How To Fix A Dryer That Takes Too Long To Dry

A lint filter that is full of lint will restrict airflow and lengthen dry times. To keep your dryer working correctly, clean out the lint folder after each use.

How to check the lint filter in a dryer:

1. Remove the lint filter from the dryer and use a narrow soft-bristled brush to clean inside the slot for the lint filter.
2. Wash the filter in warm soapy water to clean buildups of fabric softeners or other additives.
3. Inspect the filter for damage or wear. If it is damaged, you will need a replacement lint filter.

A blower wheel that is not firmly attached to the drive motor can slip and therefore not move air fast enough to properly dry clothes or even reduce airflow to the point where the high limit thermostat may trip and turn off the heat circuit.

How to tell if your dryer’s blower wheel is bad:

1. Disconnect your dryer from the power source and remove the back panel.
2. After locating the blower wheel, ensure it is firmly attached to the shaft. Inspect the blower wheel, and it’s housing, for any signs of wear or damage. You should also remove any foreign objects you may find near the blower wheel.
3. Remove the front panel and drum from your dryer to inspect the hub of the wheel for any signs of wear or damage.
4. If you find any signs of wear or damage, you will need a replacement blower wheel.

In gas dryers, defective gas valve coils can create a symptom of taking too long to dry if they are intermittent. Check for proper flame ignition for the complete dry cycle to determine if this may be the cause.

How to test gas dryer valve coils with a multi-meter:

1. Before beginning, ensure that you have disconnected your dryer from both the power source and the gas.
2. Remove the lower access panel in order to locate the gas control valve.
3. Once you locate the gas control valve, remove the coils from the rest of the valve.
4. With your multi-meter set to Rx1, touch the probes to the coil’s terminals to test for continuity. You are looking for a reading between 1000 & 2000 ohms.
5. If you receive a reading outside this range, you need replacement coils.

The drum seals are used to prevent excess air from entering the dryer drum and act as a cushion between the drum and the front and rear bulkheads. The drum seals are made up of a felt like material. If the seal is torn or is worn, then clothing can become stuck in the gap when the drum is turning. This can produce a scraping or thumping noise and the clothes can also be ripped and/or have black marks on them.

How to check your dryer’s felt drum seal:

1. After unplugging your dryer, open your dryer cabinet and remove the drum.
2. With the drum removed, inside the seals for any signs of burning, wear, or damage.
3. If they show signs of wear or damage, you will need a replacement drum seal. On models with more than one felt seal, it is recommended to replace them all at the same time as they wear at approximately the same rate.

When the door is closed in gas and electric dryers the door seal helps to keep cooler air from entering the drum. Keeping the correct temperature at all times inside the dryer ensures that the clothes will dry efficiently.

How to inspect dryer door seals:

1. Locate your door seal and carefully remove it from your dryer door. Models differ in how the door seal is attached, consult your owner’s manual before beginning to ensure you do not damage your door seal attempting to remove it. Some models also require the door to be removed prior to removing the door seal.
2. Visually inspect your dryer seal for any signs of tearing, wear, damage, or mold.
3. If there is, you will need a replacement door seal.