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Posted on Dec 02, 2008
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Dryer not drying clothes very well

Lint trap is clear. exhaust line is clear.

1 Answer

Bill Gilhooly

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  • Expert 94 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 31, 2008
Bill Gilhooly
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Is the dryer getting hot? Is the airflow coming out of the exhaust strong? If the airflow is good, but not hot, the problem is most likely a thermal limit sensor.(These sensors determine the air temperature, and cycle the heat source) If the airflow is not forceful, but the vent hose, exhaust vent, and lint trap are clear, then the blower/fan may be encrusted with lint, or broken. The sensors and blower can be difficult to get to, for cleaning or replacement, but possible. It depends on your skill level. Remember to always disconnect the power when attempting a repair on any electrical device!

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Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

Dryer putting out hot air but clothes not drying

You have some blockage between lint trap and where the unit vents outside.
tip

Dryer Taking too Long to Dry Your Clothes?

A very common issue we deal with on FixYa is clothes dryers that are taking too long to dry clothes. Here's a few tips on keeping your drying time to the minimum.
1. Check and empty your lint trap before each load. If air flow is restricted, your dryer will need longer to get the job done. A clean lint trap will allow for maximum intake air to the dryer blower.
2. Check the exhaust ductwork for lint buildup. If the 4" ductwork that carries your warm, moist, lint-laden air to the exterior of your home is blocked with years of lint and moisture, chances are pretty good your dryer is taking longer than it should to get your clothes dry.
  • Disconnect the dryer power cord (and gas line if a gas unit), slide the dryer forward far enough to access the 4" ductwork clamp at the back of the dryer. Disconnect the ductwork at the dryer and separate to inspect both in the dryer exhaust duct and the ductwork as well.
  • Remove all built up lint. You may need to access under the floor, or in the crawlspace, or basement to get at all the areas that lint may be built up. Remember that when there's an elbow (turn) chances are pretty good there's lint in there, so take the time to separate the ductwork where needed to give it a thorough cleanout.
  • Long straight sections of ductwork can be easily cleaned by purchasing a "webster" style pole brush.
  • Clean the exhaust duct of the dryer but be careful not to damage anything inside your dryer
  • Reconnect and turn the dryer on air fluff to blow the rest out.
3. Remove lint build up from inside the machine
  • Turn power off again
  • Remove the front cover of your dryer
  • Remove the front drum support/air duct from the front of the dryer
  • Carefully vacuum the lint out of the dryer with soft brush attachment on your vac. Be careful not to damage any ignitor or electrical items.
  • Clean the inside of the lint trap duct of sediment/ buildup
4. Make sure your washing machine is spinning the water out of your loads correctly. This one is pretty obvious, but it bears mentioning.
If your clothes feel wetter than normal, it's definitely going to take longer to dry. Be sure to wash "like" items. A medium/large load of towels is better than a towel and 5 cotton shirts ( that towel will throw the load off balance and your machine won't spin as fast to get the water out).
5. Medium-sized loads dry faster than mega-large-cram-it-in loads.
The idea of getting all you can into a dryer (or washer) to save time and money will end up costing you both time and money. I've seen this played out many times in my laundromats: You will find that a medium, loosely packed load will dry faster and with less wrinkles and less ironing needed.


Using these guidelines will help keep your drying times to a minimum and also allow your machine to work for many years to come.
on Dec 03, 2009 • Dryers
1helpful
1answer

Does not Dry. Appears to have low air flow.

most of the problems associated with this problem are caused by lint being in vent tube to outside and restricting the air flow. clean out vent tube, from dryer to outside. this should help. repost if need be. good-day ! if you have too. clean out bottom of drier with a vacuum. around the fan and where theres lint trapped.
1helpful
2answers

