Dryer Takes Too Long To Dry Clothes

Dryer Takes Too Long To Dry Clothes

When a dryer operates, get hot, but is taking a very long time to dry clothes, it probably has a vent restriction. If you think you have a restricted vent you should stop using the dryer and clean the vent.

Dryer vent restrictions are the number one cause of dryer fires in the US. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 1998, clothes dryers were associated with 15,600 fires, which resulted in 20 deaths and 370 injuries? Fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers. Source CPSC Document # 5022

Classic signs of a dryer vent restriction are:

• Dryer takes too long to dry
• Dryer is hot on top
• Clothes are very hot when you take them out
• Dryer has a lot of moisture / humidity inside when you open the door
• Dryer filter has little or no lint in it

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that you clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes. If clothing is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires longer times than normal this may be a sign that the lint screen or the exhaust duct is blocked

How do I clean my dryer vent, you ask. We offer a great dryer vent cleaning kit click here