or burner can lead to drying issues. A faulty gas valve may not be providing the correct gas flow to the burner. Insufficient flame heat will extend drying times.

The burner itself may also have obstructions or need cleaning. Have a technician inspect the gas supply, valve and burner assembly if airflow seems weak.

Dangers of Extended Drying Times

When your dryer takes too long to dry clothes, it's not just an inconvenience – it can also be a fire hazard.

Lint buildup is a major cause of dryer fires. Excess lint accumulation in the vent pipe is very combustible. The high heat generated inside a dryer can easily ignite lint when airflow is restricted.

Repeatedly overworking your dryer trying to dry loads could cause the motor, drum or belts to overheat. Dryer overheating increases the risk of a fire starting inside the cabinet.

Don't ignore a longer drying time problem for too long. Have your dryer inspected and serviced to determine the cause. Taking care of any vent or dryer issues promptly reduces fire dangers.

Get Faster Drying Results

Spending less time waiting for wet clothes to finally dry out is easy when you stay on top of dryer maintenance and vent cleaning. Contact a dryer vent cleaning professional if you suspect your vent has excessive lint buildup.

Keep your dryer running safely and efficiently by having it serviced according to manufacturer recommendations as well. With a clean vent system and properly functioning dryer, you can look forward to faster drying times.

No more running multiple cycles to dry a load or finding still damp clothes after a full cycle. Tackle a clogged vent or faulty dryer component before it leads to a fire hazard. Take control of your laundry routine by optimizing clothes drying!

FAQs

Why is my dryer taking longer than normal to dry clothes?

The most common reasons a dryer takes longer to dry include: clogged dryer vent, full lint screen, overly long vent, restricted airflow, incorrect settings, faulty sensors, gas valve issues.

How can I speed up my dryer drying time?

To speed up drying time: clean the dryer vent and lint screen, use the right settings for your fabric type, do not overload the drum, check that vents are smooth metal, have a technician inspect sensors and gas valve.

What are the dangers of a dryer taking too long to dry?

Letting the dryer run for long cycles increases fire risk from overheating and lint buildup. The motor or belt can overheat and ignite as well. Excess heat with poor ventilation raises chance of dryer fire.

Should I get my dryer vents professionally cleaned?

Yes, it's recommended to have dryer vents professionally cleaned at least once a year. Over time, large amounts of lint accumulate that require a vent cleaning service to thoroughly remove.

How often should I clean the dryer lint filter?

Clean the lint filter before every load of laundry. This prevents lint buildup that can clog the filter and reduce airflow, resulting in longer drying times.