Why Your Dryer Takes Too Long to Dry Clothes and How to Solve It

If your dryer is taking forever to dry your clothes, it can be frustrating and time-consuming. Instead of enjoying freshly dried laundry in less than an hour, you might be waiting two or three cycles just to get things done. This not only wastes your time but also uses more energy, which can increase your electric bill. At A+ Appliance Repair and Maintenance, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners fix slow-drying dryers, and we know exactly what causes the problem—and how to solve it fast.

In this article, we’ll go over the most common reasons your dryer might be running too long, how to tell what’s wrong, and what our trained technicians can do to get your dryer back in top shape.

1. Clogged Lint Filter

One of the most common reasons a dryer takes too long to dry clothes is a clogged lint filter. When the lint filter is full, air can’t move through the dryer properly, and this makes it harder for your clothes to dry. Even if you clean it every now and then, small bits of lint can still build up over time.

What you can do:

• Remove the lint screen after every load and clean it thoroughly.
• Wash the filter with warm, soapy water every few months to remove buildup from fabric softener or dryer sheets.

How we help:
If you’re still having problems after cleaning the filter, our technicians can check for lint blockages inside the dryer that are harder to reach.

2. Blocked Dryer Vent

If your dryer vent is blocked, hot air can’t escape properly, and moisture stays in your clothes longer. This is not just bad for drying performance—it’s also a major fire hazard.

Signs your vent might be blocked:

• Clothes are hot but still damp after a cycle.
• The outside vent flap doesn’t open while the dryer is running.
• There’s a burning smell coming from the dryer.

What you can do:
Check the vent hose behind your dryer to make sure it’s not kinked or crushed. You can also clean out the vent with a brush or vacuum.

How we help:
Our team uses professional tools to clear out lint, dust, and debris from your dryer vent, restoring proper airflow and improving drying times.

3. Overloaded Dryer

Sometimes the problem isn’t the machine—it’s the laundry load. If you put too many clothes in the dryer at once, they won’t tumble properly, and hot air won’t circulate evenly.

Tip to fix this:
Try drying smaller loads so air can move around your clothes. This will help them dry faster and prevent extra wear and tear on the dryer.

How we help:
We can check your dryer’s drum and belts to make sure nothing is damaged from overloading.

4. Heating Element Problems

If your dryer’s heating element is damaged or burned out, it won’t produce enough heat to dry clothes quickly. This can make each load take much longer than it should.

Signs your heating element might be failing:

• Dryer runs but doesn’t feel hot inside.
• It takes multiple cycles to dry even small loads.
• Clothes come out cold and damp.

How we help:
Our technicians can test the heating element, thermostat, and other electrical parts to find the issue. If needed, we can replace the faulty part with a new, high-quality component.

5. Moisture Sensor Issues

Modern dryers have moisture sensors that tell the machine when clothes are dry. If the sensor is dirty or faulty, the dryer might keep running too long or shut off too soon.

What you can do:
Wipe the moisture sensor inside the drum with a soft cloth and a little rubbing alcohol.

How we help:
If cleaning doesn’t fix it, we can test the sensor and replace it if necessary.

6. How A+ Appliance Repair and Maintenance Can Help

When your dryer is taking too long to dry clothes, you need a solution fast. At A+ Appliance Repair and Maintenance, our technicians are factory-trained, background-checked, and experienced in fixing all major dryer brands.

Here’s what you can expect when you call us:

• Fast response times so you don’t have to wait days for a repair.
• Accurate diagnostics to find the exact cause of the problem.
• Quality repairs with genuine parts for lasting results.
• Fair, competitive pricing that’s lower than many appliance service companies.

We’ve been serving homeowners in Los Angeles County, Chicago Metro Area, and beyond since 2015, with over 900 five-star reviews and more than 10,000 happy customers. Whether it’s a small repair or a major fix, we make sure your dryer is back to working like new—so you can get your laundry done on time.

Final Thoughts

A dryer that takes too long to dry clothes isn’t just an inconvenience—it can also be a sign of bigger problems. By understanding the common causes like clogged vents, heating element issues, or overloading, you can take steps to fix the problem quickly.

If you’ve tried basic troubleshooting and your dryer still isn’t performing well, it’s time to call A+ Appliance Repair and Maintenance. Our team can handle everything from quick fixes to major part replacements, so you can enjoy fresh, dry laundry without the wait.