Why do towels take so long in the dryer?

Author: Meagan Ratke  |  Last update: Friday, June 27, 2025

There are a few common reasons why your dryer doesn't dry clothes. Some of the most common reasons include overloading the dryer, power sources issues, clothes being too wet, a dirty dryer lint screen, clogged dryer vents, or possible part malfunctions.

Why does my dryer take so long to dry towels?

There can be multiple reasons. Dryer vent is too long or clogged. Not heating correctly, or clogged lint filter / blower housing. Wrong heat temperature selected. Load is too large for the dryer.

How do you make towels dry faster in the dryer?

ULTIMATE DRYER HACK: Throwing a dry towel in the dryer with the wet clothes absorbs most of the moisture, making your items dry faster. Not only does the method cut down on the drying time, the process uses less energy so you're likely to save some money along the way!

How long should towels take to dry in a dryer?

The average drying cycle is between 30 to 45 minutes, but it can extend to an hour (or longer) if you are drying a larger load, such as bedding or thicker fabrics, such as towels. On the other hand, more delicate fabrics will take as little as 15 minutes to dry, as any longer risks damaging them.

Why are my towels still wet after dryer?

It could be that your towels aren't drying properly after each use. Either you're not spreading the towel out to dry efficiently, or your bathroom has a ventilation issue (no fan/window).

Why Does My Dryer Take So Long to Dry?

Why won't my towels dry in the dryer?

Just like it is important to make sure your towels are not clumped together when drying, it is essential to make sure your dryer is not overloaded. Overloading the dryer prevents your towels from drying properly and can mean you can end up with a load of laundry that is overheated but still damp.

Can I run the dryer twice?

Using a wash setting with no spin cycle or with an insufficient one means that the clothes that enter the dryer will be too wet for a single drying cycle and running more than a drying cycle could lead to damage your garments.

What is the best dryer cycle for towels?

Generally, they should be dried on low to medium heat. Use a dryer setting specifically for towels or a normal/regular cycle. High heat and overdrying can cause fabric damage, so be sure to remove the towels promptly once they're dry.

How to make a dryer dry faster?

However, there are a few simple things you can do that make clothes dry faster and come out of the dryer looking better.
  1. Give Clothes a Shake. ...
  2. Throw in a Dry Towel. ...
  3. Clean the Lint Trap. ...
  4. Shorten the Dryer Vent Hose. ...
  5. Appliance Center Can Help.

Is 2 hours too long for a dryer?

The average load of clothes takes about 60 minutes to dry in both gas and electric dryer models. If you've set your dryer's timer for a full drying cycle and pressed the start button only to find the clothes still damp when you open the dryer door an hour later, the dryer is taking too long to dry.

Why can't you tumble dry towels?

Although tumble dryers can be great at giving you fluffier towels, they can also wear the fabrics down in the long run, even if you use gentler settings. That's why we suggest to line dry your towels occasionally (possibly outside, if it's a windy day), alternating between the two methods.

Do dryer balls help clothes dry faster?

Wool dryer balls are natural, environmentally friendly and long-lasting. They work by soaking up moisture from wet laundry, which can help it dry faster. They can also help reduce static and soften clothes.

How do hotel towels dry so well?

Hotels typically use towels made from 100% cotton, which is highly absorbent and quick-drying. Additionally, they follow strict laundering practices, such as using the right amount of detergent and avoiding fabric softeners that can leave a residue, ensuring the towels remain absorbent.

How to get towels to dry faster?

For the shortest drying time, opt for a towel bar instead of hooks, and hang one towel spread out across the length of the bar. The more surface area exposed to the air, the faster a towel will dry—and the less likely it is to mildew or smell. If you must use a robe hook, hang only one towel per hook.

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.

How to tell if a dryer is overloaded?

Signs that you have too many items in the dryer include:
  1. The dryer shuts off after a few minutes of operation.
  2. The dryer cycle takes longer than usual.
  3. The dryer takes multiple cycles to dry a single load.
  4. The usual timed dryer cycle completes, but the clothes are still damp.
  5. There is excess lint in the lint screen.

How long should a load of towels take to dry?

Typically, a gas or electric dryer should take about 30 to 45 minutes to dry a full load of clothes. Dense fabrics—like a quilt or a load of thick bath towels—may take up to an hour to dry. If your dryer's taking too long to dry your laundry, it's important to figure out what's wrong instead of ignoring it.

Do dryer balls work?

Do dryer balls work? In short, not really. There are marginal differences, but in most cases dryer balls actually increase your costs by a very small amount. We tested with a conventional electric vented dryer and an upmarket condenser dryer both with and without the balls and compared the two.

How do you fix a slow drying dryer?

If your dryer is not getting clothes as dry as you want, run through these quick steps to find out why.
  1. STEP 1: CHECK THE LINT SCREEN. ...
  2. STEP 2: CHECK THE DRYER VENT HOSE MATERIAL. ...
  3. STEP 3: CHECK THE DRYER VENT HOSE INSTALLATION. ...
  4. STEP 4: CLEAN THE DRYER VENT SYSTEM.

Why is my dryer taking hours to dry towels?

If your dryer seems to be getting slower, the first thing to check is the lint filter. If it's full, the dryer can't get enough air, and the towels stay wet for longer.

How long should you tumble dry towels for?

Drying your towels correctly will help you achieve soft, fluffy towels. Try this method for optimal results: Take the towels out of the wash and shake them thoroughly. Put them in the tumble dryer with some clean tennis balls and dry for around 20 minutes on a high heat.

Why aren't my towels drying?

The cause: Letting mold and mildew build up on towels by over stuffing the dryer (towels don't fully dry ) or leaving wet towels in a pile. The fix: Don't over stuff your dryer! Shake towels before putting them in and even mid-cycle. If you're not going to wash a wet towel immediately, hang it to dry.

Why does my dryer take 3 hours to dry?

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.

Why are clothes still wet 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.

When should you not run your dryer?

Running the dryer while you're not home, and even sleeping, can be extremely hazardous. Like, burning your house down hazardous.

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