Elizabeth Samson
The moment you notice that your dryer is not drying clothes properly, get your manual and follow through the troubleshooting tips. If you followed all the steps and are still experiencing the issue, it is time to pick up the phone and call a trusted and reliable dryer repair technician. Don’t let a broken dryer ruin your day and leave you with damp clothes. You can find same-day dryer repair companies that will be able to help you fix your dryer appliance. Have it fixed now to enjoy a warm and cozy comforter when you sleep at night. In this blog, we’ll help you identify common reasons that might be causing your dryer to not dry clothes.
When to Call a Professional if Dryer not Drying Clothes
If your dryer is not drying your clothes as they’re intended to, a minor issue such as unplugged power supply or a major problem like a blown thermal fuse could be the reason. If that’s the case, you can search for the brand’s troubleshooting tips for the dryer or contact a professional dryer repair technician. If your dryer requires frequent repair and still your dryer is not heating so the clothes are still damp, your dryer might need to be replaced. Getting a new dryer might solve your problems but if your dryer is still within the recommended lifespan, it would be a waste to get rid of it. How would you know if you need a new dryer? Here are some of the common reasons why your dryer is not drying clothes or take longer to dry the clothes:
1. Clogged Dryer Lint Filter
A clogged lint filter is one of the most common reasons the dryer does not dry clothes properly. When you forget to clean the lint from the lint screen after each load, the dryer lint builds up and restricts airflow, making it harder for your dryer to function efficiently. Regularly cleaning your dryer helps prevent this issue and extends your dryer’s lifespan. Proper dryer maintenance, like checking and cleaning the lint screen, is essential for safe and effective drying performance.
2. Restricted Airflow Through Dryer Vent
A restricted airflow through the dryer vent can seriously affect how well your dryer works and dry your clothes. If hot air can’t escape properly, your clothes will take much longer to dry and will cause you serious problems especially a higher electric bill. When a problem is detected, often the dryer will display error codes (depending on the brand), to alert or notify the user to check and clean the vent. That’s why regular checks on this area are important – having a company that offers Dryer Vent Cleaning for Avondale (as well as elsewhere) round a couple times a year to properly clean your vents out can help prevent any issues and prolong the lifespan of your dryer. If you aren’t sure if there’s a blockage in the vent, check the dryer duct and outside exhaust for lint buildup or obstructions. You may need to access your dryer duct behind the machine for a more thorough vent cleaning.
3. Overloaded Dryer
Overloading your dryer with too many clothes is a common reason for a dryer that isn’t drying properly. When there are too many clothes inside the dryer, air can’t circulate effectively, causing longer dry times and leaving the clothes still damp. If your dryer isn’t drying your clothes or the dryer is not heating, it might be struggling to work properly due to excess weight. To avoid potentially ruining your dryer, remove some items inside your dryer and restart the dry cycle. Make sure the dryer is not overloaded so it can dry the clothes efficiently.
4. Dirty Moisture Sensor on Dryer
A dirty moisture sensor can interrupt the drying process and leave clothes damp. This sensor detects when clothes are dry and tells the dryer to automatically stop the cycle. However, if it’s covered with residue from dryer sheets or fabric softeners, it can misread moisture levels and stop the cycle too early. To ensure your dryer runs properly, clean the moisture sensor regularly. A clean sensor helps maintain efficient drying and prevents unnecessary issues on your dryer and clothes.
5. Faulty Dryer Heating Element
If your dryer fails to heat, a faulty heating element may be to blame. When the heating element is damaged or burned out, the dryer can’t produce hot air, which means your clothes won’t dry properly. If you notice your dryer isn’t heating at all, it’s a strong sign the heating element may need to be replaced. Without hot air, the drying process takes much longer or stops completely. Replacing the faulty part restores your dryer’s performance and efficiency. Contact an expert Ottawa dryer repair technician for a replacement and to avoid more damage to your appliance.
6. Blown Thermal Fuse on Dryer
If your dryer suddenly stops working or doesn’t heat up, a blown thermal fuse could be the culprit. This small but important safety device protects the dryer from overheating. Once it blows, the dryer will not be able to start or continue a cycle properly. You might notice the dryer turns on but doesn’t heat, or it won’t turn on at all. A blown fuse is one of the more common dryer issues and usually requires replacement by a professional.
7. Bad Dryer Settings
Not all dryer settings work the same for every load of laundry. If your clothes are still damp, it could be due to using the wrong dryer cycle. Some settings, like “air fluff” or “delicate,” use little to no heat and are not ideal for heavy fabrics. It’s important to understand how every dryer works and select the right cycle for your clothing type. Always double-check the settings on your dryer to make sure you’re getting the results you want.
8. Dryer Has Clogged Vent or Kinked Hose
If the dryer’s not drying, something as simple as a clogged vent might be the reason. If you cleaned the dryer vent but it’s still not drying, what you can do is to make sure that the vent is free of debris to maximize the airflow. Next is to try checking the hose if it’s kinked. As simple as a kinked hose on the dryer drum could be the reason your dryer isn’t properly drying. If the problem is not resolved, it’s time to call the professional washer and dryer repair technician near you to avoid expensive repairs in the future.
9. Power Issue in Electric Dryer
If your electric dryer won’t work, it could be due to a power issue. Make sure your dryer is plugged in correctly and that the power outlet is functioning. Sometimes, a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse may also be the culprit, so it’s important to check if your dryer isn’t receiving the necessary electrical supply. Always ensure your dryer is properly connected and the electrical components are in good condition to avoid interruptions in drying performance. If you’ve done everything you can to feed the power supply but still have the same issue, look for a professional Ottawa appliance repair company that can help you with this dryer problem.
10. Faulty or Broken Dryer Thermostat
A faulty thermostat can cause your dryer to shut off the heat too early or not heat at all. This means your clothes are wet at the end of the cycle, even if everything else seems to be working. If the clothes are coming out warm but not fully dry, the thermostat might not be regulating the temperature correctly. This issue can affect any brand, including Whirlpool, Samsung, or LG dryers. Replacing a broken thermostat can help ensure your clothes are dry every time.
