Two full cycles and my jeans are still damp. The dryer gets hot. What's going on?
Why does my dryer take forever to dry clothes?
Concerns & risks
Your dryer runs two cycles and the towels are still damp.
Wasted energy, and lint buildup can be a fire hazard.
Causes & evidence
Lint clogs the vent, so hot moist air can't escape.
What to do
- Clean the lint screen every load.
- Disconnect the vent hose and clear lint from it and the dryer outlet.
- Go outside: does air blow strongly from the vent flap when it runs? Weak air = clogged duct.
- Use a dryer vent brush kit to clean the full duct.
Common mistakes: A clogged vent is a fire risk. Don't skip cleaning the lint screen every load and the duct regularly. Avoid crushed or overly long vent hoses. Feel the air at the outside vent hood while the dryer runs. Weak airflow usually means a clog. Replace flimsy foil or plastic ducts with the type your dryer manual recommends, and consider a professional vent cleaning if the run is long.
Speed Man tip: Long duct runs, crushed foil hoses or a bird nest in the vent: get a professional duct cleaning.
Wrap-up: Slow drying usually means a clogged vent. Clean the screen, the hose and the outside vent. Weak airflow outside = full duct cleaning.
⚡ Speed Summary
- Slow drying usually means a clogged vent.
- Clean the screen, the hose and the outside vent.
- Weak airflow outside = full duct cleaning.
Was this answer helpful?
Tap a star to rate this answer.
Real experiences
No experiences yet. Be the first to share.