If your dryer is taking too long to dry, you are probably wondering what could cause this annoying issue. Is the dryer just not working the way that it should, or is something simple causing the problem?
Many times, when it comes to washers and dryers, the solution is simple to what is going on with your machine. Sometimes it is more serious, but there are several small problems that you should first consider.
Keep reading to find out why your dryer is taking so long and what you can do about it.
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Why Is My Dryer Taking so Long to Dry?
If your dryer is taking too long to dry your clothes, there could be several different reasons for having this issue. Including things like clothes that go into the dryer too wet and a dryer with lint buildup clogging the vent.
Some other reasons why your dryer might be taking so long include:
- Power issues
- Too large a load
- Part malfunction
- Types of clothing
- Outdated dryer
These are the most common reasons why your dryer is taking far too long to dry your clothes. Loads that are too large are a common issue as people try to dry too many wet clothes at once.
Or your clothes may just be too wet from your washing machine not wringing them out properly. If they are dripping or you can squeeze water out of them, they are too wet to go in the dryer.
Bigger issues could include a part malfunctioning inside your dryer, this is not common, but it can happen due to wear and tear. Your dryer might also just be out of date and getting too old to work properly.
In both of these cases, you may need to hire someone to fix the machine or replace it with a better option.
How Do I Fix a Dryer That Is Taking Too Long to Dry?
If you have noticed that it is taking far too long to dry your clothes, the first thing you should do, is start drying smaller loads. The issue may be as simple as your dryer not having enough power to dry a larger load.
It could also have something to do with how wet the clothing is, is your washing machine wringing the clothes out properly? What kinds of materials are your clothes? Natural fibers like wool and cotton hold onto moisture and take longer to dry.
If those issues aren’t the problem, you should check your lint vent and clean it out properly. Really take it out and wash it so that it is completely clean for your next load.
Ideally, people should clean their dryer at least once a year to remove lint that could be going into the tubing and other areas.
If none of these issues are what is causing the problem, you may need to call a professional to help you. They can really examine the dryer and figure out what is causing the issue.
If your dryer is over 13 years old, the issue is most likely that it is just too old to be used. You should replace it as it can even become a fire hazard if it is not working correctly.
Why Is My Dryer Hot But Not Drying?
If your dryer is hot but not drying your clothes, this may be due to too much lint clogging up the machine. When lint builds up it obstructs the flow of hot air into the dryer drum where your clothing is.
This is why lint can be a fire hazard as it is surrounded by hot air and could spark if it is holding in the hot air around it. This will make your dryer feel very hot, but the drum will not be very hot at all.
This is why it is so important to clean out the lint trap, at least after every other load. Lint can build up quickly and cause serious issues if you aren’t careful.
How Can I Tell If My Dryer Vent Is Slowing Down Dryer?
Too much lint in the dryer is by far the most common reason for a dryer taking too long to dry, and there are several signs of this. You already know that your dryer might feel hot but isn’t drying if there is too much lint.
Excess lint can also start to smell faint;y burning, or very musty if it has built up and is blocking the hot air. If you smell this, you should stop the dryer and clean out the lint immediately.
Your clothing, once dry, might also be hot to the touch, which is not normal. Clothing should be warm but not so hot that it actually hurts to touch it. This shows that the lint is blocking the air from circulating safely.
It is important to remember that lint can also travel to other areas of your dryer, such as the hose or dryer flap. This is why it is important to clean all of these areas to try to keep your dryer running efficiently and safely.
This will not only help your dryer to dry faster, but it will also help to lengthen the lifespan of your dryer.
Why Is My Dryer Taking Too Long to Dry?
If your dryer is taking too long to dry your laundry., this could be caused by excessive lint in the trap or loads that are too large. These are the most common issues as this can cause your dryer to really struggle when drying clothes.
This could also have to do with very wet clothing, natural fibers, malfunctions in the dryer, and an old dryer.