If your dryer seems to run endlessly while your clothes still come out damp, you’re not alone. A dryer that takes multiple cycles to dry a load is one of the most common complaints we hear from homeowners — especially during colder months when laundry use increases.
The good news? Most slow-drying issues are caused by a few common problems. The bad news? Ignoring them can lead to higher energy bills, unnecessary wear on your dryer, and even serious safety risks.
Here are the real reasons your dryer is taking forever to dry clothes — and what you can do about them.
1. Lint Buildup: The #1 Culprit
Lint is an unavoidable byproduct of drying clothes, but when it builds up in places you can’t see, it causes major problems.
Even if you clean the lint trap after every load, lint still escapes into:
- The lint housing
- The blower wheel
- The vent ducting
As lint accumulates, airflow becomes restricted. Less airflow means moisture can’t escape efficiently, forcing your dryer to work longer and harder.
What to do:
- Clean the lint screen after every load
- Vacuum the lint trap housing occasionally
- Have the internal dryer components professionally cleaned if drying times keep increasing
Lint buildup is also a leading cause of dryer fires, so this isn’t just a performance issue — it’s a safety one.
2. Clogged or Restricted Dryer Vent
A clogged dryer vent is one of the most common — and most dangerous — causes of long drying times.
When the vent is blocked:
- Hot, moist air can’t exit the dryer
- Clothes stay damp
- The dryer overheats
- Components wear out faster
Long vent runs, crushed ducts, improper installation, or outdoor vent flaps stuck shut can all restrict airflow.
Warning signs of vent problems:
- Dryer feels extremely hot
- Laundry room becomes humid
- Clothes are hot but still wet
- Burning or musty smells
What to do:
- Check the outdoor vent to ensure strong airflow
- Make sure vent ducts aren’t crushed or kinked
- Schedule professional vent cleaning if it’s been more than a year
This issue is especially common in winter when vents clog faster.
3. Weak or Failing Heat Source
If your dryer runs normally but doesn’t generate enough heat, clothes will never fully dry — no matter how long the cycle runs.
Common heating issues include:
- Burned-out heating elements (electric dryers)
- Failing gas igniters or coils (gas dryers)
- Thermostat or thermal fuse problems
In many cases, the dryer produces some heat, but not enough to evaporate moisture efficiently.
What to do:
If your dryer runs but feels lukewarm, stop using it and call a professional. Heating components should never be bypassed or tested without proper tools and training.
4. Moisture Sensor Problems
Modern dryers rely on moisture sensors to determine when clothes are dry. When these sensors malfunction, the dryer may:
- Shut off too soon
- Run far longer than necessary
- Leave clothes damp despite long cycles
Sensors can become coated with residue from dryer sheets, fabric softeners, or detergent buildup.
What to do:
- Gently clean the moisture sensor bars inside the drum with rubbing alcohol
- Avoid excessive dryer sheet use
- If issues persist, have the sensors professionally tested
A faulty sensor can make your dryer appear “inefficient” when the real issue is incorrect feedback to the control board.
5. Overloading the Dryer
More clothes does not equal better efficiency. Overloading restricts airflow between items, trapping moisture and forcing the dryer to run longer.
Heavy items like towels, jeans, or bedding can also ball up, preventing even drying.
What to do:
- Dry large items separately
- Avoid tightly packed loads
- Shake out clothes before loading
Proper loading improves airflow and reduces strain on the motor, belt, and drum rollers.
6. Failing Internal Components
When drying times gradually increase over months, internal parts may be wearing out, including:
- Drum rollers
- Blower wheels
- Drive belts
- Motors struggling under airflow resistance
These issues often start subtly and worsen over time.
What to do:
Unusual noises, burning smells, or vibration combined with long dry times are strong signs it’s time for professional service.
When to Call a Professional Dryer Repair Technician
If you’ve:
- Cleaned the lint trap
- Checked the vent
- Reduced load sizes
- Noticed weak heat or unusual behavior
…and your dryer is still taking too long, it’s time to call a professional.
Continuing to run a struggling dryer increases:
- Energy costs
- Fire risk
- Component damage
- The chance of total failure
Early diagnosis almost always means a simpler, less expensive repair.
Need Dryer Repair in Salem or the Willamette Valley?
Xigent Repair provides fast, reliable dryer repair throughout Salem, Keizer, and the surrounding Willamette Valley. Whether the issue is airflow, heat, sensors, or internal components, our technicians can diagnose the problem and get your dryer working efficiently again.
📞 Call Xigent Repair today: 971-342-9001
💻 Schedule service online: https://xigentrepair.com