Why is my dryer taking longer than normal?

Author: Otho Reichel III  |  Last update: Friday, September 5, 2025

Lint build-up is the primary cause of dryers taking too long to dry. Lint screens/traps do not stop 100% of the lint produced during each cycle. During each dry cycle, a small percentage of lint clings to the lint screen, and begins to adhere to surfaces in both the machine and the dryer vent system.

Why is my dryer taking 2 hours to dry clothes?

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 to fix dryer taking too long?

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.

How long should a dryer normally take?

A typical drying cycle takes about 45 minutes, but this time can vary depending on the cycle, heat setting and size of your load. Delicate cycles take roughly 15 minutes, while heavy cycles, like bedding, can take up to three hours to fully 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.

Why Does My Dryer Take So Long to Dry?

What is the average life span of a dryer?

The average life expectancy of a dryer is around 10-13 years. And no matter how great your clothes dryer is, all appliances will wear down eventually.

How do you unclog a dryer duct?

Cleaning lint from a dryer duct requires a vacuum. Use the hose attachment of a vacuum cleaner or shop vac to clean in and around the hole at the back of the dryer. If you can detach the length of duct where it meets the wall, do so. It will make cleaning it easier.

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.

What are signs a dryer vent needs cleaning?

8 Signs You Need to Clean Your Dryer Vent
  • Clothes take longer than normal to dry. ...
  • Clothes are unusually hot to the touch. ...
  • The room is warmer than normal when the dryer is running. ...
  • You've noticed burning smells. ...
  • The lint flap isn't opening. ...
  • The dryer tells you there's a problem. ...
  • The dryer stops working.

Why does my dryer take 6 hours to dry?

Generally, if your dryer is taking a really long time to dry clothes and is heating proplerly then there is a blockage in the venting or the blower fan is not working.

How often should dryer vents be cleaned?

There are variables that affects how often you should clean your dryer vent system. Generally speaking, the clothes dryer itself, as well as the vent should be cleaned every 1 to 3 years.

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 to fix a dryer that takes too long to dry?

When the screen is full of lint it can prevent the proper circulation of hot air, leading to longer drying times. To maximize airflow clean your lint screen after each drying cycle. Simply pull out the screen, remove the lint with your hand or a paper towel and replace it.

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 to tell if a dryer vent is blocked?

If you haven't cleaned your dryer vent in a while there are some tell-tale signs to look for that will let you know you should check it out: Your dryer takes much longer than a typical 45-minute cycle to dry. Clothes come out of the dryer damp. Your dryer feels very hot to the touch while running.

What are the symptoms of a dirty air duct?

12 Signs Your Air Duct Needs Cleaning
  • Dusty Grills. The "grill" is your window into an air duct from the wall. ...
  • Mold. Mold or mildew is a sure sign that it is time for an AC cleaning. ...
  • Allergies Are Worse Than Usual. ...
  • High Energy Bill. ...
  • Poor Respiratory Health. ...
  • Poor Air Flow. ...
  • Insect Infestation. ...
  • 8. Rat Infestation.

How do I unclog an air vent?

How to Clean and Clear Your Vent
  1. Climb onto your roof. ...
  2. Have an assistant flush a toilet while you hold your hand over the vent. ...
  3. Use a plumber's snake of electricians fish tape to unclog the stoppage.
  4. If you can't entirely remove the clog with your “snake,” use a garden hose to flush out remaining debris.

Will a dryer dry if vent is clogged?

Drying time for clothes takes longer and longer. When a dryer vent is clogged, the drying cycle can double or triple in time. You'll notice that clothes are not entirely dry at the end of a regular cycle.

Why is the dryer not drying?

Your dryer may not completely dry loads in one cycle due to problems with the dryer vent system or heating element, but it can also be due to clothes that are leaving the washer too wet or overloading the dryer and preventing proper air flow.

When should I be concerned about my dryer?

Clothes not drying: This can be caused by various factors like clogged vents, faulty moisture sensors, malfunctioning heating elements, or broken belts. Excessive noise: Loud banging, screeching, or grinding noises often indicate worn drum bearings, damaged rollers, or loose components.

Is it worth it to fix a dryer?

Dryer repair costs will vary depending on the issue. For example, it will cost much less to replace a dryer belt than a motor. That said, if your clothes dryer is more than halfway through its lifespan—7 years or more—and the repair costs more than 50% of the price of a new one, you should consider replacing it.

How long should a dryer cycle take?

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.

Previous article
How often should you replace bathroom grout?
Next article
Can you wash mold out of a couch?