Symptoms
- Clothes are noticeably wet, not just damp, at the end of a full cycle
- No warm air felt when opening the door mid-drying
- Water pooling in the drum or door seal
- Started happening suddenly rather than gradually
Likely causes
- CommonHeating element failureIf the unit isn't producing heat during the drying phase, clothes won't dry regardless of cycle length.
- CommonSeverely overloaded drumA load too large for the drying capacity can leave clothes soaked even after a full cycle.
- CommonBlocked vent (vented models) or clogged condenser (ventless models)Either restricts the airflow or moisture removal needed to dry clothes at all.
- PossibleWater not draining properly before drying startsA drain issue can leave excess water in the drum going into the dry cycle.
What to do
- Reduce load size drastically for a test cycle to rule out overloading as the cause.
- Check for warm air or heat during the drying phase by carefully opening the door partway through (if safe to do so) or feeling the exhaust vent.
- Inspect and clean the vent duct (vented models) or condenser unit (ventless models) thoroughly.
- Confirm the drain filter isn't clogged, since trapped water can carry into the dry cycle.
- If there's no heat at all during drying, this points to a failed heating element, which needs professional repair.
Tools and parts
- Vacuum with hose attachment
Combo washer-dryer heating elementSearch: “washer dryer combo heating element replacement”
When to call a pro
Call an appliance technician if there's no heat during drying, since the heating element likely needs testing and replacement.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.