LG Dryer: long drying time

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing long drying times with your LG dryer? If your clothes remain damp even after multiple cycles, it may indicate issues like restricted airflow, blocked vents, or improper load sizes. Heat-pump models may also exhibit this behavior, especially with full or mixed fabric loads. Understanding and addressing these causes can help restore your dryer’s efficiency.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for LG Models

  • Heat‑pump/condensing models may have intrinsically longer cycles due to humidity sensors and heat‑pump design

Possible Causes

Restricted airflow due to clogged lint filter

How to Identify: Drying time is long, lint visibly accumulating on filter, airflow from dryer exhaust feels weak

Part: Lint filter

Blocked or restricted vent/duct system

How to Identify: Poor airflow at exterior vent, clothes hot but damp, drying cycles much longer than usual

Part: Dryer vent hose and exterior vent

Improper load size or mixed fabrics

How to Identify: Loads with uneven thickness (e.g., towels with light shirts increase drying time; too large loads

Part: User loading practice

Faulty heating element or insufficient heat

How to Identify: Dryer runs but interior feels lukewarm or cool, clothes remain damp after long cycles

Part: Heating element

Faulty thermostat/thermal fuse or thermistor

How to Identify: Dryer cycles run but heating regulation is abnormal or intermittent, may require multimeter testing

Part: Thermostat/Thermal fuse/Thermistor

Heat‑pump dryer normal behavior

How to Identify: Especially in heat‑pump (condenser dryers, drying inherently takes longer than older gas/electric heaters; small loads hit a minimum cycle time

Part: Heat‑pump system/humidity sensors

DIY Solutions

Clean lint filter

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Open dryer door and remove lint filter
  2. Clear lint from filter screen and housing
  3. Check underside of lint trap and wipe clean before replacing
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug dryer before deeper cleaning under lint trap

Inspect and clean vent hose

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum or dryer vent brush, screwdriver (if needed)
  1. Unplug the dryer and pull away from wall
  2. Disconnect vent hose from dryer and wall
  3. Use vent brush/vacuum to clear lint build‑up inside hose and vent
  4. Reattach vent hose securely and slide dryer back into place
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is unplugged before moving

Sort load size/fabric types

Easy 1–2 minutes
  1. Separate heavy items (towels, denim) from light fabrics
  2. Do not overload dryer beyond recommended capacity
  3. Run separate cycles for bulky items

Next step

Choose the next step for long drying time

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

Check during diagnosis

Most relevant component to inspect

Dryer Lint Filter

Captures lint from exhaust air before it reaches the dryer vent path.

Typical part-only price
$15 - $55
DIY difficulty
Easy
Estimated time
5 mins
Where can I find the model number?

Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.

Find a part that fits my model

Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.

Other parts options

Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.

Possible related component

Heating Element

Heats the water or air inside the appliance to the required temperature.

$40 - $95 · Medium · 30-45 mins

Check fit & price
Possible related component

Thermal Fuse

A safety device that cuts off power to the appliance if it starts to overheat.

$10 - $20 · Easy · 10-20 mins

Check fit & price
Possible related component

Thermistor

Measures precise temperature changes and sends resistance feedback to the control board.

$15 - $35 · Easy · 15-30 mins

Check fit & price
Model number required

Model-compatible Dryer parts

Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.

Find a part that fits my model

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Optional routine care

Maintenance supplies

These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.

Maintenance supply

Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit

Helps remove routine lint buildup from an accessible dryer vent path. It does not diagnose or repair an E-code or failed component.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Lint Trap Cleaning Brush

A narrow brush for routine cleaning around an accessible lint screen and housing.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Dryer Vent Hose Kit

A replacement exhaust duct option for visibly crushed or damaged external venting. Check diameter, length, local code, and installation clearance.

View maintenance supply

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.

Professional Repairs

Replace heating element

Estimated Cost: $50–$150

Replace thermostat/thermal fuse/thermistor

Estimated Cost: $40–$120

Professional vent cleaning

Estimated Cost: $100–$250

When to Call a Professional

Dryer still takes excessively long after cleaning filters and vents
Dryer fails to heat (no warm air)
Unusual noises, burning smells, or error codes present

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Airflow restriction and extended drying time
    Frequency: after every cycle
  • Inspect and clean vent line: Vent blockages that prolong drying and pose fire risk
    Frequency: every 6–12 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Dryer long drying time?
Common causes include clogged lint filters, blocked ducts, and improper load sizes.
How do I fix LG Dryer long drying time myself?
Clean the lint filter, inspect the vent hose, and sort your laundry by fabric type.
How much does it cost to fix long drying time?
Professional repairs can range from $40 to $250 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for long drying time?
If DIY fixes don't work or if you suspect a faulty heating element or thermostat, it's time to call a professional.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Blocked venting system
  • Overloading the dryer
  • Faulty heating element

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and clean the venting system. Disconnect the dryer, remove the vent hose, and clean any lint buildup. Ensure the vent is not crushed or kinked.

  2. Avoid overloading the dryer. Reduce the load size to allow for better air circulation and drying efficiency.

  3. Test the heating element. If the dryer is not heating properly, use a multimeter to check for continuity. Replace if faulty.

Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View Sources

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

  1. LG dryer taking to long to dry

Community Discussions

takes too long to dry

Check and clean the venting system, and consider turning off energy saver options.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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