LG Washer Dryer: not drying completely

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG washer dryer not drying completely? Clothes come out damp or still wet after a full dry cycle, indicating possible issues with overloading, a faulty heating element, or a dirty humidity sensor. Discover how to troubleshoot and resolve these common drying problems effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for LG Models

  • LG washer dryer combos use a condensing/heat pump system; ensuring cold water connection and proper drain hose setup is crucial for moisture removal.
  • Humidity sensor bars inside LG combo units require periodic cleaning for accurate moisture detection.

Possible Causes

Overloading the drum

How to Identify: Large or compact loads with mixed heavy items (towels, blankets that restrict tumbling and airflow leading to damp clothes.

Part: Drum / Load handling

Faulty heating element or heat pump component

How to Identify: No or insufficient heat generated, long drying times, clothes still damp after cycle and typical airflow issues have been ruled out.

Part: Heating element / heat pump system

Humidity sensor dirty or malfunctioning

How to Identify: Incorrect dryness detection causing cycles to end early with damp clothes; sensor may look dirty or coated.

Part: Humidity sensor bar

DIY Solutions

Reduce load size and distribute clothes evenly

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Remove excess items to reduce load size.
  2. Separate heavy fabrics (towels, jeans) from lighter items and balance them in drum.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure machine is off when adding/removing laundry mid‑cycle.

Clean lint filter and fine mesh screen

Easy 10 minutes
Tools Needed: Soft brush, Warm water
  1. Locate lint filter near door or inside dryer combo unit.
  2. Remove filter and brush off lint; rinse with warm water when heavily soiled.
  3. Dry completely and reinstall filter. Clean fine mesh screens as needed.
⚠️ Safety First: Always ensure machine is unplugged before deep cleaning.

Check and straighten external hoses/vents

Moderate 10–15 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight
  1. Unplug machine and inspect external drain hose or air path.
  2. Remove kinks or bends; ensure hose descends flat without a high U‑trap.
  3. Clear any visible blockages in hose/airways.
  4. Reconnect securely and run a test drying cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Wear gloves when accessing behind unit.

Clean humidity sensor bar

Moderate 10 minutes
Tools Needed: Soft cloth, Isopropyl alcohol
  1. Turn off and cool the machine.
  2. Locate humidity sensor bar inside drum near filter.
  3. Wipe sensor gently with soft cloth and alcohol to remove residue.
  4. Run a short cycle to test drying performance.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not use abrasive tools that can scratch sensor.

Next step

Choose the next step for not drying completely

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

Heating Element

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

Typical part-only price
$40 - $95
DIY difficulty
Medium
Estimated time
30-45 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

Humidity Sensor

Measures relative humidity so the appliance can regulate drying or moisture removal.

$20 - $100 · Medium · 20-60 mins

Check fit & price
Model number required

Model-compatible Washer 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 or heat pump components

Estimated Cost: $100 - $400

Clear deep internal lint and duct blockages

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Humidity sensor replacement

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

When to Call a Professional

No heat produced after DIY cleaning and checks
Persistent error codes related to drying (e.g., airflow or sensor codes)
Unusual noises or vibration during drying cycle
Internal blockages not resolved by external vent/hose cleaning

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Airflow restrictions and drying inefficiency
    Frequency: After every cycle
  • Clean humidity sensor bar: Incorrect moisture detection causing incomplete drying
    Frequency: Monthly
  • Inspect external hoses and air paths: Blocked airflow and reduced dryness performance
    Frequency: Quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washer Dryer not drying completely?
Common reasons include overloading the drum, a faulty heating element, or a dirty humidity sensor.
How do I fix LG Washer Dryer not drying completely myself?
Reduce load size, clean the lint filter, check external hoses, and clean the humidity sensor.
How much does it cost to fix not drying completely?
Professional repair costs range from $50 to $400, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not drying completely?
If DIY solutions don't work or if you suspect a major component issue, it's time to call a technician.

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 vent hose or exhaust duct
  • Overloading the washer dryer
  • Faulty moisture sensor

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and clean the vent hose and exhaust duct. Ensure they are not kinked or blocked. Remove lint and debris from the venting system.

  2. Reduce the load size. Ensure that the washer dryer is not overloaded, as this can prevent proper drying.

  3. Test the moisture sensor by running a drying cycle with a few items. If it continues to malfunction, consider replacing the sensor.

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. What can I do to dry clothes better if I were to get a heat ...

Community Discussions

clothes come out damp

Clothes may come out slightly damp but can be dried further by shaking or using a 'more dry' setting.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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