Why Is My Dryer Taking So Long to Dry?
When a dryer needs two or three cycles, the vent is the first thing to check. Here is how to work through it.
The likely causes
There are five common causes. The table shows how to tell which one you have.
| Cause | How to tell | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Clogged vent duct | Long dry times, a hot dryer, weak airflow at the outside hood. | Have the whole run cleaned from the dryer to the outside. |
| Crushed or kinked hose | The dryer has been pushed back against the wall. | Replace it with semi-rigid metal duct and leave room behind the dryer. |
| Blocked outside hood | The flap does not open, or lint or a nest is visible. | Clear the hood; replace it if the flap is broken. |
| Lint screen coated with residue | The screen looks clean but water pools on it. | Wash the screen with warm soapy water and a brush. Dryer sheets leave a film. |
| Vent run too long | It has always been slow, and the laundry is far from an outside wall. | A shorter route or a booster fan may be needed; cleaning must be more frequent. |
What to do right now
Run the dryer and go outside to the vent hood. You should feel a strong, warm flow of air and see the flap wide open. A weak flow means a restriction somewhere in the run.
When to call a professional
Call for a dryer vent cleaning if the airflow outside is weak, if the dryer or laundry room is hot, or if you notice a burning smell. Stop using the dryer if you smell burning.
Want it looked at?
Call (816) 239-8989Related pages
These pages cover the services that deal with this problem: dryer vent cleaning, pricing, air duct cleaning. For the full picture, read our chimney care guide.
Common questions
How do I test my dryer vent airflow?
Start the dryer, then go to the outside vent hood. The flap should be fully open and you should feel a strong stream of warm air. If the flap barely moves or the airflow is faint, the vent is restricted and needs cleaning.
Is a slow dryer a fire risk?
It can be. A restricted vent makes the dryer run hotter and longer, and lint is highly flammable. The U.S. Fire Administration found failure to clean was the leading factor in home clothes dryer fires. Long dry times are the earliest warning sign.
Can I clean my dryer vent myself?
You can clean the lint screen, the hose behind the dryer and the outside hood. Short, straight vents can be brushed with a home kit. Long runs, vents with several bends and vents that exit through the roof need professional rotary brushes and suction to clear properly.
Does a clogged dryer vent use more electricity?
Yes. A dryer that needs two cycles to dry one load uses roughly twice the energy for that load, and the extra heat and running time wear out the heating element and other parts sooner. Clearing the vent restores normal drying times.
Why is my dryer hot but the clothes are still wet?
The heat is being produced, but the moist air cannot get out. That points to the vent, not the dryer. Check the outside hood for airflow. If the vent is clear and the problem continues, the dryer itself needs a repair technician.