Why did my dryer suddenly stop drying my clothes?

Author: Maye Gibson  |  Last update: Sunday, October 26, 2025

Wondering “Why is my dryer not drying?” There are several reasons a dryer may malfunction, including if it's unplugged, the breaker is tripped, the lint trap or exhaust vent is clogged, the start switch or door latch is broken, the thermal fuse is blown, or the drum is overloaded.

Why did my dryer suddenly stop drying?

  • 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

What to do if clothes are still wet after dryer?

A good airflow is the key for a dryer to work properly. If your clothes are still wet after a drying cycle it could mean that the Air Vent is clogged. To fix this problem, you will have to unplug the dryer and disconnect it from the vent. Once everything is disconnected, it's time to vacuum the vent.

How to fix a dryer that won't dry?

Check the Basics
  1. Is the Dryer Plugged In? Make sure that your dryer is plugged in and getting power. ...
  2. Are You Overloading the Dryer? ...
  3. Check the Air Vent and Duct. ...
  4. Clean the Lint Trap. ...
  5. Check the Door Switch. ...
  6. Are Your Clothes Too Wet? ...
  7. Check the Drive Belt. ...
  8. Check the Heating Element.

How to fix a dryer that is not heating?

If your dryer is not drying the way you expect it to, these common reasons are a good place to start in your troubleshooting.
  1. Lint screen is dirty. ...
  2. House vent is crushed or obstructed. ...
  3. Lack of power. ...
  4. Load size is too large. ...
  5. Soaking-wet clothes. ...
  6. Heating elements. ...
  7. Blown thermal fuse.

Dryer Not Drying Clothes - The Cause and The Solution

Why is dryer getting hot but not drying clothes?

Why is my dryer not drying clothes but getting hot? A dryer that heats but doesn't dry clothes may indicate a dirty lint screen. If you clean out the lint but your clothes are still not drying, check if your dryer is spinning. You can follow this guide on troubleshooting a dryer that's not spinning.

Why is my dryer wet inside?

The lint trap might be full

The lint trap collects lint from the inside of your dryer. If it becomes full and isn't emptied, the temperature in your dryer can become too hot or cold and cause condensation. Cleaning the trap should be done after every cycle to prevent this problem from happening.

Why are my sheets still wet after dryer?

If your dryer is heating but the clothes are still damp, then your vent is probably blocked. If your dryer has weak heat and runs for a long time, this could also indicate a blocked vent. And if your dryer ends after only a couple of minutes with soaking wet clothes, then your moisture sensors could be dirty.

Why are my clothes still damp after heat pump dryer?

This is because the heat pump takes a long time to reach the maximum working temperature in the heating system. 1. Choose the right drying programme. Make sure that the respective type of washing and the care symbols on the label of the laundry comply with the drying program.

Why are my clothes still damp after drying?

If your air vent is blocked up with lint and other debris air won't be able to flow out of your dryer and moisture could develop in the dryer drum. When this happens, your clothes will come out damp.

Why has my dryer stopped working all of a sudden?

Various things will cause a dryer not to start, including a blown thermal fuse, clogged vent, malfunctioning motor or control board, misaligned drum or rollers, engaged child lock, overloaded unit, broken or worn-out belt, broken start switch, defective door latch, tripped circuit breaker, faulty outlet, or an ...

Do most dryers have a reset button?

As a safety device, a dryer usually has a door switch that activates the working parts. Unless the door is properly closed, the dryer won't work, regardless of the settings on the control panel. Many dryers are equipped with a reset button on the control panel.

Why is my dryer working but not drying?

If your dryer is running but not heating, the vent may be clogged with lint. This issue traps cold, wet air inside your dryer with your clothes, which lowers the unit's temperature and affects its drying ability. Your heating element could also be broken, limiting the unit's ability to produce hot air.

Will a dryer stop working if the vent is clogged?

Below are a few of the main indications you must watch for when attempting to figure out whether your dryer vent is clogged. Clogged dryer vents can cause your dryer to overwork and overheat. To prevent fires, your dryer may be warning you by shutting down.

How do I know if my dryer vent needs to be cleaned?

Signs You Need to Clean Your Dryer Vent
  1. Clothes take longer than usual to dry.
  2. Clothes come out hotter than normal at the end of a drying cycle.
  3. The outside of the dryer feels unusually hot during operation.
  4. There's a burning smell while the dryer is running.

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 running but not heating?

Clogged vent/lint screens

This leaves you either with a dryer that turns but does not heat (due to a high temperature limit being reached by the heating element) or a dryer that takes an extremely long time to dry. Clogged Lint Screen: Another possible clogging issue is with your lint screen.

How long should a dryer last?

Clothes dryers typically last for about 10 to 13 years. If your dryer has been around for nearly a decade, you will likely be searching for a replacement soon. Ancient dryers should get the boot, as older machines can actually cost you more money. Newer, certified models use less energy, helping you save on costs.

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