Dryer Taking Too Long is a frustrating problem that turns a simple chore into an all-day event for many Calgary families. We understand that when your clothes are still damp after a full hour of tumbling, it costs you extra time and significantly higher energy bills. Most people assume their dryer is broken, but we often find that the machine is simply struggling to “breathe” properly. Our team observes that restricted airflow is the primary reason for poor drying performance and can even lead to dangerous overheating. We want to help you understand the simple maintenance steps that can restore your dryer’s power and keep your laundry room safe. Improving your efficiency not only saves you money but also extends the life of your favorite clothes by reducing heat exposure.
The Vital Role of the Lint Screen
The most common reason for a slow dryer is a lint screen that is not being cleaned thoroughly between every single load. We find that even a thin layer of lint acts like a blanket, blocking the moist air from leaving the drum. This forces the heater to stay on much longer, which can cause the internal components to wear out prematurely. Consequently, the moisture stays trapped with your clothes, leaving them feeling humid and smelling musty. Furthermore, some fabric softener sheets can leave a clear waxy residue on the screen that you cannot see with your eyes. Our team suggests washing your lint filter with warm, soapy water once a month to remove this invisible buildup and restore full airflow.
Clearing Blockages in the Exhaust Vent
If your lint screen is clean but the dryer is still slow, the problem is likely hidden deep inside your exhaust vent. We see that lint, dust, and even bird nests can accumulate in the long silver tube that leads to the outside of your house. When the vent is blocked, the hot, wet air has nowhere to go, so it just recirculates inside the dryer drum. This causes the machine to get very hot on the outside while the clothes stay wet on the inside. Our team recommends checking the outdoor vent flap while the dryer is running to see if the air is blowing out strongly. If the flap is barely moving, it is time to have the vent professionally cleaned to prevent a potential fire hazard.
Dealing with Overloading and Sorting
We all want to finish the laundry as fast as possible, but stuffing too many clothes into the dryer at once actually slows the process down. We find that clothes need plenty of space to tumble freely so that the heated air can reach every surface of the fabric. When the drum is too full, the clothes just clump together in a heavy ball, and only the outside layers get dry. Additionally, mixing heavy towels with lightweight t-shirts means the dryer will keep running until the thickest items are finished. Our team suggests drying similar fabrics together and only filling the drum about two-thirds full for the best results. This simple change can cut your drying time in half and prevent unnecessary stress on the motor.
Testing the Heating Element and Sensors
If your dryer is blowing plenty of air but the air is cold, you likely have a failed heating element or a blown thermal fuse. We observe that these parts can burn out if the dryer has been struggling with a blocked vent for a long time. Additionally, modern dryers use moisture sensors to tell the computer when the clothes are finished, and these sensors can become coated in lint or soap residue. When the sensors are “blind,” they might stop the cycle too early or let it run way too long. Our team can test these electronic components to ensure they are sending the correct signals to the heater. We are the Best Glass Pro near you for comprehensive laundry appliance repairs and safety checks. If your laundry is piling up because of a Dryer Taking Too Long, please Contact Us for a fast and reliable fix.
FAQ
Why are my clothes still damp after an hour?
Your dryer is likely struggling with a blocked exhaust vent or a dirty lint screen. When air cannot escape, the moisture stays trapped with your clothes. Cleaning your vents will restore the drying power very quickly.
Is it dangerous to have a slow dryer?
Yes, a dryer that takes too long is often overheating due to lint buildup. This is a leading cause of house fires in Canada. You should clean your exhaust ducts to keep your family very safe.
Why does my dryer smell like something is burning?
A burning smell means lint is touching the heater or a belt is slipping. You must stop the cycle and unplug the machine immediately. Our team can clean the internal cabinet to remove all hidden dust.
Can overloading the drum make the dryer slow?
Stuffing too many clothes into the drum prevents the hot air from circulating correctly. The clothes stay in a wet ball and cannot dry. Only fill the dryer two-thirds full for the best and fastest results.
Why is my dryer blowing only cold air?
This usually means your heating element has burned out or a thermal fuse has blown. Without heat, the dryer just tumbles wet clothes in the cold. We can replace these parts to get your heat back.