Amana Dryer: not drying completely

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Amana dryer runs a full cycle but leaves clothes damp or takes longer than expected to dry, you may be facing restricted airflow, a clogged lint filter, or even a faulty heating element. Understanding the underlying causes can help you troubleshoot effectively and get your dryer back to optimal performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Amana dryers will display AF or "Check Vent" codes when airflow is restricted; use recommended rigid metal vents and clean vents every 1–2 years.

Possible Causes

Restricted airflow / vent blockage

How to Identify: Clothes still damp after full cycle, dryer heats up but moisture isn’t removed; visible lint build‑up in vent or kinked/collapsed vent hose; AF or "Check Vent" error codes on some models.

Part: Dryer vent system (external and internal venting ducts, lint screen)

Clogged or dirty lint filter

How to Identify: Visible lint build‑up on filter; slower drying performance generally improves after cleaning the lint screen; moisture stays in clothes after cycle.

Part: Lint filter / lint trap

Faulty heating element or insufficient heat generation

How to Identify: Dryer drum spins and cycle runs but little or no heat is felt; clothes remain cold or barely warm and wet after cycle.

Part: Heating element (electric dryers) / related thermostats or thermal fuses

Incorrect cycle selection or user settings

How to Identify: Using Air Fluff or timed cycles that do not apply heat can leave clothes damp; improvement seen when switching to appropriate heat setting or "More Dry."

Part: Control settings and cycle selection

DIY Solutions

Clean lint filter and lint trap

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: soft brush or vacuum attachment
  1. Open dryer door and remove the lint filter.
  2. Clean off all visible lint and debris from the screen.
  3. Use a vacuum or brush to clean inside the lint trap housing.
  4. Replace the screen and run a short cycle to test drying.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is off before cleaning inside the trap area.

Inspect and clean dryer vent and exhaust

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with hose attachment, dryer vent cleaning brush kit
  1. Unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall.
  2. Disconnect the exhaust vent from the dryer and outside wall.
  3. Use a vent brush and vacuum to clear lint and debris from the entire length of the vent.
  4. Reattach the vent securely, ensuring it isn’t kinked or crushed, and push the dryer back into place.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before working behind the dryer.

Choose correct drying cycle and load size

Easy 2–3 minutes
  1. Check the dryer control panel and ensure a heated cycle (e.g., "Regular" or "More Dry") is selected rather than Air Fluff.
  2. Avoid overloading the drum; reduce load size to allow adequate airflow.
  3. Restart the cycle and verify improved drying.

Professional Repairs

Replace heating element or thermostatic safety parts

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

Thorough vent system cleaning service

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

When to Call a Professional

Dryer still leaves clothes wet after cleaning lint filter and vent and verifying correct settings.
No or inadequate heat even though dryer seems to run normally (possible heating element or thermostat failure).
Vent access or obstruction is out of reach or requires specialized tools to clear effectively.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Airflow restriction and extended drying times
    Frequency: after every use
  • Clean entire dryer vent and exhaust duct: Vent blockage and dryer inefficiency
    Frequency: annually to biannually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Dryer not drying completely?
Common causes include restricted airflow, clogged lint filter, or a faulty heating element.
How do I fix Amana Dryer not drying completely myself?
Clean the lint filter, inspect the dryer vent, and select the correct drying cycle.
How much does it cost to fix not drying completely?
Professional repairs for heating elements or vent cleaning range from $100 to $250.
When should I call a technician for not drying completely?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if the heating element needs replacement.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

85%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Overloading the dryer with large items like comforters, preventing proper airflow.
  • Blocked lint filter or vent hose, restricting airflow and causing inefficient drying.
  • Faulty moisture sensor that fails to detect when items are dry, particularly in auto dry mode.

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Reduce the load size by drying large items like comforters separately to ensure proper airflow.

  2. Clean the lint filter before each load and inspect the vent hose for blockages; clean as necessary.

  3. Test and replace the moisture sensor if it is malfunctioning; consult the user manual for specific location and replacement steps.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Auto-dry or times dry?

Community Discussions

Large items like comforters don't get dry all the way

Auto dry uses a sensor to adjust drying time and prevent overdrying, while timed dry may lead to overdrying.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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