When a dryer takes forever to dry clothes, it eats up money and resources as well as valuable time. Why is my dryer taking too long to dry clothes? Overloading may restrict the airflow needed for optimum efficiency. Learn the most likely reasons your dryer takes too long to dry and the DIY solutions that shorten drying times.
Dryer Takes Too Long to Dry?
Try These DIY Tips.
When your dryer takes too long to dry, a lack of proper maintenance or the wrong use and care is usually responsible. From overloading to clogged dryer vents, try these Ako dryer troubleshooting tips to improve its efficiency and extend its lifespan.
1. Drying Too Many Items
Think twice before adding more than one wash load to your dryer. When the dryer is overloaded with clothes to the top of the dryer drum, little room is left for hot air to circulate. This lack of airflow means that, instead of saving time, your dryer takes too long to dry clothes.
Refer to your user manual to determine the exact capacity of your model dryer. It’s generally recommended to fill the dryer with just one wash load at a time, making sure it’s never more than ¾ full.
2. Clothes Too Wet After Washing
Washer issues can easily disguise themselves as drying problems. When clothes are too wet after a wash cycle, you’ll find your dryer taking multiple cycles to dry them. If this occurs with every wash load, these longer times and heavier loads can lead to costly part failures and breakdowns for your dryer.
Make sure your washer settings include a spin cycle that’s adequate for your wash load. If your settings are correct, your washer may need a professional assessment to make sure it’s spinning and draining properly.
3. Need to Choose Different Dryer Settings
Like your washer, some dryers offer multiple drying options and features for different laundry loads. If your dryer takes too long to dry, consider raising the dryer’s heating temperature or using a different setting to improve performance.
The following drying options can improve drying times for certain laundry loads:
- Bedding: This setting uses a lower drying temperature and longer drying times to more thoroughly dry thick, heavy bedding.
- Quick Pro: Bursts of increased heat offer the ability to dry a single load of laundry in under an hour.
- Auto Dry: Operates with a higher level of heat to dry thicker fabrics, like denim and heavy cotton, in a shorter amount of time.
4. Clean the Dryer Lint Screen
Cleaning the dryer lint screen before every drying cycle can help decrease drying times. As clothes tumble in the dryer drum, the small clothing fibers we call lint-detach collect in the lint screen. This accumulated lint can restrict airflow, elongating drying times. Wondering how to clean the dryer filter? Before starting a drying cycle, simply remove any accumulated lint with your hand or a paper towel.
On a monthly basis, perform a more thorough cleaning by removing the filter and rinsing it under running water. Scrub away detergent or dryer sheet residue with a soft brush and allow the filter to air dry completely before replacing it. While the lint screen dries, remove any accumulated lint in the lint screen housing with a vacuum’s narrow hose attachment.
5. Restricted Airflow From Clogged Vents
Even with a clean lint screen, lint can accumulate in dryer vents, eventually causing clogs that restrict airflow. Most dryer maintenance dips suggest cleaning the vents annually to remove clogs or obstructions. However, if you notice your dryer not drying as well, try more frequent cleanings before considering a clothes dryer repair.
Follow these steps to clean dryer vents:
- Unplug the dryer and move it away from the wall to access the vent.
- Inspect the vent for kinks that can also restrict airflow, gently untwisting them if necessary. If the vent is properly positioned, disconnect it at the wall and dryer.
- Use a vacuum’s narrow hose attachment to remove any buildup or obstructions in the vent.
- Check your home’s exterior vent, removing any dirt and debris that may be blocking the opening.
- Reconnect the interior vent to the dryer and wall before plugging the dryer back in and restoring power.
FAQ #1: Why Does My Dryer Take Twice as Long to Dry?
There are several potential causes for a dryer taking longer to dry clothes. These include a clogged lint filter or dryer vent, which can restrict airflow and make it harder for the dryer to dry clothes. Other potential issues include a damaged heating element or drum, an overloaded dryer, a faulty thermostat, or a damaged heating coil. It’s important to check for these issues and try to fix them if possible. If the problem persists or if you suspect a more serious issue, it may be necessary to call a professional for assistance.
FAQ #2: How Can I Speed up the Drying Time on My Dryer?
There are several ways to speed up the drying time on your dryer. First, make sure the lint filter is clean, and use the highest heat setting appropriate for the clothes you are drying. Second, dry similar items together, taking care not to overload the dryer. Use a dryer ball or tennis ball to fluff up clothes. Additionally, use the moisture sensor setting if your dryer has one, and clean the dryer’s vent and exhaust duct to ensure optimal performance. By following these tips, you can get your clothes dry more efficiently.
FAQ #3: Why Is My Dryer Taking Forever to Dry Things?
There could be several reasons why your dryer is taking a long time to dry things. These could include an overloaded dryer, a clogged dryer vent, a damaged or faulty heating element, a faulty thermostat, a drum that is not turning, or a dryer that is not level. To fix the problem, you can try cleaning the dryer vent and ensuring that the dryer is not overloaded, and you may also need to have the heating element, thermostat, motor, belt, or dryer installation checked and repaired or replaced by a professional appliance repair technician.
If these DIY tips still result in longer drying times, it may be time for a dryer service or repair to assess the problem. Schedule your expert repair with Appliance Service Station today!
One Response
I think the main reason is that they are just useless driers. My F&P never had this problem. I’m about to throw this drier in the tip. One and a half hour to “dry” 2 towels and a tea towel and still damp. Ridiculous. Not good for the power bill either.