Why Is My Dryer Taking So Long to Dry Clothes?

If your dryer is running but your clothes are still damp after a full cycle, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common dryer complaints homeowners experience — and it’s also one of the most misunderstood.

A dryer that takes too long to dry clothes isn’t just inconvenient. In many cases, it’s a sign of restricted airflow or a developing mechanical issue that can increase energy bills and, in worst cases, create a fire hazard.

Below are the most common reasons your dryer isn’t drying properly and what you should know before the problem gets worse.

1. Restricted Airflow Is the Most Common Cause

Dryers rely on strong airflow to remove moisture from clothing. When that airflow is restricted, moisture has nowhere to go — so clothes stay wet.

Common airflow issues include:

• Lint buildup inside the dryer cabinet
• A clogged or crushed dryer vent hose
• Exterior vent flaps that are stuck closed
• Long vent runs that trap lint over time

Even if you clean the lint trap after every load, lint still escapes into the vent system. Over time, it builds up and reduces airflow dramatically.

2. Dryer Vent Blockages Can Be a Fire Risk

A dryer that takes too long to dry often runs hotter and longer than designed. This creates excess heat inside the machine, especially when lint is present.

According to fire safety data, clogged dryer vents are one of the leading causes of dryer-related house fires. If your dryer feels unusually hot or shuts off mid-cycle, restricted airflow should be checked immediately.

3. Heating Element or Gas Ignition Issues

If airflow is good but drying time is still excessive, the issue may be with heat generation.

Possible causes include:

• A partially failed electric heating element
• Weak gas ignition in gas dryers
• Faulty thermostats or temperature sensors

In these cases, the dryer may produce some heat — just not enough to dry efficiently. This often leads homeowners to run multiple cycles without realizing a repair is needed.

4. Overloading the Dryer

This one surprises a lot of people. Overloading the dryer prevents air from circulating properly between clothes. Even a perfectly working dryer will struggle to dry a tightly packed load.

If clothes feel warm but still damp, try:

• Reducing load size
• Separating heavier items (towels, jeans)
• Using the correct cycle for fabric type

5. Moisture Sensor Problems

Modern dryers use moisture sensors to determine when clothes are dry. If these sensors become coated with residue from dryer sheets or fabric softeners, they may incorrectly detect moisture levels.

When this happens, the dryer may stop too early — or run longer than necessary without effective drying.

When to Call a Professional

If your dryer:

• Takes more than two cycles to dry
• Feels unusually hot
• Smells like burning lint
• Shuts off unexpectedly

…it’s time to have it inspected. Early repairs often prevent more expensive damage and reduce safety risks.

A properly functioning dryer should dry a normal load in one cycle. Anything beyond that is a sign something isn’t working as it should.