Why is my dryer not drying but still heating?

If your dryer feels hot but the clothes are still damp, restricted airflow is the most likely cause. Check the lint trap and vent for buildup. Reduced airflow traps moisture inside the drum, extending dry times even when heat is present.

Why does my dryer take so long to dry clothes?

Longer drying times often mean reduced airflow or a failing heating element. Clean your lint screen and vent system first; if the issue persists, a professional can test the heating element or thermostat.

Can overloading cause my dryer to stop drying?

Absolutely. Overloading restricts airflow and prevents even heating. Dry smaller loads and avoid packing the drum too tightly to improve efficiency.

Can a faulty moisture sensor cause my dryer not to dry?

Yes. Many modern dryers use a built-in moisture sensor to detect when clothes are dry and automatically end the cycle. If this sensor becomes dirty or fails, it may send incorrect readings, causing the dryer to stop too soon or run inefficiently. Gently clean the sensor with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol; if the problem continues, a service professional can test or replace the sensor.

Could the dryer’s thermostat affect drying performance?

Yes. The thermostat regulates internal temperature during each cycle. If it’s faulty, your dryer might not heat consistently or could overheat and shut off early. Since testing requires a multimeter and access to electrical components, this repair is best left to a qualified appliance service professional.

Does the laundry room temperature affect how well my dryer works?

It can. Dryers located in very cold or humid spaces, like basements or garages, may take longer to dry clothes because the surrounding air affects how efficiently moisture can vent. Ensure your dryer is installed in a well-ventilated, temperature-controlled area for the best performance.

Dryer Not Drying? 15 Common Reasons and Fixes

Mr. Appliance explains what to do if the dryer is not drying clothes.

Mr. Appliance explains common reasons why your dryer isn’t drying clothes and how to fix them.

Check and clean the lint filter and vent for blockages.
Ensure the dryer is not overloaded.
Inspect the heating element and thermostat.
Verify proper power supply and settings.

Why is my dryer not drying? Whether your clothes are coming out damp or the cycle seems to take forever, the answer can range from a blocked vent to something more technical, like a power issue or malfunctioning heating element.

This complete guide will help you troubleshoot why your dryer is not drying clothes, identify the best fix for each cause, and explain when to call a professional.

Article contents:

1. The Dryer Is Unplugged
2. You Have a Tripped Breaker
3. The Vent Is Restricted
4. The Lint Trap Is Blocked
5. The Exhaust Vent Is Clogged
6. The Dryer Drum Is Overloaded
7. The Drive Belt Needs To Be Replaced
8. The Heating Element Is Malfunctioning
9. Your Blower Wheel Is Broken
10. Your Dryer’s Thermal Fuse Blew
11. The Motor Isn’t Working
12. Control Panel Failure
13. The Door Latch Is Defective
14. The Start Switch Is Broken
15. Your Clothes Are Too Wet
When to Call a Professional
FAQs About Why Your Dryer Is Not Drying

Mr. Appliance explains the 15 most common reasons a dryer isn’t drying.

1. The Dryer Is Unplugged

Before looking into the more complex issues, check the simplest one first—power (or lack thereof). If your dryer is unplugged or the plug has loosened from its outlet, it won’t turn on or heat. This can happen after moving the dryer, cleaning behind it, or shifting the appliance during heavy vibration.

The Fix: Push the plug firmly into the outlet and confirm a secure connection.

2. You Have a Tripped Breaker

A dryer needs two electrical circuits to run, one for the motor and one for the heating element. If one of these breakers trips, your dryer might spin but fail to heat.

The Fix: Open your electrical panel and look for a breaker switch that’s out of alignment. Flip it fully off, then back on. If the breaker continues to trip, discontinue use of the dryer and contact a qualified electrical professional to inspect your breaker panel.

3. The Vent Is Restricted

Airflow is essential for a dryer to remove heat and moisture, but a restricted vent prevents hot air from escaping. That means you’re going to be waiting a long time for your laundry to dry (if it ever does!).

The Fix: Inspect the vent hose for kinks, bends, or crushed areas. If airflow from the outside vent feels weak or cool, it’s time for a thorough cleaning. Straighten out the hose and schedule a professional vent cleaning service annually for optimal performance.

4. The Lint Trap Is Blocked

A clogged lint trap is one of the most common causes of poor dryer performance. Even if you clean your lint screen regularly, fine fibers can still accumulate inside the housing and reduce airflow.

The Fix: Remove the lint screen and clear any visible lint. Then, use your vacuum’s hose attachment to remove lint inside the slot. For a deeper clean, wash the lint screen with warm, soapy water and let it air dry before reinstalling.

5. The Exhaust Vent Is Clogged

If your lint trap is clean but your dryer still takes multiple cycles to dry clothes, the exhaust vent might be clogged. A clogged or kinked vent blocks hot air from escaping, forcing humidity to stay inside the drum. Regular vent cleaning ensures consistent airflow and shorter drying cycles.

The Fix: Detach the vent hose from the back of the dryer and check for lint buildup. Shake the hose to loosen debris and clean it thoroughly. If you can’t access the entire vent system, schedule a professional dryer vent cleaning.

Clean your dryer vent once a year, or more frequently if you do large or frequent loads. Annual maintenance prevents overheating, reduces energy costs, and minimizes fire risk.

6. The Dryer Drum Is Overloaded

Mr. Appliance explains how to tell if your dryer drum is overweight.

Filling the drum with too much laundry can block airflow and prevent heat from circulating. Overloading also puts unnecessary stress on the drum and motor, potentially shortening the dryer’s lifespan.

