Don’t let long drying times turn laundry into more of a chore. Wondering why is my Whirlpool dryer not drying like it should? Overloading may be limiting the airflow necessary to dry clothes. Determine why your Whirlpool dryer takes too long to dry and learn the easy interventions that can improve performance.
Tips and Tricks When Your Whirlpool Dryer Takes Too Long to Dry
Usually, simple maintenance or changes to your use and practice can reduce operating times when your Whirlpool dryer takes too long to dry. In other cases, your washer or incoming power issues may be the real culprit. Here’s how the right Whirlpool dryer troubleshooting can pinpoint the problem and solution.
1. Dryer Not Getting Enough Power
A Whirlpool dryer requires a 240V outlet to operate properly. If the dryer is plugged into a standard, 120V outlet, it won’t have enough power to heat and dry clothes efficiently. Make sure the dryer is plugged into a 240V outlet that can provide the power it needs.
Using an extension cord to power a dryer also won’t provide adequate electricity. These cords can also cause overheating that will shut down dryer function. Never use an extension cord to power a dryer, as it can’t safely conduct the voltage a dryer needs to operate.
2. Washer Leaving Clothes Too Wet
If your Whirlpool dryer takes too long to dry clothes, the real problem may be that your washer leaves them too wet. If clothes are excessively wet when a wash cycle ends, drying them will take longer.
Why is your washer leaving clothes wet? It’s possible the wrong wash cycle was selected. Hand Wash or Delicate settings have reduced spin speeds or no spin cycle at all, leaving regular items wetter. Make sure you selected the right wash cycle for your particular laundry load. If you still feel your clothes are too wet after washing, your washer may need a professional assessment.
3. Exceeding Dryer Capacity
Are you filling your dryer all the way to the top? If so, this could be the reason your Whirlpool dryer takes forever to dry. Overloading with too many items restricts air circulation and tumbling, leaving clothes wet or requiring multiple cycles to dry.
When loading the dryer, only fill it with one wash load at a time. Loading the dryer ¾ of the way full will allow for improved tumbling and airflow.
4. Need to Change Whirlpool Dryer Settings
Most Whirlpool dryers offer multiple drying options that can tailor time and temperature to specific wash loads. If your dryer is taking longer to dry clothes, try changing your Whirlpool dryer settings to better accommodate your wash load. The Heavy Dry cycle can best accommodate towels and bedding while adjusting the temperature to More or Very Dry can lower drying times for heavier fabrics.
5. Dryer Lint Screen Needs Cleaning
While you should empty your dryer lint screen after every drying cycle, the screen should also be cleaned on a monthly basis. Residue from dryer sheets and detergent can clog the screen, limiting airflow and creating longer drying times.
Here’s how to clean a lint trap in a dryer:
- Locate the lint screen on the top right hand corner of the washer or on the door opening.
- Pull the lint screen straight up to remove.
- Take out any accumulated lint.
- Rinse the screen under hot running water.
- Wet a nylon brush with hot water and add a few drops of detergent.
- Scrub both sides of the screen with the brush.
- Rinse with hot water.
- Dry with a clean towel.
- Align the lint screen with the opening and push down firmly into place.
6. Dryer Exhaust Vent is Clogged
A clogged dryer exhaust vent can also limit airflow and increase drying times. Vents can become clogged with lint and debris over time, while pinches and kinks can also reduce circulation. Inspect the dryer vent for damage that can restrict airflow, replacing any venting that can’t be straightened.
If there is no visible pinching or kinks, clean dryer vents with these simple steps:
- Unplug the dryer.
- Disconnect dryer vent from dryer and wall.
- Use a vacuum’s narrow hose attachment to clean both ends of the vent.
- Remove the vent’s exhaust hood on your home’s exterior and vacuum where the vent attaches to the hood.
- Replace the vent hood and reconnect the vent to the dryer and interior wall.
- Restore power to the dryer.
Whirlpool recommends annual vent cleanings via a professional appliance repair service to ensure proper airflow.
If your Whirlpool dryer takes too long to dry clothes even after trying these tips, AlphaTek Appliance Repair can help. Schedule a dryer repair with us today!
