Most common causes
- Restricted dryer vent. Lint builds up inside the vent duct over time, and a crushed hose behind the dryer chokes airflow. Moist air cannot leave, so clothes stay damp. A blocked vent is also a fire risk.
- Clogged lint filter. A full filter, or one coated with dryer sheet residue, slows airflow even when it looks clean.
- Dirty moisture sensor. Many dryers use metal sensor bars inside the drum to decide when clothes are dry. Residue on the bars can end the cycle early and leave clothes damp.
- Weak heat. A heating element, gas igniter, or thermostat that is starting to fail can make the dryer heat too little or shut the heat off too often.
- Overloading. A packed drum does not let clothes tumble freely or let air move through them.
- Clothes too wet going in. Clothes that are dripping when they go in take much longer to dry.
- Long or poorly routed vent. Long duct runs, many elbows, or a vent hood with a stuck flap all slow airflow.
What you can safely check
- Clean the lint filter before every load. Once a month, wash it with warm soapy water and let it dry.
- Pull the dryer out and make sure the vent hose is not crushed or kinked. Replace thin foil or plastic hose with rigid or semi rigid metal duct.
- Run the dryer and go outside to the vent hood. You should feel strong airflow and see the flap open. If airflow is weak, the vent needs cleaning.
- Unplug the dryer and wipe the moisture sensor bars inside the drum with a soft cloth and a little rubbing alcohol.
- Dry smaller loads and separate heavy items like towels from light clothes.
Call a technician if
- The vent is clear and the dryer still needs more than one cycle
- The outside of the dryer feels very hot or you smell burning
- The dryer heats for a moment and then runs cold
- The cycle ends early while the clothes are still wet
What affects the repair cost
Vent cleaning or a sensor cleaning is often all that is needed. A thermostat, heating element, or igniter replacement is usually a moderate repair. We check airflow and heat first and give you the price before we start.
