Troubleshooting a Slow Dryer

Here are some tips on troubleshooting a slow dryer. If you notice that your clothes dryer is taking longer to dry clothes than it used to, do not ignore the problem. Generally, the reason that a dryer takes a long time to dry clothes is a restricted air flow from the dryer. The air flow restriction is usually caused by a buildup of lint and ignoring the problem could result in a fire hazard.

Lint Trap

Obviously you should check the lint trap if the dryer is working slowly. However, just cleaning the filter may not be enough. Lint may build up inside the lint trap around the filter causing a restricted air flow that will cause the dryer to dry clothes slowly. If you see excess lint in the lint trap, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the lint.

Check The Hose

Dryer's exhaust damp air through a hose to the outside. Check that the dryer has not been pushed too close to the wall resulting in a kinked or smashed hose. A restricted hose will not allow the proper amount of air to pass through the hose, slowing the dryer's drying time and possibly resulting in the hose clogging with lint. A buildup of lint behind the dryer or on the hose is generally a sign of a leaking hose. Check the hose for holes or loose fittings.

Check the Vent

The vent where the dryer air leaves your home is another area that can cause problems. Most vents have a flap that opens when the dryer is running and stays closed at other times. The area around the flap can build up with lint over time and cause the flap to not operate properly. Clean this area with a brush if you see a buildup of lint on or near the vent.

Clean the Hose

Ideally, a dryer's vent hose should be straight walled metal, but flexible hoses are common as they are easy to use. These flexible hoses provide a lot of areas for lint to build up in the hose, which can cause a restriction. Take the hose off of the dryer and clean the hose using a brush. You may need to disassemble the hose to clean it properly. An air hose or leaf blower (on its lowest setting) can also be used to remove an obstruction from the hose.