How Do You Fix a Dryer That Is Not Drying?

Fixing a dryer that is not drying depends on what is causing the malfunction. You may need to clean the vents or lint trap, replace essential components like the heating element or blower wheel, or simply plug the appliance in or reset the breaker. When in doubt, leave it to a service professional.

Why Are My Clothes Still Damp After Drying?

Your clothes may still be damp after drying if your unit’s airflow is blocked. If the hot, moist air your appliance uses to dry clothes cannot escape, your clothes will reabsorb the moisture. This problem can be caused by an overloaded drum, a clogged exhaust vent, or a malfunctioning heating element.

Why Is My Dryer Running But Not Heating?

If your dryer is running but not heating, the vent may be clogged with lint. This issue traps cold, wet air inside your dryer with your clothes, which lowers the unit’s temperature and affects its drying ability. Your heating element could also be broken, limiting the unit’s ability to produce hot air.

Why Is My Dryer Not Drying Clothes in One Cycle?

Your dryer may not dry your clothes in one cycle if there is an issue with the unit’s ventilation or heating element. If either of these systems malfunctions, your unit cannot dry your clothes properly.

Dryer Not Drying, Heating, or Spinning? Here’s What to Do

White side-by-side washer and dryer with the front-load dryer’s door open

With an average lifespan of about 14 years, you can expect to enjoy years of reliable service from your dryer, but a lack of maintenance or old age may cause it to underperform or periodically break down. You can avoid downtime and costly repairs by paying close attention to warning signs and knowing when to call the experts. Read on to learn what to do if your dryer won't spin, heat, or dry, from the experienced professionals at Mr. Appliance®.

What Can Go Wrong?

A dryer is a relatively simple machine that uses a large drum to rotate clothing, and heated air to evaporate and remove the moisture and vent it to the outdoors. While it is not uncommon for certain components such as a heating element or electrical parts to fail due to wear and tear, breakdowns may also occur as a result of improper installation techniques or an accumulation of lint in the dryer vent or trap.

Older dryers may use a significant amount of power during the drying process, while new technologies can help you to achieve greater energy efficiency. Mr. Electric® has some helpful tips on upgrading your kitchen appliances to make the most of your investment.

Common Dryer Problems & Solutions

Use these troubleshooting tips to diagnose the issue with your dryer before you call Mr. Appliance for repair services. If the dryer will not turn on, check the following before proceeding to the interior components:

Check the power cord to ensure it is plugged in and undamaged.
Check the breaker box and try turning the breaker all the way off and back on again to restore power.
In the case of a gas dryer, conduct a visual inspection to verify the flow of gas, or try resetting the GFI by pressing the reset button.

*NOTE: Before attempting to troubleshoot your dryer take the necessary safety precautions and disconnect the power source to prevent injury.

Dryer Not Drying

If your dryer turns on but isn't drying your clothes, the problem may be a lack of circulation due to an accumulation of lint. In addition to the potential for a dryer fire and the unnecessary wear and tear on system components, a clogged lint screen or dryer vent hose hampers the flow of air and forces your dryer to work harder than necessary. The solution? Clear the lint screen after each load, and purchase a dryer cleaning kit to perform semi-annual maintenance on the machine.

Dryer Not Heating

A lack of heat is typically due to a faulty heating element or a blown thermal fuse. This fuse is attached to the heating chamber and is designed to blow once the temperature reaches a dangerously high level. While the fuse may have simply blown on its own, it is important to determine if there is an underlying issue causing the dryer to overheat. Contact the experts at Mr. Appliance for fast, efficient diagnosis and repair.

Dryer Won't Spin

A dryer that starts, but won't spin, likely has a worn belt or drum bearing. If you are handy and have the right tools you may be able to locate and replace the belt yourself, after disconnecting the power to the dryer and removing the rear panel. If this does not solve the problem, contact Mr. Appliance for professional repair services you can count on.

The team of knowledgeable, experienced technicians at Mr. Appliance will perform an accurate diagnosis and repair to ensure the comfort and safety of your home and family. Call us today or contact us online to schedule an appointment.