Project Fix

Clothes dryer

Dryer tumbles but clothes stay damp

Restricted venting is the usual culprit, and it is both the cheapest fix and a genuine fire risk worth clearing.

DifficultyModerate
Time it takes30-45 minutes
What you needScrewdriver, Vacuum, Vent brush

Before you start

If it is a gas dryer, do not touch the gas valve, burner or igniter. Electric heating elements run on 240V — unplug before opening any panel.

  1. 1

    Check the lint filter

    Pull it out and wash it if a film of fabric softener has built up. Water should pass straight through it.

  2. 2

    Clear the vent hose

    Unplug the dryer, pull it out, disconnect the hose behind it and clear the lint out of the hose and the wall duct.

  3. 3

    Check the outside flap

    Run the dryer and confirm warm air is actually blowing out of the outside vent. Weak flow means the duct is still blocked.

  4. 4

    Straighten the hose

    Replace a crushed or kinked flexible hose with a short, smooth run. Long crushed hoses stop dryers heating.

  5. 5

    Run a test load

    Try a small load. Many dryers stop heating only because a thermal fuse tripped from poor airflow.

When to stop and get help

If airflow is good and it still runs cold, the element, thermostat or thermal fuse has failed. That is a parts job; get help if you are not comfortable inside the cabinet.

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