How come my dryer isn't drying?

Author: Thelma Beatty  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Check the Air Vent and Duct Clogged air vents are a common cause for poor airflow in clothes dryer systems. One way to see if your dryer's air vent is clogged is by turning on your dryer and going outside to feel the flow of air leaving the vent. If it's slow and not very warm, your vent may be due for a good cleaning.

How do you fix a dryer that is not drying?

First check the lint filter, if clean, check the vent hose/pipe, as well as the outside vent hood for build up of lint, clean or replace as needed. If you don't have it vented outside, your problem is that you need to. A basement will fill up with hot, humid air and just pull it back through the wet clothes.

Why are my clothes still damp after dryer?

Why is my dryer taking too long to dry? If you notice dry times are slower, or your clothes remain damp after a cycle, make sure your lint screen is clean and that the vent hose behind your dryer isn't crushed. Keep in mind that larger laundry loads can take longer to dry, depending on the size of your dryer.

Why are my clothes not getting dry in the dryer?

  • Check the lint filter: A clogged lint filter can restrict airflow, which can prevent your dryer from drying clothes properly.
  • Check the vent hose: A kinked or clogged vent hose can also restrict airflow and cause your dryer to not dry clothes properly.
  • Check the heati

Why is my dryer wet inside?

  • Clogged Ventilation: A blocked vent can trap moisture inside the dryer.
  • Improper Installation: If the dryer is not level or if the vent is installed incorrectly, it may not expel moisture effectively.
  • Overloading: Putting too many wet items in the dryer can prevent proper airflow, causing moisture to accumulate inside.

Top 3 Reasons Your Dryer Isn't Drying Your Clothes

How do you fix a wet dryer?

How to Fix Condensation in Dryer (in 4 Steps)
  1. Step 1 – Clean out the vent trap.
  2. Step 2 – Clean out the exhaust duct.
  3. Step 3 – Make sure the vent is positioned correctly.
  4. Step 4 – Install a booster or vent flap.

How to tell if a dryer duct is clogged?

Warning Signs That You Need Your Dryer Cleaned ASAP
  1. Longer Drying Cycles.
  2. Burning Smells.
  3. Dryer Is Hot To Touch.
  4. Visible Lint Or Debris Build-Up.

How do I unclog my dryer vent?

Remove lint from the duct by hand and then vacuum the inside of the duct. Use hose extensions, if available, to vacuum out as much of the duct as you can. Go outside the house and remove the exterior vent cover. Clean out the dryer vent from the outside using a vacuum.

Why won't my clothes dry inside?

Ensure Adequate Ventilation

The key to successfully drying laundry indoors is to ensure good air circulation in the space. Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate and help moisture escape. If it's too cold or impractical to open windows, consider using fans to promote air movement.

How to fix a dryer that is not heating?

Dryer Not Heating? Uncover 7 Top Fixes You Should Try
  1. The Lint Trap. You might be surprised to learn that a full lint trap is one of the most common reasons for a dryer not heating up. ...
  2. Tripped Circuit Breaker. ...
  3. Blown Thermal Fuse. ...
  4. Heating Element. ...
  5. Thermostat Troubles. ...
  6. Gas Valve Solenoid. ...
  7. Damaged Timer Motor.

Why is my dryer taking forever to dry my clothes?

One of the most common reasons a dryer takes too long to dry clothes is that it's overloaded. When you overload a dryer, it can't circulate enough air around the clothes to dry them properly. As a result, they'll take longer to dry and may not be completely dry when they come out.

What to do if clothes are too wet for dryer?

When clothes are still wet after a spin cycle, try pressing excess water out of your laundry by hand over your washing machine or sink before putting them in the dryer. You can also try running a spin cycle to help remove excessive water from your load.

How do I reduce moisture in my dryer?

Ventilation Issues

Cause: Clogged or blocked dryer vents restrict airflow, leading to moisture buildup. Solution: Regularly clean and inspect the dryer venting system to ensure proper airflow. Clear any debris or lint obstructing the vents. To create enough ventilation, consider installing a vent hood.

How do I make my dryer dry again?

Here are three easy fixes to get your dryer running like new again.
  1. Clear the Dryer Vents. Obstructed airflow is the number one cause of a slow-drying dryer. ...
  2. Replace the Thermal Fuse. The next most common reason a dryer doesn't dry the clothes is a blown thermal fuse. ...
  3. Reset the Fuse.

How often should I clean my dryer vent?

Generally speaking, the clothes dryer itself, as well as the vent should be cleaned every 1 to 3 years. The variables that affect frequency include: How much laundry – how many loads – you do a week. How long your dryer vent system is.

Why is my dryer hot but clothes are still wet?

If your dryer is heating but the clothes are still damp, then your vent is probably blocked.

Why didn't my clothes dry in the dryer?

There are several reasons why your dryer may not be drying, including a clogged lint screen, issues with the vent hose or a clogged vent system. Properly installing and maintaining your dryer can help avoid some issues that can interfere with performance.

How do I make sure my clothes dry in the dryer?

How to Dry Clothes in a Dryer: Top Useful Tips.
  1. Clean the Dryer Lint Filter. ...
  2. Don't Overload the Dryer. ...
  3. Use a Dryer Sheet. ...
  4. Choose the Right Dryer Cycle. ...
  5. No Soaking Wet Clothes. ...
  6. For Large Items Dry Separately. ...
  7. Check the Dryer Ventilation. ...
  8. Remove Dry Clothes from the Dryer Immediately.

Will a fan help dry clothes?

Adding a fan to the room where clothes are drying can speed up the drying process significantly. Fans and dehumidifiers can be used to efficiently dry clothes by circulating air and removing moisture from the air.

Do all dryers have a second lint trap?

Some dryer vent installations also have an external lint trap, which is also known as a secondary dryer lint trap or a 4″ In-Line Dryer Lint Trap.

How do you unclog the inside of a dryer?

  1. Step 1: Remove lint from the lint trap. ...
  2. Step 2: Turn off and unplug dryer. ...
  3. Step 3: Wipe residue off dryer drum. ...
  4. Step 4: Pull out the dryer to access vent duct. ...
  5. Step 5: Remove clamps and detach vent. ...
  6. Step 6: Clean debris from the vent. ...
  7. Step 7: Inspect and clean the exterior vent. ...
  8. Step 8: Reattach the vent and turn on the dryer.

How do you check if a vent is blocked?

How To Know If Your Air Ducts Are Clogged
  1. One room in your house is hotter than all the others.
  2. Dirty air coming from vents.
  3. Unusual spikes in electric bills.
  4. Air is not blowing out of some vents in your house.
  5. Air coming from vents is warm.

Why is my dryer not getting hot?

Why is my dryer not getting hot or drying properly? There are several reasons why your dryer may not be drying correctly. Some situations that may cause your dryer to not heat properly include a lack of power, an issue with the size of the load or its wetness, an issue with the heating element or a blown thermal fuse.

Previous article
Does Epsom salt help transplant shock?
Next article
How do you buff wood after waxing?