Why Does My Dryer Take So Long To Dry?

5 common reasons your dryer is taking a long time to dry

Do you have laundry that is taking a long time to dry? It can be very frustrating when you’re stuck waiting for your clothes to dry. Fortunately, there are a few reasons why your dryer isn’t working as it should. This article will examine five of the most common causes of a slow-drying appliance and how to fix the problem.

Reason #1: Overloaded drum

When you try to put in more clothes than the dryer can handle, it will take longer for the machine to dry them. This is because there won’t be enough space for the hot air to circulate and evaporate moisture from the clothes.

Overloading your dryer drum also puts extra pressure on your machine’s motor and other components, resulting in higher energy consumption and potential damage in the long run. Additionally, overloading can cause excessive wear and tear on parts like bearings, belts, and pulleys that could eventually lead to costly repairs or even replacement.

To avoid these issues, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for load size capacity. Overloading may seem like a quick solution when you have piles of laundry waiting to be washed but taking this shortcut will only cost you more time and money. Instead, try dividing larger loads into smaller ones or consider using a larger capacity machine if you frequently have heavy laundry loads.

Reason #2: Vent blockage

Vent blockage is one of the most common causes of a dryer taking too long to dry clothes. A blocked vent restricts airflow, preventing the dryer from working efficiently. The lint trap catches much of the lint produced by drying clothes, but some still escape and get trapped in the vent system. Over time, this buildup can become significant enough to cause a blockage.

Cleaning a vent may seem easy; however, it can be challenging if you’ve never done it before. First, unplug your dryer from the power source and disconnect the vent pipe from both ends. Next, use a brush or vacuum cleaner with an extended hose to remove any accumulated lint or debris inside the pipe. Be sure to clean all areas of the pipe thoroughly, including elbows and bends.

Once you have cleaned out all visible debris inside the vent pipe, reconnect it to both ends securely. Finally, plug in your dryer and run it for a few minutes with no clothes inside so that any remaining lint or dust will be blown out of the pipeline entirely. By taking these steps regularly – at least once every six months -you’ll enjoy better performance from your machine while reducing risks associated with fire hazards caused by clogged vents.

Reason #3: Broken heating element

Another reason the dryer takes a long time to dry is a broken heating element. It is responsible for generating heat that dries your clothes, and when it’s not working properly, the drying process will take longer than usual. If you notice that your dryer is running but not heating up or taking much longer to dry clothes than before, then it’s likely that the heating element is malfunctioning.

To check if the heating element is working correctly, unplug your dryer and locate the heating element at the back of the machine. Use a multimeter to test its continuity by setting it on “ohms.” Place one lead on each end of the heating coil and check for any resistance in between. If there is no resistance, then it means that your heating element is damaged and needs replacement.

Reason #4: The drum is not sealed

When the drum isn’t sealed, hot air escapes, and cold air enters, which makes the dryer less efficient in drying clothes. This problem can also cause condensation to build up inside the appliance, which can eventually lead to mould growth.

To check if your dryer’s drum is properly sealed, you can perform a simple test by running your hand around the door seal while the dryer is on. If you feel any hot or cold spots, it could indicate a gap between the drum and the door seal. You should also inspect for any gaps or cracks in the door seal and drum.

If you find that there’s indeed a gap between your dryer’s drum and door seal, you may need to replace either of them, depending on how severe it is. Sometimes, simply tightening loose screws around the door hinge or replacing worn-out seals can solve this issue. However, major damages like cracks or dents in either part may require professional repair services or the replacement of parts altogether.

Reason #5: Problem with the blower wheel

The blower wheel is responsible for circulating hot air throughout the dryer drum, and if it’s not working properly, it can cause significant issues with drying times. Over time, the blower wheel can become damaged or clogged with debris, leading to poor airflow.

If you suspect that it is causing problems, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. First, check for any visible signs of damage or wear on the blower wheel itself. If it looks fine but still isn’t working correctly, try cleaning out any debris blocking airflow around the unit.

In some cases, you may need to replace the entire blower wheel assembly to fix the problem. This will require some basic knowledge of appliance repair and possibly some specialised tools as well. However, by taking care of this issue promptly and effectively, you can ensure that your dryer runs smoothly and dries clothes efficiently for years.

REFERENCES

1. Gatarić, Pero, et al. “Influence of load mass, drum speed and load composition on evenness of drying in a heat pump tumble dryer.” Drying Technology 40.10 (2022): 2175-2187.
   https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07373937.2021.1928688
2. Ng, Ah Bing, and Shiming Deng. “A new termination control method for a clothes drying process in a clothes dryer.” Applied Energy 85.9 (2008): 818-829.
   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306261908000068