# Dryer takes too long to dry | XT Appliances Warren Source: https://warren.xtappliances.com/dryer-repair/takes-too-long XT Appliances ยท Warren # Dryer takes too long to dry Usually lint restricting the vent, since the moving air is what carries the water out of the clothes. [Call (636) 367-1968](tel:+16363671968)[Request a call back](#callback) A dryer dries with moving air as much as with heat. The blower pulls air across the heater, through the tumbling clothes and out the vent, and that air carries the water away. Restrict it and the drum can feel hot while the clothes stay damp, because the wet air has nowhere to go. ### Airflow first That's why slow drying is a vent problem most of the time. Lint slips past the screen and builds up in the hose and behind the outside flap, and a hose crushed behind the machine chokes the air the same way. The tell is strong heat inside with weak air at the outside flap. Some dryers with electronic controls show an airflow or blocked-duct warning on the display, and that message means the vent, not a failed part. A restricted vent is also what later blows a thermal fuse or burns out an element. Lint in the vent is a fire risk, so deal with a slow dryer before it turns into one with no heat. If the vent and lint screen are clean and the air at the flap is still weak, the blower wheel is next. It can pack with lint, or its hub can strip on the motor shaft so it barely spins. A loose one often rattles. ### Sensor or heat Notice which cycles leave clothes damp. If an auto or sensor cycle stops early but a timed cycle dries the same load, the heat is fine. The moisture sensor bars in the drum are misreading the load, often because fabric softener left a film on them, and cleaning them is the first fix. If timed cycles are slow too and the airflow is good, the heat is low. On an electric dryer that can be a cycling thermostat holding the wrong temperature, or the dryer running on half its power from a tripped half of the breaker or a burnt connection at the back. On a gas dryer, a burner that lights and keeps going out points at the flame sensor. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas company from outside. Don't switch lights or appliances on or off. Our technician measures the airflow at the outside vent and checks the blower and sensor bars before testing the heat circuit, so a part only gets replaced when the vent isn't the cause. ## What it usually turns out to be 1. Cleaning or upkeep**Blocked vent, lint screen or outside flap**Moving air carries the water out of the clothes. When lint chokes the vent, the drum feels hot but the load stays damp, and the outside flap barely moves. 2. Part**Blower wheel**The fan that pushes air out the vent can pack with lint or slip on the motor shaft. Weak air at a clean vent, sometimes with a rattle, points here. 3. Part**Moisture sensor bars**Metal bars in the drum tell auto cycles when the load is dry. A film of fabric softener fools them, so auto cycles stop early while a timed cycle dries fine. 4. Part**Weak heat**On an electric dryer, a cycling thermostat holding the wrong temperature or a lost half of the power supply keeps the heat low. On a gas dryer, a burner that lights and keeps going out points at the flame sensor. ## Try this first * Clean the lint screen before every load. * Look behind the dryer for a crushed or kinked vent hose. * With the dryer running, go outside and feel for strong air at the vent flap. * If auto cycles stop with the clothes damp, unplug the dryer and wipe the two metal bars inside the drum with a cloth and a little rubbing alcohol, then let them dry. Stop using it and call now if * The top or sides get too hot to touch, or you smell burning. * Scorch marks or lint piling up around the door. * Gas smell from a gas dryer. [Call (636) 367-1968](tel:+16363671968) ## Other dryer problems * [Dryer runs but won't heat](https://warren.xtappliances.com/dryer-repair/no-heat) * [Dryer squealing, thumping or grinding](https://warren.xtappliances.com/dryer-repair/noisy) * [Dryer drum won't turn](https://warren.xtappliances.com/dryer-repair/drum-wont-turn) * [Dryer won't start](https://warren.xtappliances.com/dryer-repair/wont-start) Or go back to [dryer repair in Warren](https://warren.xtappliances.com/dryer-repair). ## Rather we call you? Leave your number and what's wrong. We'll call you back. Or call [(636) 367-1968](tel:+16363671968)