Home Warranty

Home Matters Blog

Is Your Dryer Not Drying Your Clothes?

To get to the bottom of the problem, start by cleaning the dryer vent. Outlined below are step by step guides for how to clean your dryer vent, brought to you by American Home Shield.

Troubleshooting Tips for Dryers Not Heating

If these tips do not work, you could need to schedule a service request in the AHS Member portal, My Account, to have a Pro offer support. If you are not an AHS Member, consider getting a home warranty with us for peace of mind and budget protection.

Unplug the dryer

If you're dryer isn't drying, one of the first steps you can try is turn off and unplug dryer from the wall outlet.

Pull out the dryer vent

Pull out the dryer and remove the vent clamp. To remove the vent pipe from the wall you will likely have to either unscrew the clamp using a screw driver or squeeze it to release it if it is a tension clamp.

Thinking about coverage?

Sounds like a plan. Find the warranty that fits you best.

Check for a clogged dryer vent

Look in the vent and ensure there are no clogs in the dryer vent. Clogged dryver vents can result in longer than normal drying times or worse not drying the clothes at all.

If a clog is detected, reach and remove it. Consider wearing gloves and reach in slowly to prevent any injuries in the case you come in contact with anything sharp.

To clean further into the vent you will need a special dryer vent cleaning tool that can be purchased at a hardware store.

Remove any lint and debris

Using a cleaning tool or a vacuum, remove as much lint and debris as possible from the vent and then ensure that the exterior vent is free from any clogs as well.

Turn on the dryer and test

Turn the dryer back on and start the dryer to see if the problem has resolved. After several minutes check to see if any other debris has been knocked loose and remove if so.

Quick Tip: Install a vent cover on your exterior vent to prevent any birds, rodents, or insects from nesting in the exterior vent.

Do you need help with your Dryer? AHS ProConnect offers Dryer repair near you.

DIY tips are for informational purposes only. Please be sure to take the appropriate safety precautions and ensure your project complies with any applicable federal, state, or local laws and regulations.

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.

Great! We have coverage in

Please confirm your address

Home Matters Blog

Is Your Dryer Not Drying Your Clothes?

Troubleshooting Tips for Dryers Not Heating

Unplug the dryer

Pull out the dryer vent

Check for a clogged dryer vent

Remove any lint and debris

Turn on the dryer and test

Related Reading

Troubleshooting for When Your Dryer Won't Start

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Fixer-Upper Home

10 Major Appliances Covered with an AHS® Home Warranty

Don't Worry. Be Warranty.