If your dryer runs a full cycle but clothes come out damp, it's usually an airflow or heat problem. Here are the 7 most common causes and how to fix them.
Safety first: Unplug the dryer (and shut off the gas on gas models) before inspecting internal parts.
1. Clogged lint filter
A lint-caked screen chokes airflow. Clean it before every load, and once a month wash it with soap and water to remove invisible fabric-softener residue.
2. Blocked dryer vent
The #1 cause of poor drying — and a fire hazard. Lint builds up in the vent hose and duct, trapping moisture and heat. Clean the full vent line at least once a year: How to Clean a Dryer Vent.
3. Overloading
A stuffed drum can't tumble clothes through the warm air. Dry one wash-load at a time and leave room for clothes to move.
4. Weak or failing heating element
If the dryer runs cool, the heating element or thermostat may be failing. See Why Is My Dryer Not Getting Hot for the full heat-loss checklist.
5. Faulty moisture sensor
Auto-dry cycles rely on moisture sensor bars inside the drum. Fabric-softener film can coat them so the dryer thinks the load is dry and shuts off early. Wipe the sensor bars with a little rubbing alcohol.
6. Wet-vent or long duct run
Very long or crushed vent ducts, or an outdoor flap that won't open, trap humid air. Make sure the exterior vent flap opens freely when the dryer runs.
7. Washer leaving clothes too wet
If clothes go in soaking wet because the washer isn't spinning them out, the dryer can't keep up. Check the washer's spin cycle first.
When to call a professional
If the vent is clear, the filter is clean, and clothes still won't dry, the heating element, sensor, or thermostat likely needs service. True Appliance Repair connects you with same-day technicians for every brand. Call 1-888-298-3714.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dryer taking so long to dry? Almost always restricted airflow — a clogged lint filter or vent — or overloading. A failing heating element or moisture sensor can also cause long, incomplete cycles.
Can a dirty lint filter really stop clothes from drying? Yes. The filter and vent must move humid air out. A clogged filter chokes airflow, so moisture stays in the drum and cycles run long.
How do I clean a dryer moisture sensor? Wipe the two metal bars inside the drum with a cotton ball and a little rubbing alcohol to remove softener residue.