Does your dryer turn on, the cycle starts, but it’s not drying your clothes? Learn about why the dryer has drying issues – from clogged vents to a faulty thermostat, and find practical solutions. This article will help you diagnose the problem, avoid hazards, and know when it’s time to call a pro. Book our dryer repair service:
Reasons Why the Dryer Is Not Drying
$25 OFF
with Online Application
Clogged Lint Trap
The lint filter primarily protects the dryer. It traps tiny fabric particles (small fibers) that come off clothes during the drying process. The filter also gets clogged with hair, pet fur, detergent residue, and dirt. Over time, if not cleaned regularly, the filter can become completely blocked. The level of clogging affects the reduction of hot air flow, which is necessary for efficient drying. It’s also important to note that when the filter is heavily clogged, it prevents proper air circulation inside the dryer. As a result, the dryer can’t do its job and doesn’t dry the clothes. A clogged filter increases the risk of the unit overheating and can even cause a fire.
Solution
We recommend cleaning the lint filter after every drying cycle. This will extend the appliance’s life and improve the drying performance. It only takes a few seconds—don’t skip it. Once a month, wash the filter under warm running water with dish soap. This helps remove invisible dirt and lint residue. This simple routine helps keep the filter clean regularly.
Clogged Dryer Vent
The function of the dryer vent is to blow hot and humid air from the dryer to the outside. When it’s clogged, the humid air stays inside, gets trapped, and the clothes don’t dry. The most common cause: lint buildup and small debris. A clogged vent doesn’t just prevent proper drying—it can also cause a fire.
Solution
We recommend checking the entire length of the vent at least once a year. If you’re planning to do the inspection yourself, use a flexible brush or a special cleaning kit. But if you’re not confident or want to be 100% sure everything’s good, trust the inspection and cleaning to professionals. They will do both a visual and a high-quality instrumental inspection of the entire vent, including the exterior exit.
Faulty Heating Element
The heating element’s function is to supply hot air necessary for drying clothes. If it’s damaged or burned out, the drum may still spin like normal, but hot air won’t be produced, and as a result, the clothes won’t get dry. Causes of this malfunction may include natural wear, power surges, or clogged ventilation causing overheating.
Solution
- You need to test the heating element using a multimeter
- It should show resistance
- If the circuit is broken, it means the heating element is burned out and needs to be replaced
- Some dryers have more than one heating element, and disassembly may be required for replacement
- We recommend leaving this kind of repair to a professional to avoid damage or mistakes
Malfunctioning Thermostat
The thermostat controls the internal temperature of the dryer. If it’s malfunctioning, the dryer may overheat, not heat at all, shut off automatically, or fail to follow the proper temperature cycles. These temperature control issues result in clothes staying wet. The most common causes of thermostat failure are ventilation problems, overheating due to clogged vents or poor air circulation, or simply wear and tear of the thermostat itself.
Solution
- A multimeter is used for diagnosis
- If the thermostat doesn’t conduct electricity, it needs to be replaced
- Diagnosing and fixing it requires access to the internal components of the dryer, meaning disassembly is necessary
- We recommend not doing this yourself unless you have experience
Overloading the Dryer
Never fill the dryer completely to the top. Sure, it saves time. But it’s better to split clothes into several loads. When overloaded, hot air can’t freely circulate between the items, especially if they’re heavy, dense, or very wet. As a result, you won’t get the desired outcome—drying will be ineffective, and the clothes will stay damp or wet. You’ll end up running an extra cycle.
Solution
We recommend filling the drum no more than 75% full. You can use the “fist rule”—your fist should fit easily between the top of the laundry pile and the top of the drum. Dry heavy items like towels, pillows, and blankets separately. Divide bulky loads into several smaller ones.
Repair Cost
| Heating element replacing | $180 – $290 |
| Thermostat repairing or replacing | $220-$320 |
| Dryer Cleaning | $120-$310 |
The cost of dryer repairs varies based on the brand, specific model, and how complicated the issue is to fix.
FAQ
OTHER ARTICLES
Contact Us For Any Dryer Repair Service
No matter what issue your dryer has, our skilled technicians are ready to assist. We offer prompt, dependable, and top-quality repair services. Call us or complete the form on our website to schedule your service today.
Call us today: (863) 594-1784
or fill out the form and we will contact you ourselves.
6 Comments
My dryer started running much longer, but still doesn’t dry clothes properly. I also notice that the air in the room gets really warm while it’s running. What could be the cause?
Hi Jackson! That’s a clear sign of a clogged dryer vent. The room heats up because hot, moist air isn’t exiting outside as it should—it’s leaking back into the room. This can be dangerous, as it increases the risk of fire. We recommend checking and cleaning the vent immediately. You can call a professional—they have special tools like 30-foot vent brushes and inspection cameras.
My Samsung electric dryer suddenly shuts off in the middle of the cycle, and it’s happened 3 times this past month. What could be the problem?
Hi Logan! Possible causes: overheating due to a clogged vent—activating the thermal fuse; worn-out thermostat—causing premature shutdowns; power supply problems or issues with the control board; incorrect loading—if the clothes clump together, it can confuse the sensors. Advice: Start by checking the vent, then test the thermostat and heating element. If that doesn’t solve it, a control board diagnostic might be needed.
I have two cats at home, so all my clothes are covered in their fur. Do you have any extra tips for cleaning the dryer from pet hair?
Hi Ava! Cat hair can clog filters, vents, and sensors. Tips: Use a lint roller or sticky brush on clothes before washing; regularly wash the lint filter with soap and water, especially if it clogs with hair; use special mesh bags or laundry balls to catch fur; vacuum the drum once or twice a month; and don’t forget to clean the moisture sensor with a damp cloth—fur and detergent residue can block it.
Comments are closed.