Start with airflow
Most slow-drying problems come down to airflow. A dryer needs to move warm air through the clothes and out of the house. Anything that restricts that path, such as a dirty filter, a crushed hose or a blocked vent, makes drying slower and makes the dryer work harder.
So when you want to improve performance, start with the filter, then the duct, and only then think about settings and habits.
How to clean the lint trap properly
- Remove the lint screen after every load and pull the lint off with your fingers.
- Check the mesh. Hold the screen up to the light. If you cannot see through it, or water sits on top of the mesh when you run a little over it, there may be a film.
- Wash the screen with warm water, a little dish soap and a soft brush, and rinse. Dry it completely before putting it back.
- Vacuum the lint slot with a long crevice attachment or a narrow brush to remove lint that has fallen below the filter. Keep the dryer unplugged while you do this.
Fabric softener and dryer sheet residue can leave a film that is not visible as lint, which is why occasional washing helps.
Load the dryer correctly
- Do not overload. Clothes need room to tumble so warm air can reach all surfaces.
- Do not underload either. A single item can tumble in a ball; follow your manual.
- Dry similar items together. Mixing heavy towels with light shirts means the light items finish early and the towels stay damp.
- Shake out items as you load them, especially sheets and towels that clump.
- Pause and redistribute if the load balls up.
Use the washer to help
A higher spin speed in the washer removes more water before clothes ever reach the dryer, so the dryer has less to evaporate. Use the spin setting that your fabrics and care labels allow; our guide to washing machine cycles and spin speeds explains the options. If wet clothes come out very damp from the washer, a problem with the washer drain or spin may be the cause.
Choose settings wisely
- Use the lowest heat setting that gets the fabrics dry; high heat is not always faster and can be harder on fabric.
- If your dryer has an automatic or sensor-drying cycle, it often does a better job than a fixed timer because it stops when clothes are dry.
- Choose the cycle that matches the fabric. If you are unsure which cycle to use, see permanent press vs regular and the delicates setting.
Dryer sheets, dryer balls and residue
Dryer sheets and liquid fabric softener can leave a coating on the lint screen and on the sensors inside the drum, which may make the dryer misjudge how dry your clothes are. Some people choose to use wool dryer balls instead. They may help separate items and improve airflow, though results vary and evidence on drying-time savings is limited. If you use any additive, clean the lint screen and sensor more often.
Clean the moisture sensor
Many dryers have metal bars or strips inside the drum that sense moisture. A film on them can make the dryer think clothes are still wet and keep running.
- Unplug the dryer.
- Wipe the sensor bars with a soft cloth dampened with a little rubbing alcohol or the cleaner your manual recommends.
- Dry them and test the dryer.
Check your manual for how often your maker suggests doing this. Monthly to every few months is a typical range.
Check the vent and hose
If the filter is clean and loads are sensible but drying is still slow, check the duct:
- Is the transition hose behind the dryer crushed or kinked?
- Does the outside hood open firmly when the dryer runs?
- Is the duct long, with many bends?
For a deeper look, see our dryer vent issues guide. If the vent is long, hidden in a wall or roof, or you are unsure, a professional cleaning is the safer route.
What about the aluminum foil ball?
Some online tips suggest putting a ball of aluminum foil in the dryer to reduce static or soften clothes. There is little reliable evidence it improves drying, and loose foil in a dryer can scratch the drum or cause sparks or damage. We do not recommend it. Wool dryer balls or simply drying fewer items together are safer options.
When slow drying means a repair
If you have cleaned the filter, sensor and vent and loads still take much longer than they used to, consider:
- A heating problem such as a failed element, thermostat or gas part. If the dryer is not warming at all, it is likely a component issue.
- A drive or drum issue if the drum is not turning properly.
- Overheating or shutoffs. See our dryer overheating article.
If you smell burning, stop using the dryer and read dryer burning smell: what to do. Repairs involving electrical or gas parts are best left to a qualified technician.