Dryer Taking Too Long to Dry Clothes? Here's What's Really Going On
If your dryer used to finish a load in 40-50 minutes and now takes two cycles — or three — to get clothes fully dry, something is wrong. A dryer that runs longer than it should isn't just annoying, it's usually a sign of a specific, fixable problem. Here are the most common causes we see on service calls across the GTA, and what you can do about each one.
1. A Clogged Lint Filter or Vent
This is by far the most common cause — and the easiest to check yourself. Lint builds up not just in the filter, but further down the vent line, restricting airflow. When the dryer can't push hot, moist air out of the machine, drying times climb fast.
What to do: Clean the lint filter before every load. Beyond that, the exhaust vent (the duct running from the dryer to the outside wall) should be professionally cleaned once a year, especially if it's long or has several bends. A blocked vent isn't just a performance issue — it's a fire hazard, so this one is worth taking seriously.
2. A Failing Heating Element or Igniter
Electric dryers use a heating element; gas dryers use an igniter. Both wear out over time. When they start to fail, you'll often notice the dryer runs (tumbles, makes noise) but produces little or no heat — clothes come out barely warmer than when they went in.
What to do: This isn't a DIY fix — heating elements and igniters involve either high-voltage wiring or a gas connection, and testing them requires a multimeter and some diagnostic know-how. A technician can usually confirm and replace the part in a single visit.
3. A Malfunctioning Thermostat or Sensor
Most modern dryers use a thermostat (and, on sensor-dry models, a moisture sensor) to decide when a load is actually dry. If the thermostat is stuck or the sensor is dirty or faulty, the dryer may keep running well past the point clothes are dry — or shut off too early, forcing you to run another cycle.
What to do: Moisture sensors can sometimes be cleaned with a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cloth, which resolves the issue in some cases. If that doesn't help, the sensor or thermostat likely needs to be tested and replaced by a technician.
4. Overloading the Dryer
It's tempting to fit an entire laundry basket into one cycle, but dryers need room for air to circulate around the clothes. An overloaded drum traps moisture in the middle of the load, and no amount of extra time will fully dry it — the load just tumbles inefficiently.
What to do: As a general rule, the drum should be no more than three-quarters full. If you're regularly doing oversized loads, splitting them in two will actually save time overall.
5. A Worn Drum Belt or Blower Wheel
If the dryer sounds different than it used to — a burning-rubber smell, a rattling noise, or the drum turning unevenly — the belt or blower wheel may be worn or damaged. A weak blower means less airflow, and less airflow means longer drying times, even if the heating element is working perfectly.
What to do: These are mechanical parts that wear out with normal use, especially in dryers that are more than 7-8 years old. A technician can usually identify this from the sound alone during an inspection.
When to Call a Technician
A little extra drying time once in a while usually isn't cause for concern. But if you're noticing any of the following, it's worth having a professional take a look:
Clothes are consistently damp after a full cycle The dryer feels hot to the touch on the outside You notice a burning smell Drying times have gradually gotten worse over several weeks The vent hasn't been professionally cleaned in over a year
Ignoring a dryer that's struggling doesn't just cost you time — it increases energy use and, in the case of a blocked vent, creates a real fire risk.
Same-Day Dryer Repair Across the GTA
At Appliance Trust, our licensed technicians diagnose and repair dryer issues on the spot — most calls are completed same-day, with all the common parts carried right in the service van. Every repair comes with a 3-month warranty, so you can trust the job is done right.
Book a dryer repair online or call us at 647 460 6409 — we're available 9am-7pm, 7 days a week, across Toronto, York Region, Peel Region, Durham Region and Simcoe County.