When a dryer needs two or three cycles for a load that used to dry in one, the usual cause is poor airflow. Hot, moist air must leave the dryer quickly or clothes stay damp no matter how long the machine runs.
This applies to electric and gas clothes dryers that vent outdoors.
Does this affect you?
Use this if drying time has gradually increased, auto cycles stop while clothes are damp, or towels and jeans need repeated cycles.
Clean the lint trap and exhaust vent
- Remove lint from the screen before each load.
- Once a month, wash the screen with warm soapy water and a soft brush to remove dryer-sheet film.
- Check the exterior vent hood and make sure the flap opens freely.
- Unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall.
- Inspect the vent hose for kinks, crushing, or lint buildup.
- Replace flexible plastic or flimsy foil duct with rigid or semi-rigid metal duct where appropriate.
- Have long ducts or ducts with several bends cleaned periodically.
Unplug before disconnecting the vent. On a gas dryer, never disconnect or adjust the gas line yourself. Reconnect the vent before running the dryer again so hot moist lint-filled air does not blow into the home.
Check load size, sensors, and settings
- Split large loads so clothes can tumble freely.
- Clean the moisture sensor strips inside the drum with rubbing alcohol on a cloth.
- Use an auto-sensing Normal or More Dry cycle for mixed everyday loads.
- Use higher heat or heavier cycles only when safe for the fabric.
- Do not mix heavy towels with lightweight shirts if the sensor keeps ending early.
Every 90-degree duct bend acts like extra duct length. A vent that is technically short but full of bends can still slow drying. A professional can measure airflow at the outside vent instead of guessing.
If airflow, sensors, settings, and load size are correct, an electric heating element may be partially failed, or a gas dryer may have a weak igniter or burner issue. Have those parts tested before replacing the whole dryer.
Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission – Clothes Dryer Fires (2024)
- Whirlpool – Dryer Taking Too Long to Dry Clothes (2025)
- GE Appliances – Dryer Cycle Takes Too Long (2024)