When a dryer that once worked perfectly starts taking forever to finish a load, it’s easy to assume it’s wearing out. But more often than not, the problem isn’t with the machine’s age—it’s something much simpler and preventable. In our work providing appliance repair in Glendale, we often find that dryers run endlessly because of a few hidden issues that build up over time.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s really happening inside your dryer, why cycles drag on, and what you can do to fix the problem before it turns into a costly repair or safety risk.
The Importance of Airflow
Every dryer depends on one simple principle: steady airflow. The machine pulls in air, heats it, circulates it through the drum, and then pushes the moisture out through the vent. If any part of that airflow system is blocked or restricted, the cycle time increases dramatically.
Lint is the most common culprit. Even if you clean the lint trap after every load, lint still slips past the filter and collects inside the ductwork. Over time, it builds up on the vent walls and narrows the path for air to escape. The dryer senses moisture that isn’t being removed quickly enough and keeps running to compensate. The result is a cycle that seems endless and clothes that stay damp longer than they should.
Another issue can come from the vent hood outside your home. If the flap is stuck, bent, or covered with debris, air cannot escape properly. Checking this small detail can often solve what seems like a major problem.
Moisture Sensors and Their Hidden Role
Modern dryers rely on moisture sensors to decide when clothes are dry. These small metal strips inside the drum detect humidity levels and signal the control board to stop the cycle when everything is dry.
When those sensors get coated with detergent residue or fabric softener, they stop reading correctly. The machine thinks the clothes are still wet and keeps tumbling long after the load is dry. Cleaning the sensors with a bit of rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth usually restores accurate readings.
If you notice that clothes feel completely dry but the cycle continues anyway, dirty sensors are likely the reason. It’s an easy fix that takes only a few minutes but saves hours of wasted energy and time.
The Hidden Danger of a Clogged Vent
Beyond the inconvenience, poor airflow creates serious risks. A clogged vent forces the dryer to overheat while trying to push out moist air. That trapped heat can damage components like the thermal fuse or heating element and even create a fire hazard.
We often find that homeowners don’t realize how far the vent line runs through the house. The longer the duct, the greater the chance for lint accumulation. Sharp turns and flexible plastic ducts make it even worse. Switching to a rigid metal vent and keeping the run as straight as possible improves both safety and efficiency.
Scheduling a professional vent cleaning once a year can prevent these problems altogether. Even if you do your own basic maintenance, a thorough cleaning with the proper equipment ensures no hidden buildup remains deep in the ductwork.
Overloading and the Effect on Drying Time
It might seem convenient to cram everything into one load, but overloading prevents warm air from circulating evenly. Clothes at the center stay damp while those near the edges dry faster. The sensor reads mixed signals and keeps running the cycle.
To keep things efficient, try filling the drum only about two-thirds full. This leaves space for air movement and ensures heat reaches every part of the load. Separating heavy fabrics from lighter ones also helps because towels and jeans hold much more moisture than shirts or sheets.
Small habits like these make a bigger difference than most people realize. Not only will your clothes dry faster, but the machine will also last longer with less wear on its parts.
Power Supply and Heating Element Issues
If the airflow is fine and you’re not overloading the drum, the next step is checking the heat source. Electric dryers rely on a heating element, while gas models use a burner assembly. Both can weaken over time.
When a heating element starts to fail, it might still warm up, but not enough to evaporate moisture efficiently. This partial heating stretches out the drying time. The same goes for gas dryers with clogged burner ports or faulty igniters.
If you notice that the air inside the drum never feels truly hot, even after several minutes of operation, the heating system is likely the problem. In these cases, it’s best to call a technician who can safely test and replace the component. A professional can also rule out other issues like faulty thermostats or control boards.
The Role of Humidity and Vent Location
Even the weather can affect how long your dryer takes. High humidity means the air around the vent is already saturated with moisture, which slows evaporation inside the drum.
If your dryer is located in a basement or enclosed laundry area, lack of ventilation can make this worse. The machine keeps recycling warm, damp air instead of pulling in fresh air. Adding better room ventilation or a small dehumidifier can make cycles noticeably shorter.
You can also check where your vent exits the house. A vent that blows into a shaded or damp area might struggle to release hot air effectively. Simple adjustments, like redirecting the vent or clearing vegetation around it, can restore normal airflow.
How to Keep Your Dryer Running Efficiently
We tend to think of dryers as low-maintenance, but a few routine steps can keep them working efficiently for years:
Clean the lint trap after every load and rinse it occasionally under water to remove film.
Inspect the vent hose and wall duct every few months. Look for lint buildup, kinks, or crushed sections that block air.
Wipe the moisture sensors monthly to remove residue.
Check that the outside vent flap opens freely when the dryer runs.
Run shorter cycles and monitor results rather than relying solely on automatic settings.
If you’ve done all this and still experience slow cycles, it’s time for a deeper look. Persistent issues might indicate internal blockages, motor wear, or faulty thermostats. In such cases, a technician can test components accurately and prevent a small issue from escalating.
For example, our technicians often find dryers that seem perfectly fine on the outside but have hidden lint layers inside the cabinet. Removing that buildup not only restores performance but also reduces fire risk.
For more focused support, you can learn about specific repair options like dryer repair in Burbank, which covers common performance and safety issues for local homeowners.
When It’s Time to Call a Professional
It’s tempting to keep troubleshooting on your own, but some issues require specialized tools. Testing voltage, replacing heating elements, or clearing deep vent blockages involves more than basic maintenance.
If the dryer shuts off mid-cycle, overheats, or produces a burning smell, disconnect it immediately and have it checked. These symptoms suggest overheating or electrical failure. Continuing to use the dryer can damage it further and create safety hazards.
A professional technician can inspect the full system from the lint screen to the vent outlet and pinpoint what’s slowing down the process. The goal isn’t just to restore drying speed but also to make the appliance safe and energy efficient again.
If your dryer has been running longer lately and none of the simple fixes work, the best next step is to contact us for a proper inspection and tune-up.
FAQ
Why does my dryer take so long even after cleaning the lint trap?
The lint trap catches only part of the debris. Lint continues to accumulate inside the vent hose and wall duct, which slows airflow and traps moisture. Regular vent cleaning solves this problem.
Can fabric softener really cause the moisture sensor to malfunction?
Yes. Fabric softener sheets leave a thin film that interferes with the sensor’s ability to read moisture levels. Wiping the metal strips with rubbing alcohol once a month keeps them working properly.
How can I tell if my dryer vent is blocked?
If the top of the dryer feels unusually hot or the laundry room gets humid during a cycle, airflow is restricted. You can also check the vent hood outside; if air barely escapes, the duct needs cleaning.
Should I replace my dryer if it’s more than ten years old and slow?
Not necessarily. Many dryers last far longer with proper maintenance. A technician can often fix performance issues for much less than the cost of a new unit.
Is it safe to run multiple cycles in a row to finish drying?
Doing so can overheat the machine and wear out components faster. It’s better to identify the cause of long cycles than to compensate by running extra loads.