If Your Dryer Takes Two Cycles, Check the Vent Before the Dryer

Slow drying is almost always an airflow problem, not a broken dryer. Lint builds up in the vent line and exterior hood until hot, moist air can't escape — the dryer then overheats and shuts its heat off for safety. This is also a genuine fire risk: thousands of house fires start in dryer vents every year. Pull the dryer out, disconnect the duct, and check airflow at the wall. If the vent run is long or goes through the roof, it needs periodic professional cleaning.

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