Why Dryer Drying Slow ? Causes & Fixes Every Homeowner Should Know

If your dryer is suddenly taking forever to finish a load, you’re not alone.
Many homeowners search online wondering why dryer drying slow, and the answer almost always points to a hidden airflow problem. When your dryer vent is blocked, restricted, or damaged, your dryer cannot push moist air out and drying time increases dramatically.

Below are the most common reasons your dryer is drying slow and what you can do to fix it fast.

1. Clogged Dryer Vent — #1 Cause of Slow Drying

The most common reason why dryer drying slow is lint buildup inside the dryer duct.

Even if you clean the lint trap every time, lint continues to travel into the vent system. Over time, that lint narrows or blocks the vent, preventing your dryer from releasing warm, moist air.

Signs your dryer vent is clogged:
✔ Clothes still damp after a full cycle
✔ Dryer feels unusually hot
✔ Musty smell during or after drying
✔ Laundry room feels humid or warm

A professional cleaning removes lint buildup deep inside the duct far beyond what a DIY vent brush can reach.

2. Outdoor Vent Hood Blockage

Your dryer vent ends at an external vent hood. When this area gets blocked, airflow stops completely.

Outside vent issues we see in San Jose homes include:

1. Lint covering the vent outlet
2. Stuck or broken vent flaps
3. Birds or pests nesting inside
4. Rust, debris, or dirt buildup

If the vent flap doesn’t open while the dryer is running, air can’t escape — and that’s another reason why your dryer drying slow is happening.

3. Crushed, Bent, or Unsafe Ductwork

Sometimes the duct itself is the problem.

Older homes often still have:
❌ Foil-style flexible ducts
❌ Accordion-style hoses
❌ Plastic vents (fire hazard)These materials trap lint faster and restrict airflow.
We frequently find dryers pushed too far back against the wall, flattening the duct and slowing down the entire system.
Replacing it with smooth, rigid metal ducting dramatically improves airflow and helps prevent fires.

4. Lint Trap Build-Up

Not cleaning the lint trap regularly is another reason why dryer drying slow becomes noticeable.
Even a thin film of lint blocks air movement through your appliance.

Pro Tip:
Rinse your lint trap with dish soap every few weeks. Fabric softeners can coat the screen, making it harder for air to pass through — even when it looks clean.

5. Dryer Working Too Hard

When something blocks the vent, your dryer compensates by:

1. 1. Running hotter
   2. Working longer
   3. Pulling more power
   4. Wearing out internal parts faster
2. This often leads to expensive repairs and shorter appliance life.
   Fixing airflow now may save your dryer — and your wallet — later.

   Bonus Benefit: Lower Utility Costs

   When you restore airflow:
   ✔ Clothes dry faster
   ✔ Dryer consumes less energy
   ✔ Electricity bills drop
   ✔ Your system runs cooler

3. That’s why solving why dryer drying slow is more than convenience — it’s smart home maintenance.
   

   How Often Should You Clean Dryer Vents?

   We recommend:
   ⭐ Every 12 months for normal use
   ⭐ Every 6 months for large families
   ⭐ Immediately if drying time suddenly increases

4. If your search started with “why dryer drying slow,” this is the clear sign it’s time to clean your vent.
   

   Local Service You Can Trust

   Dryer Duct Co. proudly serves:
   ✔ San Jose
   ✔ San Mateo
   ✔ Redwood City
   ✔ Neighboring Bay Area communities

5. Our technicians use professional-grade brushes, high-powered vacuums, and inspection tools to remove lint safely and restore proper airflow — no cheap DIY kits or guessing.
   

   Solve Slow Drying Today

   Stop running your dryer two or three times per load.
   Protect your home, your energy bill, and your appliance.

   👉 Call Dryer Duct Co. at (408) 265-1051
   👉 Book online at www.dryerductco.com
   Get your laundry routine back on track — fast.