Lg Dryer: not drying

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG dryer leaving clothes damp after a full cycle? This common issue can arise from clogged lint filters, blocked vents, or faulty heating elements. Understanding the causes can help you troubleshoot effectively and restore your dryer’s performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG dryers may include moisture sensors that stop cycles early if dirty, contributing to damp clothes.

Possible Causes

Clogged lint filter and reduced airflow

How to Identify: Drying takes much longer than usual; visible lint buildup on filter; restricted airflow out of exterior vent.

Part: Lint filter / airflow path

Blocked or restricted dryer vent / exhaust duct

How to Identify: Poor airflow from exterior vent, clothes remain damp despite long cycles, possible overheating signs.

Part: Dryer vent / duct

Faulty heating element

How to Identify: No or low heat during cycle; air remains cool or lukewarm; clothes still wet after cycle.

Part: Heating element

Thermostat or thermal fuse failure

How to Identify: Dryer runs but doesn’t reach proper temperature; continuity tests of thermostat/fuse fail.

Part: Thermostat / thermal fuse

Dirty or malfunctioning moisture sensor

How to Identify: Cycle ends prematurely with damp clothes; visible residue on sensor bars near lint filter.

Part: Moisture sensor

Incorrect cycle or settings

How to Identify: Dryer set to air fluff/no heat or low/eco heat settings; clothes remain damp.

Part: Control settings

DIY Solutions

Clean lint filter and dryer vents

Easy 10-30 minutes
Tools Needed: soft brush, vacuum, dryer vent brush
  1. Remove and clean the lint filter, removing all lint from screen.
  2. Pull dryer away from wall and disconnect vent hose.
  3. Use a vent brush or vacuum to clear any lint/debris in vent hose and exterior vent.
  4. Reconnect vent hose securely and return dryer to position.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before accessing back of dryer.

Inspect and replace heating element

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, multimeter, replacement heating element
  1. Unplug dryer and access heating element compartment (typically rear panel).
  2. Visually inspect element for breaks; test for continuity with multimeter.
  3. If no continuity, remove and replace with correct LG heating element part.
  4. Reassemble dryer and test operation.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected; handle electrical parts carefully.

Clean moisture sensor bars

Easy 5-10 minutes
Tools Needed: soft cloth, rubbing alcohol
  1. Locate moisture sensor bars near lint filter housing.
  2. Wipe sensor bars with cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to remove residue.
  3. Allow dry before running a cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Power off dryer if necessary during cleaning.

Professional Repairs

Replace thermostat or thermal fuse

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Professional vent cleaning service

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

When to Call a Professional

Dryer still not drying after clearing lint filter and vents
Heating element or thermostat tests fail
Unusual noises, excessive heat, or burning smell
Vent blockage deep within wall duct

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Airflow restriction and drying inefficiency
    Frequency: after every load
  • Clean dryer vent/exhaust duct: Clogged vent blockages and reduced airflow
    Frequency: annually
  • Check moisture sensor bars: Premature cycle termination due to dirty sensors
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Dryer not drying?
Common causes include a clogged lint filter, blocked vent, and faulty heating element.
How do I fix LG Dryer not drying myself?
Clean the lint filter and dryer vents, inspect the heating element, and clean moisture sensor bars.
How much does it cost to fix not drying?
Professional repairs range from $50 to $150 for thermostat replacement and $100 to $250 for vent cleaning.
When should I call a technician for not drying?
If DIY fixes don't work or if you're uncomfortable with repairs, it's best to consult a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

67%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged dryer duct or vent (3 mentions)
  • Faulty thermostat (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Cleaned the dryer duct and blower wheel

    Success rate: 10.0%

  2. Manual cleaning of the condenser

    Success rate: 10.0%

  3. Replace thermostat on the back of the blower housing

    Success rate: 10.0%
Analysis based on 6 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. LG Dryer self cleaning
  2. Dryer is not drying, shutting off mid cycle, flow sense bars...
  3. LG Dryer Keeps Needing to be Reset.
  4. Electric LG Dryer not drying all the way and "cool" Light
  5. LG DLE3777W has heat, not drying, no vent obstruction
  6. LG dryer turns on, but didn't start drying

Community Discussions

randomly stops drying

Cleaning the dryer duct and using a semi-rigid hose improved airflow and resolved the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Dryer is not drying, shutting off mid cycle, flow sense bars are full on it.

Cleaned the dryer vent and blower wheel; vent cleaning was necessary.

DIY View on Reddit →

turns on, but didn't start drying

Thermostat on the back of the blower housing may need to be replaced.

DIY View on Reddit →

Clothes don’t come out dry - takes 3 cycles. Clothes come out warm and damp.

Disassemble the dryer to clean lint and check the heating element for continuity.

DIY View on Reddit →

lost all ability to dry clothes

The self-cleaning feature is adequate, but a manual cleaning program is recommended. User-accessible condenser models are preferred.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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