Whirlpool Dryer: long drying time

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing long drying times with your Whirlpool dryer? This common issue often leads to clothes remaining damp even after a full cycle. Typical causes include airflow restrictions or insufficient heat production. Understanding these factors can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

  • Whirlpool dryers may display AF or Check Vent error codes indicating restricted airflow; EcoBoost option on some models increases drying time by design.

Possible Causes

Restricted airflow due to clogged venting or lint build-up

How to Identify: Dryer vent exits to outside are blocked; AF/Check Vent error codes on some Whirlpool models; little airflow from lint trap; steam or moisture inside dryer at end of cycle. (Product Help | Whirlpool

Part: Dryer vent system, lint filter

Insufficient heat production (faulty heating element or thermostat)

How to Identify: Dryer feels warm but not hot enough; clothes remain damp; multimeter shows open circuit on heating element or thermostat. (授权家电

Part: Heating element, cycling thermostat

Faulty moisture sensor

How to Identify: Dryer runs longer than necessary and may misreport dryness; cleaning sensor may improve. (授权家电

Part: Moisture sensor bars

Overloading drum or improper load sizes

How to Identify: Drying times reduce when smaller loads are used. (授权家电

Part: Drum load practice

Blower wheel obstruction or damage

How to Identify: Poor airflow even with clean vents; possible noise; drum failing to tumble freely.

Part: Blower wheel

DIY Solutions

Clean lint filter and airflow paths

Easy 5–15 minutes
Tools Needed: soft brush, warm soapy water (optional)
  1. Remove lint filter and clear all lint by hand.
  2. Rinse the filter with warm soapy water if residue from softener is present; dry and reinstall.
  3. Check near lint trap housing for trapped lint and clear with soft brush.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is off when accessing internal areas beyond the lint trap.

Inspect and clean dryer vent and ducting

Moderate 30–90 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with hose attachment, dryer vent brush kit
  1. Unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall.
  2. Disconnect the vent hose from the dryer and exterior vent.
  3. Use a vacuum and/or vent brush kit to remove lint and debris from both ends of the vent and hose.
  4. Reattach vent, ensure no kinks or crushes in duct, and push dryer back into place.
⚠️ Safety First: For gas models, turn off gas supply before moving unit.

Reduce load size and separate heavy fabrics

Easy <5 minutes
  1. Remove excess items from the dryer so it’s no more than ~¾ full.
  2. Separate heavy fabrics (jeans, towels) into smaller loads.
  3. Restart drying cycle with adjusted load.

Professional Repairs

Replace heating element or cycling thermostat

Estimated Cost: $30–$120 (parts)

Replace moisture sensor or thermistor

Estimated Cost: $20–$80 (parts)

Blower wheel replacement or clearance

Estimated Cost: $30–$100

When to Call a Professional

No heat produced at all after basic checks
Persistent long drying times after vent and filter cleaning
Unusual noises or burning smells during operation

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Airflow restrictions that extend drying time and fire risk
    Frequency: after every load
  • Inspect and clean venting system: Blocked ducts that cause long drying times and overheating
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Dryer long drying time?
Common causes include restricted airflow due to clogged vents, insufficient heat from a faulty heating element, or an overloaded drum.
How do I fix Whirlpool Dryer long drying time myself?
Clean the lint filter, inspect the dryer vent, and reduce load sizes to improve drying efficiency.
How much does it cost to fix long drying time?
Professional repairs range from $20 to $120 depending on whether you need to replace parts like the heating element or moisture sensor.
When should I call a technician for long drying time?
If DIY solutions do not resolve the issue, or if you suspect a faulty heating element or blower wheel, it's time to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Airflow issues (clogged vent duct) (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Clean the vent duct to improve airflow

    Success rate: 50.0%

  2. Check and replace timer or thermostat if necessary

    Success rate: 50.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. How long do new dryers take to dry a typical load?
  2. Whirlpool dryer taking 3-4 hours to dry

Community Discussions

takes 3-4 hours to dry clothes

Possible airflow issues, timer or thermostat problems, or worn bearings causing hot air to escape.

DIY View on Reddit →

takes longer than an hour to dry a load of laundry

Clogged vent duct was the issue, resolved after cleaning.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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