The most common cause is a clogged lint filter or dryer vent. Other causes are overloading, clothes that are too wet from the washer, a weak heating part, or a dirty moisture sensor. A blocked vent is also a fire risk, so do not ignore slow drying.
Start With the Lint Filter
Clean the lint filter before every load. A full filter blocks the air your dryer needs to carry moisture out of the drum.
Dryer sheets can leave a thin, waxy film on the screen that you cannot see. To test it, run water over the clean screen. If the water pools on top, wash the screen with warm soapy water and a soft brush, then let it dry.
Check the Dryer Vent
The vent is the duct that carries hot, wet air from the back of your dryer to the outside. Lint builds up inside it over time, especially on long vent runs in townhomes and basements.
Signs of a clogged vent include:
- Clothes come out hot but still damp
- The laundry room feels hot and humid
- The vent flap outside barely opens when the dryer runs
- The top of the dryer feels very hot
- You notice a burning smell
To check, run the dryer and step outside. You should feel a strong flow of warm air at the vent hood. A weak flow means a blockage.
Other Reasons Your Dryer Is Slow
What the Signs Usually Mean
| What you notice | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Clothes hot but damp | Clogged vent or lint filter |
| No heat at all | Thermal fuse, heating element, or igniter |
| Gas dryer heats, then stops | Worn gas valve coils |
| Cycle ends early, clothes damp | Dirty moisture sensor |
| Slow only with big loads | Overloading |
How Often Should You Clean It?
- Lint filter: before every load
- Lint filter housing: vacuum it a few times a year
- Vent duct: at least once a year, and more often for big families or long vents
Gas vs. Electric Dryers: What Is Different?
Both kinds use a drum, a motor, and a vent. The difference is how they make heat. An electric dryer uses a heating element, like a large toaster coil. A gas dryer uses a small gas burner that is lit by an igniter.
On an electric dryer, slow drying often points to a weak element or a thermostat. On a gas dryer, it often points to the igniter or the gas valve coils. Either way, check the vent first, since a clogged vent causes problems on both.
Stacked and Closet Dryers
Many townhomes and condos have a stacked washer and dryer in a closet. These setups often have long vent runs with several bends, which collect lint fast. A closet with a solid door can also trap heat and moisture.
- Leave the closet door open a little while the dryer runs, or use a door with vents.
- Have the full vent run checked, not just the part behind the dryer.
- Do not push the dryer so far back that the vent hose gets crushed.
When to Call for Repair
If the vent is clean and your dryer still runs cold or slow, a part has likely failed. We handle dryer repair on gas and electric models, including stacked units in closets. Some LG dryers even show a code like d80 when the vent is blocked.
We repair dryers from all major brands, including Whirlpool, Maytag, LG, and Samsung. Our technicians come to homes in East Brunswick and nearby towns like Highland Park, Cranbury, Jamesburg, Dayton, Metuchen, and Woodbridge. See all service areas or how to reach us. For more tips, browse all our appliance repair guides.