5 Top Reasons Why Your Dryer Isn't Drying Clothes - New Jersey Homeowners Guide

Is your dryer running but leaving your clothes damp? This frustrating problem is one of the most common appliance issues we see as professional appliance repair technicians serving New Jersey. The good news? Many dryer drying problems can be diagnosed and fixed quickly—and some you can even troubleshoot yourself.

At Boost Appliance Service, we've repaired thousands of dryers across Bergen County, Essex County, and throughout New Jersey. In this guide, we'll walk you through the 5 most common reasons why your dryer isn't drying clothes properly and what you can do about it.

1. Clogged Lint Filter or Dryer Vent

Problem: This is the #1 culprit behind poor dryer performance.

A clogged lint filter or blocked dryer vent restricts airflow, which means hot, moist air can't escape. Your dryer runs longer, uses more energy, and still leaves clothes damp. Worse, clogged vents are a serious fire hazard—the leading cause of dryer fires in the United States.

Solution:

• Clean your lint filter before every load. Even if it looks clean, rinse it with warm water monthly to remove fabric softener residue.
• Inspect the dryer vent hose behind your dryer for kinks, damage, or blockages.
• Check the exterior vent outside your home. If the flap doesn't open when the dryer runs, it's blocked.
• Professional vent cleaning: If your vent hasn't been cleaned in over a year, or if your dryer takes 2+ cycles to dry clothes, call a professional for deep vent cleaning.

Cost to Fix: DIY cleaning is free. Professional dryer vent cleaning typically costs $100-$200 in New Jersey.

2. Heating Element Failure (Electric Dryers)

Problem: Your dryer runs but produces no heat.

Electric dryers use a heating element (similar to an oven) to generate heat. Over time, these elements burn out, especially in older dryers or if the dryer has overheated due to vent blockages.

How to Diagnose:

• Run the dryer for 5-10 minutes, then carefully feel inside the drum. If the drum is cool or only slightly warm, the heating element is likely broken.
• Check the dryer's circuit breaker. Some dryers use a double breaker—if one side trips, the dryer tumbles but doesn't heat.

Solution:

• Electric dryers: Replace the heating element. This is a moderately complex repair that typically requires a technician.
• Check the thermal fuse: Many dryers have a thermal fuse that blows if the dryer overheats. Once blown, it must be replaced.

Cost to Fix: Heating element replacement costs $150-$300 in New Jersey, depending on the brand (LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, GE, Maytag, etc.).

3. Gas Valve Solenoids (Gas Dryers)

Problem: Your gas dryer runs but doesn't heat consistently.

Gas dryers rely on gas valve solenoids to open and close, allowing gas to flow to the burner. When these solenoids fail, your dryer may heat intermittently or not at all.

How to Diagnose:

• Listen for a clicking sound when the dryer starts. If you hear clicking but no heat, the solenoids may be faulty.
• Check if the dryer heats for a few minutes, then stops. This is a classic sign of solenoid failure.

Solution:

• Replace the gas valve solenoids. This is a technical repair that requires shutting off the gas supply and disassembling the dryer—definitely call a professional.
• Inspect the igniter: If the igniter (the part that lights the gas) is weak or broken, the burner won't light.

Cost to Fix: Gas valve solenoid replacement costs $150-$350 in New Jersey.

4. Broken or Worn Drum Belt

Problem: The dryer drum doesn't spin, or spins very slowly.

The drum belt wraps around the dryer drum and connects to the motor. If the belt breaks or becomes worn and loose, the drum won't spin properly—and clothes won't tumble, which is essential for proper drying.

How to Diagnose:

• Open the dryer door and try to spin the drum by hand. If it spins very easily with no resistance, the belt is likely broken.
• Listen for unusual squealing or thumping sounds, which indicate a worn or misaligned belt.

Solution:

• Replace the drum belt. This is a moderately complex repair that involves disassembling the dryer cabinet.

Cost to Fix: Drum belt replacement costs $120-$250 in New Jersey.

5. Moisture Sensor Malfunction

Problem: Your dryer shuts off too early, leaving clothes damp.

Modern dryers use moisture sensors (two metal bars inside the drum) to detect when clothes are dry. If these sensors are coated with fabric softener residue or detergent buildup, they can't accurately sense moisture—and the dryer shuts off prematurely.

How to Diagnose:

• Run a timed dry cycle (instead of auto-dry). If clothes dry properly on timed dry but not auto-dry, the sensors are likely dirty or faulty.

Solution:

• Clean the moisture sensors: Locate the two metal sensor bars inside the dryer drum (usually near the lint filter). Wipe them with a soft cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar.
• If cleaning doesn't help, the sensors may need to be replaced.

Cost to Fix: Cleaning is free. Sensor replacement costs $100-$200 in New Jersey.

Bonus Tip: Check Your Dryer Load Size

Overloading your dryer is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make. When you cram too many clothes into the dryer, they can't tumble freely, which prevents proper airflow and heat distribution.

Best Practice:

• Fill the dryer drum only 3/4 full.
• Separate heavy items (like towels and jeans) from lightweight items (like t-shirts and sheets).
• If you're drying a large comforter or heavy blanket, consider using a laundromat's commercial dryer—they have more capacity and stronger airflow.

When to Call a Professional Dryer Repair Service

While some dryer issues can be fixed with DIY troubleshooting, others require professional expertise. Call a professional if:

• Your dryer has no heat and you've ruled out a clogged vent and tripped breaker.
• The dryer makes loud grinding, squealing, or thumping noises.
• You smell burning or gas when the dryer runs (turn off the dryer immediately and call a technician).
• You've tried basic troubleshooting and the dryer still doesn't dry properly.
• Your dryer is older than 10-15 years—it may be time for a replacement.

Why Choose Boost Appliance Service for Dryer Repair in New Jersey?

At Boost Appliance Service, we've been repairing dryers for over 20 years across Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Morris County, Passaic County, and beyond. Our factory-trained technicians repair all major brands:

✔️ LG | Samsung | Whirlpool | GE | Maytag
✔️ Bosch | KitchenAid | Frigidaire | Electrolux | Speed Queen

What We Offer:

• ⚡ Same-day service available
• 🛠️ Upfront pricing before we start
• ✅ Warranty on parts and labor
• 📞 20+ years of experience
• 🏡 Fully insured and licensed

Get Your Dryer Fixed Today

Don't let a broken dryer disrupt your routine. Whether you need a simple vent cleaning or a complex heating element replacement, we're here to help.

Call us now at (551) 282-9561 for fast, reliable dryer repair in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long should a dryer last?
A: Most dryers last 10-15 years with proper maintenance. High-end brands like Miele and Speed Queen can last 20+ years.

Q: Why does my dryer take 2-3 cycles to dry clothes?
A: This is usually caused by a clogged dryer vent, a faulty heating element, or dirty moisture sensors.

Q: Can I repair my dryer myself?
A: Basic tasks like cleaning the lint filter and dryer vent can be done yourself. For electrical or gas components, hire a professional for safety.

Q: How often should I clean my dryer vent?
A: At least once a year. If you have a large family or do frequent loads, clean it every 6 months.

Q: Is it worth repairing an old dryer?
A: If the repair costs less than 50% of a new dryer and your dryer is under 10 years old, it's usually worth repairing.

Need dryer repair in New Jersey? Contact Boost Appliance Service today!
📞 (551) 282-9561 | Serving 13 counties across New Jersey