dryer question

[MotherWhimsey]

We have a dryer that is only three years old. When I dry clothes, after the hour long cycle, they're still pretty darn damp. So sometimes I have to run it again. I don't like to do that. at all. I think maybe in the begining, it didn't do that. I don't remember for sure though. Do you guys have any ideas about what could be wrong with it and how to check that stuff? thanks

[fek&fuzz]

It shouldn't be running like that. Is the lint filter cleared? Also check the tube that goes outside.
Is it getting hot enough? The heating element could be bad, which is causing the clothes to just roll around in cold air, not very effective.

[OnTheFence]

Most likely the heating element has gone out.

Sorry.

[Robin926]

Do the clothes feel cold or warm? If they're cold and damp, your heating element may have gone out. If they're warm and damp, try checking the outside vent to be sure nothing is clogging it. The latter was happening with our dryer, and it turns out our landlord had stuffed something into the vent and didn't tell us. Once that was gone, everything was fine.

[IamCoupongirl]

I just changed the exhaust tube on my dryer, and boy was it FULL of gunky lint! I'm surprised it worked at all! Check that first.

[MotherWhimsey]

I have checked the filter in the dryer and outside, and as I regularly clean them, they were fine. I haven't checked the hose yet, will have to wait till dh is home. The clothes aren't cold though, they are warm and very damp. So hopefully just clogged.
Thanks

[eirual]

Our dryer sucks too, we just dry them then hang them up.

The latter was happening with our dryer, and it turns out our landlord had stuffed something into the vent and didn't tell us.

Why on earth would he do that?!

I should check our vent too.

~lauire

[kamilla626]

Until you get this figured out, tossing a couple tennis balls in the dryer will help keep the clothes separated and cut down on drying time.