If your clothes need two cycles to get dry, your dryer is telling you something. Long drying times waste energy, wear out clothes and, when lint builds up, can be a fire hazard.
Restricted vent
The most common cause. Lint builds up in the vent duct and blocks hot, moist air from escaping. Check that the outside vent flap opens when the dryer runs.
Full lint screen
Clean it after every load, and wash it with warm soapy water every few months to remove fabric softener film.
Heating problems
If the drum turns but the air is cool, the heating element, thermal fuse or gas igniter may have failed.
Overloading
Clothes need room to tumble. Large loads dry slower and less evenly.
When to call: a burning smell, a dryer that is hot to the touch outside, or no heat at all.
