Are your clothes emerging from the dryer still damp? It can be frustrating, but don’t panic and go out and buy a brand-new dryer! There are several easy to fix reasons why your dryer may not be drying optimally. Read on for five easy fixes for a dryer that is not drying clothes properly.
User error can often be the cause of a dryer that is not working correctly. The two main causes of user error are overloading the machine and using the wrong drying settings.
This is a common issue because it is so easy to do—who wants to run two loads in the dryer when you can cram everything into one? It will undoubtedly save you time!
However, cramming too many clothes into the dryer reduces the airflow required to properly dry clothes, which could explain why your clothes are hot but not dry. Overloading also causes the dryer to work harder, consumes more energy, and lengthens the drying time.
It is best not to fill the dryer drum more than three-quarters of the way.
Using the wrong dryer setting for your laundry can significantly lengthen the drying time. For example, if you choose the air-dry or gentle cycle for a heavy load, your laundry may come out damp because you selected an insufficient setting.
Check the laundry symbols on your clothes to ensure you’re not using too much or too little heat. They will advise you on the best dryer setting.
Turn on the dryer for five to ten minutes to ensure that the heat is working. You can hold your hand under the outside exhaust vent to check air movement. If the heat is working, the air should be warm. If your dryer is not heating but still operational, this could mean the heating element or thermal fuse may be faulty.
In this case, you should consult your user manual to determine the next steps. If you feel comfortable replacing the broken piece yourself, go ahead and do so—you can order a replacement part from your dryer manufacturer. If this is not something you feel confident doing, you can contact an expert to help you.
A clogged lint filter can reduce airflow and make a dryer incapable of drying clothes efficiently. This problem can be resolved by thoroughly cleaning the lint filter and filter housing.
If you have cleaned the lint out of the lint filter and filter housing and still find your dryer is not drying properly, there may be another place where lint buildup is causing a problem—the dryer vent! Luckily, it is an easy problem to fix.
Because you will be disassembling the dryer vent, it is critical that you disconnect your dryer from its power source. You should also move it away from the wall so that you can easily access the back of your dryer.
A vent line will be attached to the back of your dryer if it is vented to the outside.
Remove the dryer’s vent line from the back. The vent pipe or vent line should easily pull away from the back of your dryer.
Look inside the dryer where the pipe was attached before inspecting the vent pipe. If you notice any lint or debris in the opening, remove it with your hand or a clean, dry cloth.
To clean the duct pipe, you’ll need to completely remove it. You must disconnect the other end after removing it from the back of the dryer as described above.
Vacuum as far inside the duct as you can reach at either end with a vacuum with a hose attachment. This should allow you to get rid of any visible lint.
You should find your dryer is working properly once again.
If the moisture sensor in your dryer is dirty or damaged, it may incorrectly detect that the clothes are dry and stop the dryer cycle too soon.
Overuse of dryer sheets, which can leave a greasy residue on the moisture sensor, is one cause of this. Fortunately, cleaning the moisture sensor is a simple and effective solution.
Inside your dryer drum, look for the moisture sensor. It is made up of two parallel, shiny metal strips that are about four inches long and are usually located on the drum side of the plastic filter housing.
To clean the metal strips, use a paper towel and rubbing alcohol and wipe gently. After cleaning the strips, run a test cycle to see if your dryer is now drying clothes properly.
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