Dryer Not Drying Clothes? 7 Fixes to Try First
- Section
- Appliances
- Read time
- 2 min
- Updated
If clothes are still damp after a full cycle, the problem is usually airflow, not a broken dryer. A clogged lint filter or vent traps moist air, and it’s also a leading cause of dryer fires. Check these first.
Quick answer
- Clean the lint screen, and wash it if it’s coated in residue.
- Check that the vent hose behind the dryer isn’t crushed or kinked.
- Clean the vent duct all the way to the outside flap.
- Don’t overload, and spin washer loads at high speed.
In this guide
1. Clean the lint screen
Clean it before every load. Dryer sheets can leave an invisible film. Scrub the screen with warm soapy water and a soft brush every few months. If water pools on the screen instead of passing through, it needs cleaning.
2. Clean the lint screen housing
Vacuum down inside the slot where the screen sits with a long, narrow attachment or a lint brush.
3. Check the vent hose
Pull the dryer out. The hose should be short, straight, and not crushed. Replace flimsy plastic or foil hoses with semi-rigid or rigid metal duct.
4. Clean the vent duct
- Unplug the dryer (and turn off the gas valve if it’s a gas dryer).
- Disconnect the hose and vacuum out lint.
- Use a dryer vent brush kit to clean the duct all the way to the outside.
- Outside, make sure the flap opens freely and isn’t blocked by lint, nests, or snow.
Test: with the dryer running, feel the air at the outside vent. It should blow strongly.
5. Don’t overload
Clothes need room to tumble. Large items such as comforters may need a load by themselves.
6. Check the washer’s spin
Very wet clothes take much longer to dry. Use a higher spin speed and make sure the washer drains completely.
7. Check settings and power
- Make sure you’re not on air fluff (no heat).
- Electric dryers need both legs of a 240-volt circuit. If the drum turns but there’s no heat, check the breaker. A half-tripped double breaker is common.
- Gas dryers: make sure the gas valve is fully open.
When to call a pro
If airflow is strong and there’s still no heat, a heating element, thermal fuse, or gas igniter may have failed. These are repairable, but for gas dryers especially, a professional is the safe choice.
Fire safety: clean the full vent at least once a year. Don’t run the dryer when you’re away from home or asleep.
Safety first Turn off power or water before working on fixtures and appliances, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and call a licensed pro for gas, major electrical, or structural work.