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Dryer Taking Too Long to Dry? Check the Vent

A clogged vent is the most common reason a dryer needs two cycles. Here is how to check it, and what else can slow drying.

If your dryer runs a full cycle and your clothes are still damp, the dryer itself may be fine. The most common cause is a clogged or restricted vent.

Why the vent matters

A dryer works by heating air and pushing the moist air outside. When lint builds up in the vent, moist air can’t escape, so clothes take longer to dry and the dryer runs hotter. Lint buildup is also a leading cause of dryer fires.

What you can check

Clean the lint screen before every load, and wash it with soap and water every few months.
Go outside while the dryer runs. The vent flap should open and you should feel strong airflow.
Look behind the dryer for a crushed or kinked duct.
Replace thin plastic or foil ducts with rigid or semi-rigid metal duct.

Other causes

Overloading the drum, a washer that isn’t spinning out enough water, a failing heating element or gas valve, or a faulty thermostat can also slow drying.