The Fix: Remove some items from the drum and restart the cycle. As a rule of thumb, keep the drum no more than three-quarters full to allow air to circulate freely.

7. The Drive Belt Needs To Be Replaced

If the dryer is running but the drum isn’t turning, the drive belt may be broken or loose. This belt connects the motor to the drum, allowing it to spin during the cycle.

The Fix: Unplug the dryer and manually rotate the drum. If it spins easily without resistance, the belt is likely damaged. Replacing a drive belt involves removing multiple panels, so it’s best handled by a qualified service professional.

8. The Heating Element Is Malfunctioning

The heating element warms the air that circulates through your dryer. When it burns out, your dryer may run normally—but with no heat.

The Fix: Diagnosing a faulty heating element usually requires a multimeter and safe disassembly of the dryer. Because it involves electrical components, call a service professional to replace the heating element safely.

9. Your Blower Wheel Is Broken

The blower wheel distributes heated air through the drum and pushes moist air out through the vent. If it malfunctions or gets clogged, your dryer loses airflow. Once again, the result is the same: a load of soggy clothes and linens.

The Fix: Listen for rattling or scraping sounds during a cycle. If you suspect a broken blower wheel, schedule dryer service with your local Mr. Appliance team to inspect and replace it.

10. Your Dryer’s Thermal Fuse Blew

The thermal fuse is a safety device that stops the dryer from overheating. If it fails, the dryer will not heat or may stop working entirely.

The Fix: Testing or replacing a thermal fuse involves electrical disassembly and should only be handled by a qualified professional. An expert can also identify what caused the fuse to blow and fix the issue to prevent it from happening again.

11. The Motor Isn’t Working

A failing motor can prevent the dryer from turning the drum or circulating air. You may hear humming or buzzing before the motor stops completely.

The Fix: Because this issue requires removing the drum and wiring, contact an appliance repair professional for proper diagnosis and replacement.

12. Control Panel Failure

The control panel, usually located on the top front or back of the dryer, houses the buttons, knobs, or digital display you use to operate the machine. The internal circuit board processes your selections and sends signals to the dryer’s mechanical components—like the motor, heating element, and sensors—to perform the chosen cycle.

If you can’t select cycles, adjust settings, or start your dryer, the control panel could be malfunctioning. Faulty wiring or worn control boards can cause erratic performance.

The Fix: Have a service professional test the control board and wiring connections. In many cases, only the defective component needs replacement, not the entire panel.

13. The Door Latch Is Defective

If your dryer door doesn’t close securely, the safety mechanism will prevent the motor from running.

The Fix: Try gently pushing the door until you hear a click. If it doesn’t stay closed, unplug the dryer and replace the latch. Check your user manual to ensure the child lock feature isn’t activated before replacing the latch.

14. The Start Switch Is Broken

The start switch triggers the motor and heating cycle. If it’s defective, the dryer won’t start or may shut off unexpectedly, leaving clothes wet.

The Fix: You can test the start switch with a multimeter, but it’s safer to have a service professional confirm continuity and replace the part if necessary.

15. Your Clothes Are Too Wet

Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the dryer—it’s the washer. If clothes go into the dryer dripping wet, even a fully functional dryer may be unable to get them dry in a single cycle.

The Fix: Check your washing machine’s spin cycle settings or wring out excess water before drying. If your washer isn’t spinning properly, schedule service for a reliable fix.

When to Call a Professional

A Mr. Appliance service professional performing a dryer repair.

If your dryer is not drying clothes after checking for power, lint, or vent issues, a Mr. Appliance professional near you can help. Complex problems like motor failure or blown fuses require specialized tools and safe handling. Mr. Appliance service professionals can identify and resolve electrical faults, airflow blockages, and mechanical failures safely and efficiently.

Our experts provide transparent pricing, quality parts, and reliable repairs backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® to help your dryer work effectively again. Request an appointment today.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Appliance is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Mr. Appliance location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

FAQs About Why Your Dryer Is Not Drying

Decades of experience, highly skilled service professionals, and a commitment to exceptional customer service have made Mr. Appliance a trusted leader in appliance maintenance and repairs. Our commitment to keeping your appliances up and running includes using our many years of experience and expertise to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about a dryer not drying.

If your dryer feels hot but the clothes are still damp, restricted airflow is the most likely cause. Check the lint trap and vent for buildup. Reduced airflow traps moisture inside the drum, extending dry times even when heat is present.
Longer drying times often mean reduced airflow or a failing heating element. Clean your lint screen and vent system first; if the issue persists, a professional can test the heating element or thermostat.
Absolutely. Overloading restricts airflow and prevents even heating. Dry smaller loads and avoid packing the drum too tightly to improve efficiency.
Yes. Many modern dryers use a built-in moisture sensor to detect when clothes are dry and automatically end the cycle. If this sensor becomes dirty or fails, it may send incorrect readings, causing the dryer to stop too soon or run inefficiently. Gently clean the sensor with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol; if the problem continues, a service professional can test or replace the sensor.
Yes. The thermostat regulates internal temperature during each cycle. If it’s faulty, your dryer might not heat consistently or could overheat and shut off early. Since testing requires a multimeter and access to electrical components, this repair is best left to a qualified appliance service professional.
It can. Dryers located in very cold or humid spaces, like basements or garages, may take longer to dry clothes because the surrounding air affects how efficiently moisture can vent. Ensure your dryer is installed in a well-ventilated, temperature-controlled area for the best performance.

15 Common Reasons Your Dryer Is Not Drying