Dryer Takes too long to dry clothes

A dryer that takes too long to dry clothes is usually caused by restricted airflow, a clogged lint trap, or a blocked exhaust vent. This guide walks you through a systematic check of all the common causes so you can restore your dryer to full efficiency without calling a technician.

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   Step 1: Unplug the Dryer and Gather Supplies

   Before touching anything inside or behind the dryer, unplug it from the wall outlet. If your dryer runs on gas, also turn the gas supply valve to the off position. Gather the tools you will need: a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment, a dryer vent brush kit (a long flexible brush), a screwdriver, and a flashlight.

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   Step 2: Clean the Lint Trap and Housing

   Pull the lint screen out from its slot, which is usually located on the top of the dryer or inside the door opening. Remove all visible lint by hand and discard it. Hold the screen up to a light — if you cannot see light through the mesh, the screen is clogged with fabric softener residue. Wash it with warm soapy water, scrub gently with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry completely before putting it back. Next, use your vacuum's hose attachment to reach down into the lint trap housing slot and remove any lint that has fallen past the screen.

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   Step 3: Locate and Inspect the Exhaust Vent Hose

   Pull the dryer about 12 inches away from the wall so you can see the back. Find the large round duct (usually 4 inches in diameter) connected to the back of the dryer — this is the exhaust vent hose. Check the hose for kinks, sharp bends, or crushing. A kinked hose is one of the most common causes of slow drying because it blocks hot, moist air from escaping. Straighten any kinks you find. Also check that both ends of the hose are securely connected — one end attaches to the dryer and the other goes into the wall or floor vent opening.

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   Step 4: Clean the Exhaust Vent Hose

   Disconnect the exhaust vent hose from both the dryer and the wall. Take the hose outside or hold it over a trash can. Use your dryer vent brush or vacuum to remove lint buildup from inside the hose. Push the flexible brush all the way through the hose to dislodge any lint clogs. Shine a flashlight through the hose — you should be able to see clear through to the other end. If the hose is crushed, heavily kinked, or has large cracks, replace it entirely.

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   Step 5: Clean the Wall Duct and Exterior Vent Cover

   With the hose disconnected, insert your dryer vent brush into the wall duct opening and push it as far as it will go, working it back and forth to loosen lint. Use the vacuum to remove loosened debris. Next, go outside and find where the vent exits your home — it is usually on an exterior wall or through the roof. Remove the vent cover if possible and use the brush to clean from the outside as well. Check that the flap or louvers on the exterior vent open freely and are not stuck shut, broken, or blocked by a bird's nest or debris.

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   Step 6: Reconnect Everything and Run a Test Load

   Reattach the clean exhaust vent hose securely to both the dryer and the wall duct. Use a hose clamp or metal foil tape (not regular duct tape, which dries out and fails) to secure each connection. Push the dryer back into position, making sure the hose is not kinked behind it. Plug the dryer back in (and turn the gas back on if applicable). Run a test load with a full load of damp towels on a high-heat setting and time how long the cycle takes. Towels should dry completely within 45 to 60 minutes.

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   Step 7: Check the Moisture Sensor Bars

   If cleaning the vents did not fully solve the problem, locate the moisture sensor bars inside the dryer drum. They are usually two small, silver metal strips on the front wall of the drum, just below the door opening. Over time, fabric softener sheets coat these bars with a waxy residue, which causes the dryer to incorrectly sense that clothes are dry when they are still damp, ending the cycle too early. Dampen a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe the sensor bars clean until no residue remains.

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   Step 8: Inspect the Heating Element or Gas Igniter

   If drying time is still very long after cleaning everything, the dryer may not be producing enough heat. For electric dryers, a partially failed heating element will produce low heat. For gas dryers, a faulty igniter or gas valve coils can cause weak or intermittent heating. To check, start a cycle and open the dryer door after about 10 minutes — the drum and clothes should feel noticeably warm to hot. If the drum feels only slightly warm or cool, the heating component is likely failing. This repair involves disassembling the dryer cabinet and is best approached carefully using your model's specific repair guide or video tutorial.

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   Step 9: Avoid Overloading the Dryer

   Even a perfectly working dryer will take a long time to dry clothes if it is overloaded. Clothes need room to tumble freely so that hot air can circulate around them. As a general rule, fill the drum no more than three-quarters full. If you washed a very large load, split it into two drying loads. Also make sure you are not mixing heavy items (like jeans or towels) with lightweight items — they dry at different rates and the heavy items will keep the cycle running long after the light items are already done.