Tumble Dryer Taking Too Long To Dry
If your tumble dryer is taking too long to dry clothes, the appliance is completing cycles but it is taking significantly more time than it should to get laundry fully dry. In the vast majority of cases this is caused by a maintenance issue that can be resolved at home.
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Select your tumble dryer brand below for a specific guide including the relevant error codes for your appliance.
Why Is My Tumble Dryer Taking Too Long To Dry?
When a tumble dryer takes significantly longer than usual to dry a load, the most common cause is restricted airflow through the machine. This is almost always a maintenance issue. Before investigating further, start with the lint filter — cleaning it thoroughly is the single most effective step you can take to restore normal drying times.
Common Causes
Blocked lint filter
The most common cause. Even a partially blocked lint filter significantly restricts the airflow needed for efficient drying. The filter must be cleaned after every single cycle.
Blocked condenser (condenser and heat pump dryers)
A clogged condenser reduces the machine’s efficiency dramatically. On heat pump dryers in particular, a dirty condenser can more than double drying times. Clean the condenser regularly.
Dirty humidity sensors
The humidity sensors monitor moisture levels in the drum and determine when the laundry is dry. If they are coated with fabric softener residue they can give inaccurate readings, causing the machine to run longer than necessary or end the cycle before the laundry is fully dry. Wipe them with a damp cloth regularly.
Overloaded drum
Too many items in the drum prevent clothes from tumbling freely and restrict airflow. The drum should be no more than two thirds full.
Laundry too wet going in
If the washing machine has not completed an adequate spin cycle, the laundry will be much wetter than normal and will take significantly longer to dry. Run an extra spin cycle on the washing machine first.
Blocked exhaust duct (vented dryers)
A kinked or partially blocked exhaust duct slows the removal of moist air from the machine, extending drying times considerably.
Wrong programme selected
Using a lower heat setting or a shorter timed programme than required for the load size or fabric type will result in longer drying times or damp laundry.
Checks To Try Before Calling An Engineer
Clean the lint filter
Remove the lint filter and clean it thoroughly. Rinse under water if needed and allow to dry before refitting.
Clean the condenser
Remove the condenser unit, rinse it thoroughly under running water, allow it to dry completely and refit it firmly.
Wipe the humidity sensors
Wipe the two metal sensor strips on the inside of the drum with a clean damp cloth.
Empty the water tank
Pull out the condensate water tank, empty it fully and refit it firmly.
Reduce the load size
Try drying a smaller load to see if times improve. If they do, overloading was the cause.
Check the exhaust duct (vented dryers)
Inspect the exhaust duct for any kinks or blockages and clean out any lint build-up.
When To Contact A Professional
If drying times remain excessive after all of the above checks, there may be a fault with the heating element, thermostat or heat pump system. These require professional diagnosis and repair. Internal components should only be inspected or repaired by trained professionals.
Related Tumble Dryer Fault Guides
Tumble Dryer Not Drying Clothes Properly
Tumble Dryer Stopping Mid-Cycle
Related Guides
Tumble dryer error codes — all brands
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