Dryer taking too long? Vented, condenser and heat pump explained
Different dryers fail in different ways. Here’s how to tell what you have and what to check.
Slow drying usually comes on gradually, which is why it is easy to miss. The first step is to work out which type of dryer you have.
Vented dryers
These push warm, damp air out through a vent or duct. Clean the lint filter, then check the vent is clear and not squashed behind the machine.
Condenser dryers
These turn moisture into water that collects in a tank. Empty the tank, then rinse the condenser unit if your model has a removable one. Give the laundry some airflow too.
Heat pump dryers
These run at lower temperatures and naturally take longer. They rely on clean filters, so check every filter the manual lists, including any lower one.
When to call
If clean filters don’t help, a sensor, element, thermostat or fan may have failed. Stop using the dryer if it smells hot or the outside feels too hot to touch, and book a visit.