Dryer Taking Too Long is a common complaint that we hear from busy families who need their clothes ready for school and work. We understand how frustrating it is to wait three hours for a single load of towels to finish drying. Most people believe their dryer is broken, but the problem is usually a lack of airflow through the system. Our team observes that when a dryer cannot “breathe,” it has to run much hotter and longer to get the moisture out of the fabric. We want to teach you how to maintain your laundry equipment so you can save time and reduce your monthly energy bills. By following a few simple tips, you can often cut your drying time in half and make your clothes last much longer. Keeping your dryer efficient also protects your home from the risk of overheating and fire.
The Secret to a Truly Clean Lint Screen
Every dryer has a lint screen that catches the tiny fibers that come off your clothes during the tumbling process. We find that most people only do a quick wipe of the screen, leaving behind a waxy buildup from dryer sheets and fabric softeners. This invisible film acts like a plastic sheet, blocking the air from flowing through the mesh and into the exhaust duct. Consequently, the hot, wet air stays trapped in the drum with your clothes, keeping them damp for hours. Our team suggests washing your lint screen with warm soapy water and a soft brush once a month to remove this residue. You will be amazed at how much better your dryer performs once the air can move freely again. We believe that a clean screen is the first step toward a faster laundry day.
Clearing Out the External Exhaust Vent
The silver tube that leads from the back of your dryer to the outside of your house is the most important part of the drying system. We see many vents that are clogged with years of accumulated lint, bird nests, or even crushed sections of pipe. When this vent is restricted, the dryer becomes a closed loop that just recirculates the same humid air over and over. Furthermore, a blocked vent causes the internal temperature to skyrocket, which can blow the thermal fuse or damage the heating element. Our team recommends checking the outside vent hood while the dryer is running to make sure you feel a strong breeze. If the air feels weak or cool, you likely have a blockage that needs to be cleared out immediately. Professional vent cleaning is a small investment that provides massive benefits for your appliance’s health.
Avoiding the Trap of Overloading the Drum
It is very tempting to stuff as many clothes as possible into the dryer to save time, but this actually makes the job much slower. We find that clothes need plenty of room to tumble and “fluff” 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 mass that stays wet in the middle. Additionally, an overloaded dryer puts a massive strain on the drive belt and the motor, leading to premature wear and tear. Our team suggests filling the drum only about half-way or two-thirds full to ensure maximum airflow around your garments. You will find that two smaller loads often dry faster and with fewer wrinkles than one giant, heavy load.
Checking the Heating Element and Sensors
If your dryer is spinning and blowing plenty of air but the air is cold, you may have a failed heating element. We observe that these coils can burn out if the dryer has been struggling with a clogged vent for a long time. Additionally, modern dryers use moisture sensors to detect when the clothes are dry so the machine can shut off automatically. If these sensors are coated in dryer sheet residue, they may tell the machine to stop before the clothes are actually finished. Our team can test these components to make sure they are working correctly and giving you the best performance possible. We are keeping your laundry room running at peak efficiency all year long. If you are dealing with a Dryer Taking Too Long, please Contact Us to get your laundry day back on track.
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.