Symptoms
- Clothes cool and damp but not cold
- Heavier items like towels or jeans stay wetter than lighter items
- Cycle completes on time but drying is incomplete
- Problem is worse with bigger loads
Likely causes
- CommonClogged lint filter or vent restricting airflowReduced airflow lowers drying efficiency without fully stopping heat production.
- CommonOverloaded drumToo many clothes prevent proper air circulation and tumbling, leaving items damp.
- PossibleMixed load of heavy and light fabricsHeavy items like towels take longer, and the cycle may end before they finish.
- PossibleFaulty moisture sensorA dirty or failing sensor can cut a sensor-dry cycle short even when clothes aren't dry.
- PossiblePartially failing heating elementAn element producing reduced heat can still warm the air but not enough to fully dry a load.
What to do
- Clean the lint filter and check the vent for blockages as a first step.
- Reduce load size and separate heavy items like towels or jeans from lighter clothing.
- Wipe the moisture sensor bars inside the drum with a cloth and rubbing alcohol if your model has them.
- Try a timed dry cycle instead of an automatic sensor cycle to see if drying improves.
- Feel the air coming from the vent while running; noticeably weak or barely warm airflow points to a vent or element problem.
- Check that the dryer is level and the door seal isn't letting air escape.
- If damp results continue after clearing the vent and reducing load size, have the heating element and moisture sensor tested.
Tools and parts
- Rubbing alcohol and cloth
- Level
Dryer moisture sensorSearch: “dryer moisture sensor bar replacement”
When to call a pro
If clothes stay damp after clearing the vent, reducing load size, and cleaning the sensor, have a technician test the heating element and sensor circuit.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.