If you’re wondering how long does a dryer take to dry your clothes, you can read more in this article to find out. A dryer has become essential for smaller living spaces to quickly dry fresh laundry from the washer. Regular maintenance is still highly recommended for these units to ensure that they remain fully functional. Sometimes, a long drying cycle can consume more energy than usual and may not be cost-effective for the homemaker. It is better to know what to expect when using your dryer.
A full load of clothes will take you about 30 to 45 minutes to dry if you have a gas or electric dryer. Dense fabrics may take an hour or more to dry. These fabrics can be a blanket or thick bath towels. If your dryer is taking too long to dry your laundry, inspect your appliance right away. Aside from being inconvenient, a broken dryer can raise your energy bills or, worse, cause a house fire.
The time it takes for a dryer to dry depends on its make and model, the size of the load, the type of fabrics being dried, and the condition of the dryer. While it takes 30 to 45 minutes for a full load, most dryers will dry an average load in about 15 minutes. The most common reason for your dryer taking too long is that the ventilation is clogged with lint. Cleaning the lint filters usually solves the problem. If the problem isn’t with the ventilation, it could be with a heating element, thermostat, or sensor. Please continue reading to figure out what’s wrong and how to fix it.
Troubleshooting Dryer Errors At Home
- An error by the user. Using the incorrect heat and/or timer settings for the fabric type, as well as overloading the dryer, are common dryer usage mistakes. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for various drying times, load capacity, and heat settings. Clothes require space to tumble freely so that air can circulate around them.
- The heating element is broken. A defective heating element will significantly increase drying time or make complete drying impossible. Consult your dryer unit’s owner’s manual for instructions on how to inspect and, if necessary, replace the heating element.
- Faulty thermostats or sensors are less likely to be the cause of your dryer taking too long to dry. However, if one of these components fails, your dryer will not maintain the right temperature during the drying cycle. Again, consult the manufacturer’s guidelines when evaluating these parts on your dryer.
- Lint trap or air vent problems. Dryers require adequate airflow and a clear exhaust path in order to function properly. The dryer may overheat if the venting hose is clogged with lint, cracked, or too long. As a safety feature, your dryer may have a high-temperature sensor that turns off the heat when it reaches a certain temperature. While the drum can keep tumbling, clothes will not dry if there’s no heat. Cleaning the dryer’s lint trap after each use can help reduce lint buildup in the vent hose.
- The blower wheel is clogged. The blower wheel circulates air through the dryer in conjunction with the drive motor. It will also take longer to dry clothes if it becomes clogged with lint or small items that pass through the dryer’s filters. To ensure the best performance from your dryer, keep the blower wheel free of lint and obstructions. You can also consult a technician from Kenmore Best Appliance Repair Pro who can do maintenance for your dryer.
How Can You Keep the Dryer Working Properly?
- Follow the recommendations in the dryer’s manual for drying times, load capacity, and heat settings. Don’t overfill the dryer.
- Use the appropriate settings for the type of fabric and the size of the load.
- After each load, clean the lint filters.
- At least once a year, clean the ventilation.
- Maintain the cleanliness of the dryer. Every few months, wipe the dryer with a soft cloth. Keep the moisture sensors on the dryer clean to avoid false readings.
- Empty the water collected by a heat pump or condenser dryer regularly. If the dryer has a heat exchanger, it should be removed and cleaned with running water.
- Consult appliance repair specialists for a Kenmore dryer repair service today.
If you need assistance with your defective dryer at home, you can also refer to our other blog posts about dryer issues. You may also contact our repair professionals at Kenmore Best Appliance Repair Pro for your dryer concerns.