Why Is My Dryer Taking Too Long To Dry?

If your dryer seems to be running forever and your clothes are still damp, it’s not just frustrating—it’s a sign that something isn’t working efficiently. There are several common causes behind long drying times, and understanding them can help you avoid unnecessary repairs and get your dryer running like it should. Here are the two biggest reasons your dryer may be underperforming, and what you can do about it.

1. Clogged Vents: The #1 Culprit

One of the most overlooked causes of poor dryer performance is a clogged or restricted vent. Your dryer doesn’t just generate heat—it also needs strong airflow to extract moisture from clothes and push it out of your home through the vent duct. When lint and debris accumulate in the dryer vent, the airflow is reduced, trapping warm, moist air inside the drum. This leads to longer drying times and can even pose a fire hazard.

Solution: Dryer vents should be professionally cleaned at least once a year, and more often if you do laundry frequently or have pets. Not only will this improve drying efficiency, but it also extends the life of your dryer and ensures your home remains safe. You should also avoid overloading your dryer, as larger loads restrict airflow inside the drum, preventing proper moisture extraction.

2. Settings: Sensor Dry And Energy Saving Modes

Modern dryers offer features like Sensor Dry and Energy Saving Mode, which are great in theory but can sometimes cause confusion and underperformance.

Sensor Dry relies on detecting the moisture level in clothes to determine how long to run. While this can be energy efficient, it's not always accurate— especially with small or mixed loads. For example, a few lightweight items may dry faster than thicker garments, but the dryer may shut off before everything is dry if the sensors misread the overall moisture. In contrast, mixing large and small items in the same load can cause uneven drying— some items may be bone dry, while others are still damp.

Energy Saving Mode is designed to use less heat, but that also means longer drying times. These settings often use lower heat cycles and extend the drying duration, which may not be ideal for heavy loads or items that retain a lot of moisture.

Solution: When you're dealing with larger loads or want consistent results, use the Timed Dry setting. This bypasses the sensors and runs the dryer for a set period, giving you more control over the cycle. If you choose to use sensor modes, try to group similar fabric types and load sizes together to improve drying accuracy. Also be sure to set the dryness level to max. This helps extract more moisture from you items, thus leaving them more dry.

Final Thoughts

If your dryer is taking too long to dry, don’t assume it's broken—start by checking your vent and reevaluating how you’re using the settings. Clean vents mean better airflow, and using the right cycles can drastically improve drying times and energy efficiency. With a little maintenance and know-how, your dryer will run smoother, safer, and faster.