Maytag Dryer: long dry times

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing long dry times with your Maytag dryer? If your clothes remain damp even after a full cycle, it could be due to restricted airflow, a clogged lint screen, or improper vent installation. Understanding these issues can help restore your dryer's efficiency.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag dryers may display AF or ‘Check Vent’ error codes indicating restricted airflow.
  • EcoBoostâ„¢ energy-saving option can increase drying times by design if enabled.

Possible Causes

Restricted airflow due to clogged venting system or lint buildup

How to Identify: Long dry times, reduced airflow at outside vent, lint visible at vent exit, ‘Check Vent’ or AF error codes on some models

Part: Dryer vent/ducting and lint screen

Clogged or dirty lint screen

How to Identify: Lint screen visibly clogged with lint or residue, improved drying after cleaning filter

Part: Lint filter/screen

Improper vent hose installation (kinks, crushed hose, excess bends)

How to Identify: Vent hose crushed/kinked behind dryer, too many bends, vent length exceeds recommendations, weak airflow during test

Part: Vent hose/ductwork

Insufficient heat generation (electric: heating element issue; gas: gas valve coils)

How to Identify: Dryer runs but heat output is low or inconsistent, clothes remain damp; for gas models, flame not sustained

Part: Heating element (electric) or gas valve solenoids (gas)

Overloading the dryer

How to Identify: Dryer drum filled above recommended capacity and longer times required; smaller loads dry faster

Part: User load management

DIY Solutions

Clean lint screen/filter

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Locate the lint screen (usually at the dryer door or top surface).
  2. Pull out the lint screen and remove accumulated lint by hand.
  3. If residue is present, wash screen with warm soapy water, rinse and dry fully before reinserting.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is off before handling lint screen

Clean dryer venting and duct system

Moderate 30–90 minutes
Tools Needed: Vacuum with hose, Dryer vent cleaning brush, Screwdriver (if needed)
  1. Unplug the dryer (and shut off gas if applicable) and pull it away from wall.
  2. Disconnect vent hose from dryer and wall.
  3. Use a vent brush and vacuum to remove lint and debris inside vent hose and wall duct.
  4. Inspect outside vent hood for lint or debris and clear.
  5. Reconnect vent hose ensuring no kinks or crushed sections.
⚠️ Safety First: Wear gloves and mask for lint dust

Check and correct vent hose installation

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Possibly replacement rigid metal ducting
  1. Inspect vent hose behind dryer for kinks, crushed sections, or too many bends.
  2. Replace flimsy or plastic hose with rigid/flexible metal duct of 4" diameter.
  3. Re-route vent to minimize bends and length.
  4. Secure connections with appropriate clamps.

Professional Repairs

Replace faulty heating element (electric models)

Estimated Cost: $40 - $120

Replace gas valve solenoids (gas models)

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

When to Call a Professional

After cleaning venting and lint screen if dryer still has long dry times
If internal heating components are suspected faulty
If gas supply or flame ignition issues are present

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint screen: Restricted airflow and longer dry times
    Frequency: After every load
  • Clean entire vent system: Vent blockages that cause long dry times and fire hazard
    Frequency: Annually or every 1–2 years

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dryer long dry times?
Long dry times can be caused by restricted airflow from clogged vents, a dirty lint screen, improper vent hose installation, insufficient heat, or overloading.
How do I fix Maytag Dryer long dry times myself?
You can clean the lint screen, clear the dryer venting system, and check the vent hose for kinks or damage to improve drying performance.
How much does it cost to fix long dry times?
Replacing a faulty heating element for electric models costs $40 - $120, while gas models may require gas valve solenoid replacements costing $50 - $150.
When should I call a technician for long dry times?
Consider calling a technician if DIY fixes do not resolve the issue, especially if you suspect problems with the heating element or gas components.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Blocked or restricted venting system
  • Faulty heating element
  • Overloading the dryer
  • Malfunctioning thermostat
  • Dirty lint filter

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and clean the venting system. Disconnect the dryer, remove the vent hose, and inspect for blockages. Clean out any lint or debris and ensure the vent is not kinked.

  2. Inspect and replace the heating element if necessary. Disconnect the dryer, access the heating element by removing the back panel, and test it for continuity with a multimeter. Replace if faulty.

  3. Reduce the load size. Ensure that the dryer is not overloaded with clothes, as this can impede proper airflow and drying efficiency.

  4. Test and replace the thermostat if it's malfunctioning. Access the thermostat and check it with a multimeter for proper function, replacing it if necessary.

  5. Clean the lint filter before every load and ensure the dryer vent is clear of lint buildup. Regular maintenance can prevent long drying times.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Repair 12 year old Maytag MEDX700XW dryer or replace?

Community Discussions

It's taking longer and longer to dry

Check the exhaust vent for blockages and consider replacing the heating element if necessary.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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