Dryer taking to long to dry

Overloading
1. One of the simplest problems to remedy could simply be that you are putting too many items inside the machine during the drying cycle. Avoid overloading your dryer, as this might cause your dryer to work extra hard to dry your clothing, extending the length of the dry cycle.
Wrong Heat Setting
2. A common issue with clothes dryers could be the wrong heat setting. Most home dryers feature several settings, from low heat settings to high heat and permanent press. Be sure the setting you choose is right for your needs. Another setting to check is the load size of your dryer. If you are drying a large amount of clothes, be sure the setting for large loads on high heat is selected. Choosing the wrong heat setting or load size can cause your clothes and linens to take longer to dry.
Lint Trap
3. One of the simplest fixes for drying issues might just be that your lint trap is clogged. Each time you use your dryer, lint will form in the trap. If the lint trap and vents are full, this could block air going into your dryer and slow down if not completely stop the drying process. After you use your dryer, remove this lint trap and empty it fully. Even if the lint trap is full, your other dryer vents might be clogged as well.
Clogged Vents
4. If your clothes are in the dryer for a long amount of time, but still not drying, the reason for this could be a clogged vent. A sign that your vent is clogged is if your clothes are warm or hot to the touch after sitting in the dryer, but still damp. To unclog your dryer vent, you may need professional assistance. This is especially necessary if your dryer vent leading out of the house is particularly long.
Heat Source
5. If the dryer is not getting enough heat to dry your clothes,something could be wrong with the heating system. After the drying cycle, touch your clothes to see if they are warm. If not, this means that the heating mechanism is malfunctioning. It will need to be repaired or replaced by a professional.
1helpful
1answer

Kitchen aid dryer Partial drying the cloth

First you should make sure the exhaust vent and ducting and lint trap is not clogged or restricted, birds/insect nests, or lint build up. If the dryer is heating up it is most likely an airflow issue.
2helpful
2answers

Takes 3 cycles to dry clothes

This is a potentially deadly scenario. If the clothes are warm but just not getting dry, there is a problem with air flow - specifically - the lack thereof. The chance of fire is a real concern.

Make sure the lint baffle / trap is clear. This should be checked / cleared after each drying cycle. Most folks know about this, but I included it just in case this is your first dryer.

If the the baffle / trap looks clear, the exhaust tubing of the dryer is suspect. Many installations consist of the flexible / expandable hose. This hose may have become crushed during the running of the dryer, reducing air flow. Locate the hose and pull the dryer away from the wall to inspect, expand or replace the hose as needed. If an old installation, it is very possible that the hose has become clogged with lint build up over the years. The hose should be replaced in this case.

If at all possible, use aluminum expandable dryer duct. It is less likely to collect lint as quickly as the flex plastic style.

If the clothes are not warm or hot, the heat source (electric heating element or gas flame - depending on type) has a problem. Either of these problems should probably be referred to a pro for proper repair.
0helpful
1answer

Dryer spins and gets hot but clothes do not dry

Sound like the air is trapped in the dryer. Is your lint trap empty? Is the dryer properly exhausted and the ductwork clear of lint or obstruction?
1helpful
1answer

The dryer heats up but does not dry

is your lint trap and exhaust hoses clear and unrestricted???open up dryer and clean out lint,then do the same all the way to the outside where it exhausts
0helpful
1answer

Clothes not drying

clean vents, including exhaust vent
0helpful
1answer

My Miele T8322 Tumble dryer turns off before the clothes its fully dry even in Extra Dry mode. The vent pipe is clear. Is there any kind of adjustment or do I need to get a new sensor under warranty...

IS THE DRYER PUSHED UP AGAINST THE VENTING IN THE BACK OF THE DRYER? IT MAY BE CRIMPING THE EXHAUST MATERIAL CAUSING A RESTRICTION.

IF THAT IS O.K., DISCONNECT THE EXHAUST AND RUN A LOAD OF LAUNDRY THROUGH A NORMAL DRY CYCLE.
IF THE DRYER DRIES THAT LOAD O.K., THERE IS A RESTRICTION SOMEWHERE IN THE EXHAUST. ALSO, CHECK THE LINT TRAP. IF THERE IS A WHITE CLOUDY FILM ON THE LINT FILTER, TAKE A WIRE BRUSH AND CLEAN IT OFF. IT IS RESTRICTING THE AIR FLOW AT THE FILTER.

CHECK THE LINT FILTER HOUSING FOR A BUILD UP OF LINT. IF THERE IS, USE A CENTER CARDBOARD FROM WRAPPING PAPER ATTACHED TO THE END OF THE VACUUM HOSE. FLATTEN THE CARDBOARD TO FIT INTO THE FILTER SLOT AND CLEAN OUT THE LINT.
Apr 22, 2008 • Dryers
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