LG Washer Dryer: not drying

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Are you struggling with your LG washer dryer not drying clothes completely? This common issue can leave your laundry damp even after a full drying cycle. Factors like restricted airflow, overloading, or heating element problems may be to blame. Understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for LG Models

  • LG washer‑dryer combo uses a heat pump/condensation system with lower heat and recirculated airflow; drying times are naturally longer than separate dryers, and airflow/drain issues affect performance more strongly.

Possible Causes

Restricted airflow due to lint/clogged filters

How to Identify: Drying times much longer than usual, visible lint on filter/door gasket; poor air movement

Part: Lint filter and internal airflow pathways

Overloading or improper load size

How to Identify: Large or mixed heavy items (towels/blankets packed tightly, uneven drying or damp spots

Part: Drum and airflow distribution

Moisture not removed efficiently due to heat pump/condensation issues

How to Identify: Excess moisture inside drum after cycle, possible OE/dHE error codes (combo units

Part: Heat pump drying system / condensation drain

Faulty heating component (element or thermostat)

How to Identify: Little or no warmth during dry cycle, possible blown thermal fuse symptoms

Part: Heating element or thermostat/thermal fuse

DIY Solutions

Clean lint filter and accessible filters

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Open washer‑dryer door and remove the lint filter.
  2. Clear lint by hand and rinse fine mesh sections with water if coated.
  3. Let filter dry fully and reinstall.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure machine is off before handling filters.

Reduce load size and adjust loading practice

Easy 5 minutes per load
  1. Unload some items to make the load smaller.
  2. Separate heavy items like towels/blankets into their own loads.
  3. Run drying cycle with appropriately sized loads allowing clothes to tumble freely.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid overpacking drum.

Check drain hose and ensure proper drainage

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight
  1. Turn off machine and locate external drain hose.
  2. Ensure hose isn’t kinked or bent sharply.
  3. Ensure hose is supported at manufacturer recommended height and free of clogs.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug machine before inspection.

Next step

Choose the next step for not drying

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

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

Thermostat

Regulates temperature by turning the heating or cooling system on or off.

$15 - $40 · Easy · 15-30 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

Internal airflow system and condenser cleaning

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

Heating element or thermostat replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Dryer shows error codes related to moisture removal or airflow obstruction
No heat is detected during dry cycle, indicating possible heating element failure
Lint/troubleshooting steps do not improve drying performance

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Restricted airflow and poor drying performance
    Frequency: after every use
  • Inspect drain hose and ensure proper installation: Inefficient moisture removal and extended dry times
    Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washer Dryer not drying?
Common causes include restricted airflow due to lint, overloading, or issues with the heating element.
How do I fix LG Washer Dryer not drying myself?
Clean the lint filter, reduce load size, and check for proper drainage in the drain hose.
How much does it cost to fix not drying?
Professional repairs range from $80 to $250 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not drying?
If DIY fixes don't resolve the issue or if you suspect a faulty heating component, it's best 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

  • Improper load size (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Reduce load size for better drying performance.

  2. Replacing the washer inlet valve fixed the issue.

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 Washer/Dryer combo (WM 3987) not drying
  2. LG Washer/dryer does not actually dry
  3. LG combo washer dryer not drying

Community Discussions

not drying clothes properly

Replacing the washer inlet valve fixed the issue.

not drying clothes properly

Reduce load size for better drying performance.

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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