Why is My Dryer Not Drying Well?

When a dryer is not drying clothes like it should, it doesn’t always mean that the machine is starting to break down. In many cases, an under performing dryer could means that there’s a lint blockage or “clog” somewhere along the exhaust route. Most lint blockages are easy to fix, and should be the first thing to check before calling a dryer repairman.

Where to look for lint blockages

1. All dryers have lint traps, a special screen that collects lint produced during the drying process. Lint traps are located either on top of the machine or inside the door, and are usually labeled is some manner. If the lint trap is clean, it’s time to move to the next step.

2. Is the flex tubing kinked? Flex tubing is the 4″ round silver metallic or white flexible tubing that is attached to the back of your clothes dryer on the one end, and to an exhaust opening in the wall on the other. If the dryer is pushed too close to the laundry room wall, the flex tubing can kink which prevents the exhaust of air.

3. Is the dryer vent duct work clogged? If the flex hose has been pinched in the past, is old, or if the dryer vents directly to the laundry room, it’s possible that the dryer vent duct work is clogged. To check this area, unplug the dryer FIRST and then remove the flex tubing from the back of the dryer. Examine both the inside of the tubing for a lint blockage or the duct work inside the base of the dryer itself. All accumulated lint in these areas should be vacuumed up thoroughly before reattaching (or replacing) the flex tubing securely.

A couple of safety points worth nothing here: Old models sometimes experience a build up of lint inside the base of the dryer which not only lowers drying efficiency but is also a fire hazard. This area should be checked periodically and cleaned to lower the risk of fire. Additionally, should your flex tubing be made of white vinyl, this is the time to replace it with a UL approved tubing such as the spiral wound aluminum flex tubing.

4. Is the dryer exhaust vent and cover blocked? Most dryers vent to an outside opening where it is capped with some sort of decorative grille. Hood vents with bird guards must be cleaned frequently to prevent the build up of lint. Vents will louvered shutters should be checked for lint and functionality. Branches and shrubs should be pruned away to permit the exhaust of air.

5. Is the exhaust ducting blocked? Dryers installed in interior rooms rely on ducting to carry the dryer exhaust up through the walls of the house and out towards the roof. Sometimes this duct work can become clogged, which also impacts dryer performance. For families who do lots of laundry, it’s recommended that the dryer duct work be cleaned at least twice a year. Professional duct cleaners charge up to $150 for this service. Cleaning the internal ducts is also a DIY project with dryer vent cleaning kit. These are available at most stores for $30 or less.

When a dryer takes far too long to dry a load of laundry, it’s usually not the dryer that’s to blame but a lint blockage instead. If the dryer continues to under perform after these five locations have been cleared of lint or if you feel uncomfortable doing this maintenance yourself, then it’s time to call in a repairman.