Why in the world would you waste time putting clothes into a dryer that won’t dry them? Nobody wants wet clothes, but why does your dryer take two cycles to get things completely dry? It’s more common than you may think.
The good news is, we can help you check common causes to fix the problem- because nobody has time to hang-dry entire loads of laundry.
Troubleshooting Guide When Dryer Take Two Cycles?
Is Your Dryer Lint Trap Clogged?
I know, it’s easy to be on autopilot when you are running load after load of laundry, but cleaning the lint trap consistently is critical.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Clean lint trap before every load
- Use dryer brush to sweep out lint inside lint trap housing
- Vacuum any lint that has passed through the trap
Performing a thorough cleaning of the lint trap and vent should be done at least every 6 months.
Does Your Dryer Vent Need to Be Cleaned?
So why would your dryer take two cycles to dry everything completely? If you are diligent about cleaning the lint trap, then it could be a clogged main vent.
Follow these steps to clean your dryer vent:
- Pull dryer away from wall and unplug
- Vacuum behind dryer
- Use dryer brush to sweep away lint and debris
- Disconnect vent duct from wall and vacuum visible lint
- Thoroughly clean duct with dryer brush
- Use vacuum hose attachment to vacuum remaining lint
- Reconnect vent duct to wall
- Return dryer to original position
Dryer vent maintenance should be done every 6 months to prevent a fire hazard and for optimal dryer performance.
Is the Dryer Heating Element Burned Out?
If you discover your dryer not drying clothes completely, it may be that insufficient heat is coming through. A burned out or partially burned out heating element will mean the dryer takes too long to dry everything. This is maddening!
Refer to the owner’s manual to find the heating element. Use a multimeter to test the element for continuity, and if there is not continuity, replace the heating element.
Image from WikiHow
Is the Dryer Thermostat Broken?
Does your dryer take two cycles to dry thoroughly? It may need a new thermostat. Some thermostats, such as a cycling thermostat, will shut off the heat if the thermostat is broken. This is a great safety feature, but also an indicator of a defective thermostat.
A defective thermostat is not the most likely cause for when a dryer takes two cycles to dry clothes. Check the other possible causes first before replacing the thermostat.
Dryer diagnostics and repair can be tricky. It is always best to hire a professional and know your dryer is being repaired and serviced by a qualified and trained technician. The experts at D&T Appliance Service are here for you!
