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Dryer not drying
Common reasons your dryer not drying
The most common reasons your dryer is not drying are a clogged vent tube, open heating element or a bad wire connector.
53% of the time it's the Vent Tube
13% of the time it's the Heating Element
6% of the time it's the Wire Connector
28% of the time it's the Something else
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Common dryer repair parts you may need
Replacing one of these dryer parts may fix your problem.
Vent Tube Replacement
One of the primary reasons for clothes not drying properly in a dryer is often a blocked vent tube. When the vent tube becomes obstructed, air circulation within the dryer is hindered. As a result, warm and moist air remains trapped inside the dryer drum, preventing clothes from drying efficiently. If you notice prolonged drying times for your clothes, it's advisable to schedule a visit from a Sears Home Services Technician. The technician will inspect your dryer to ascertain whether a clogged vent is the root cause of the drying issue.
Heating Element Replacement
If your dryer isn't drying properly, an open heating element might be the culprit. "Open" in this context refers to a broken heating element where electrical current isn't flowing to generate heat. Even if there's no visible damage to the heating element, it could still be electrically open due to an internal break in continuity. If your dryer isn't heating up as it should, it's recommended to schedule a visit from a Sears Home Services Technician to diagnose and repair the issue.
Wire Connector Replacement
A faulty wire connector within the heating or control circuit can impede the drying process in your dryer. If a wire is disconnected from the heating element, it will hinder the element's ability to generate heat. Similarly, a loose wire on the moisture sensor can mislead the control system into believing that the clothes are dry when they are actually still damp. Moreover, a defective wire connector on the control board can disrupt the management of the drying cycle. If you notice your dryer isn't effectively drying clothes, it's advisable to schedule a service appointment and have a Sears Home Services Technician inspect the dryer. The technician will examine the wire connectors and address any issues accordingly.
What to expect when you experience a dryer not drying issue
How do I fix a not drying problem?
Addressing most issues with clothes not drying typically requires replacing components such as the vent tube, heating element, or wire connector. However, since there can be various underlying causes, conducting a comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for resolving the problem effectively. An accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the cost of the repair.
Sears Home Services provides solutions for a dryer that is not drying
If your dryer isn't drying properly, there could be several reasons behind it. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we advise having a Sears Home Services expert conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the root cause of the issue. Our technicians have the expertise to diagnose various types of dryer problems accurately.
What to watch for with a dryer not drying diagnosis
Troubleshooting contemporary appliances without adequate knowledge and training can pose challenges. Without employing appropriate diagnostic methods, resolving issues with your dryer may involve guesswork in replacing parts. Over the past decade, appliances have significantly advanced, with many models incorporating intricate electronic components that are challenging to assess. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming progressively more complex.
Troubleshooting a Dryer Not Drying Clothes but Getting Hot
It’s a good thing when your dryer is getting hot because you know that many components are working properly. Figuring out why a dryer is not dryer clothes but getting hot can be challenging.
Poor air flow is the number one cause of this dryer symptom of a dryer not drying clothes but getting hot. When air isn’t flowing through the dryer properly, the dryer may get even hotter than it should. Fixing the airflow problem quickly is essential to preventing additional problems such as a blown thermal fuse that would prevent an electric dryer from running and a gas dryer from heating.
To restore airflow through the dryer, check the lint screen and clear any built-up lint off the screen. Wash the lint screen with water and soft-bristle brush to remove dryer sheet and fabric softener residue.
These tips may help immediately restore proper air flow through a dryer not drying clothes but getting hot.
If these tips don’t help you fix the problem, schedule dryer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the drying issue.
How to Fix a Dryer Getting Hot but Not Drying
Fixing a dryer getting hot but not drying typically involves clearing an exhaust air system restriction. The dryer needs both heat and proper air flow to dry clothes. Because the heat is working, you’ll need to fix the problem with air flow.
First, check the lint screen and clear off any lint build-up. Clear lint off that screen before starting each dryer cycle. Wash the lint screen monthly using tap water and a soft bristle brush to remove nearly invisible dryer sheet residue from the screen holes.
Check the flexible vent hose behind your dryer for a kink or clogs. Clear that vent hose if it’s clogged and reposition it if it’s kinked.
Make sure the vent damper on the outside of your home opens freely. Lubricate that louver to replace the vent cap on the outside of your home if necessary.
Clear lint out of the duct system going to the outside of your home or have your dryer vent system cleaned by a professional such as our Sears Home Services Dryer Duct Cleaning team.
Once you resolve the airflow issue, you’ll likely fix the problem with your dryer getting hot but not drying. If not, schedule dryer service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the dryer.
If your dryer never achieves full dryness, suspect restricted airflow or failing heat sources. Lint cleaning sometimes isn’t enough for major obstructions. Call dryer repair near me for in-depth checks. Proper heat flow means a single cycle does the job.
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Dryer service
He was professional and polite. I didn't call back later that afternoon, although he replaced a thermostat the smart dry timer doesn't work as I was still having the same issue. The lady said she would email him and have him return. Never heard from anyone else.
Terry F, Oklahoma City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.
A dryer filter, commonly known as a lint filter, is a component of a clothes dryer that captures lint and other debris from clothes during the drying process, preventing them from clogging the dryer vent.
A dryer pedestal is a platform that elevates a dryer off the ground, making it easier to load and unload laundry while also providing additional storage space in some models.
A dryer rack is an accessory for clothes dryers that provides a stationary platform to dry items without tumbling, ideal for delicate or bulky items, or shoes that might be damaged by the usual drying cycle.