A dryer leaving clothes damp can throw a kink in your laundry assembly line. What can you do if you find your Maytag dryer not drying clothes all the way? First, check your power source. Insufficient power can mean less heat to adequately dry clothes. Learn how to troubleshoot common reasons for inadequate drying and implement simple DIY fixes.
6 Reasons for a Maytag Dryer Not Drying Appropriately
When your dryer takes too long some simple adjustments or maintenance can usually solve the problem. We’ll explain common reasons for a Maytag dryer not drying clothes and how to determine if a repair is necessary.
1. Dryer Not Getting Enough Power
Without sufficient power you may find your Maytag dryer not heating enough to dry clothes. This often results in clothes that are still damp at the end of a regular drying cycle or longer cycle times.
Make sure the dryer is plugged into a functioning 220V outlet. A 120V outlet won’t provide enough power, taking up to 3x longer to dry clothes. Avoid using an extension cord to power your dryer, as it can’t safely transmit the level of electricity required for proper drying.
2. Clothes Too Wet After Washing
If you think your dryer takes too long, the problem may actually lie with your washer. If clothes are too wet when they’re placed in the dryer, it can result in longer drying times. Make sure your wash setting includes an adequate spin setting to sufficiently rid clothes of water before drying. If clothes are still soaking wet after a spin cycle you may need to assess for a washer malfunction.
3. Drying Too Many Items at Once
Overloading the dryer with too many items can restrict airflow, resulting in longer drying times or insufficient drying. If your dryer doesn’t dry clothes sufficiently, check your user manual for capacity recommendations for your model dryer. A good rule of thumb is to only fill your dryer with one washer load at a time, ensuring that it’s never more than ¾ of the way full.
4. Dirty Dryer Lint Screen
Lint occurs as the dryer’s tumbling motion breaks away clothing fibers. These fibers find their way to the lint filter, which collects lint to prevent it from clogging the dryer’s exhaust system. If the collected lint isn’t removed from the screen before each drying cycle, it can restrict airflow, resulting in a Maytag dryer not drying clothes all the way.
Here’s how to clean a dryer lint filter:
- Locate the filter at the top of the dryer or in the dryer’s door opening.
- Pull up on the filter to remove it.
- Roll the lint off the filter with your fingers.
- Replace the filter.
- Periodically rinse the filter under hot running water to remove detergent residue. Add a few drops of detergent and scrub with a nylon brush before rinsing, drying, and replacing.
5. Exhaust Vent is Clogged
If the lint filter isn’t cleaned regularly, lint could reach the dryer exhaust system and cause blockages that restrict airflow, increasing drying times. It’s recommended that you clean the exhaust system annually to prevent blockages. If you find your Maytag dryer getting hot but not drying, an exhaust blockage is likely.
Follow these steps to clean a dryer exhaust system:
- Disconnect the dryer vent hose from the dryer and wall.
- With a narrow hose vacuum attachment, vacuum out the hose.
- Remove the exhaust hood on the outside of your home and vacuum the hose to where it meets the hood opening.
- Replace the exhaust hood and reconnect the hose to the interior wall and dryer.
6. Component Malfunction
If all else fails, it’s possible that a component malfunction has caused drying problems.
The following parts could be responsible for a Maytag dryer not drying clothes all the way, requiring professional replacement:
- Burned out heating element: in electric dryers, the heating element provides heat to dry clothes. When it burns out, there will be no hot air and clothes won’t dry. If multimeter testing confirms a lack of continuity, the heating element needs replacement.
- Failed gas valve solenoid: in gas dryers, this component opens and closes to allow gas to enter the dryer and heat the air. When the valve doesn’t allow gas to flow, there will be no available heat. If the igniter glows and goes out without lighting the gas, it’s likely the valve has failed and requires replacement.
- Obstructed or defective blower wheel: The blower wheel helps move air into the dryer drum. Sometimes a small article of clothing can escape and obstruct the blower wheel. Inspect the wheel for obstructions, removing any visible blockages. If none are apparent but the wheel doesn’t turn freely, it may be defective and require replacement.
Maughanster Appliance Repair is the area’s premier dryer repair service. Call us if you find your Maytag dryer not drying clothes all the way or for any other malfunction!
