What is actually happening
Drying depends as much on moving air as on heat. A dryer that gets hot but does not dry has an airflow problem — a blocked filter, condenser or vent — while a dryer that never gets warm has a heating problem. Sensor dryers add a third possibility: moisture sensors coated in fabric conditioner film read the load as dry and end the cycle early.
The usual causes
- A blocked lint filter or condenser unit
- A crushed or blocked vent hose on a vented model
- Moisture sensor bars coated with fabric conditioner residue, ending cycles early
- A heating fault
- Consistently overloading the drum
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.
- Clean the filter before every load, and rinse the condenser through
- Wipe the metal sensor bars just inside the door with a little white vinegar to remove the film
- Check the vent hose runs clear and is not crushed behind the machine
- Try a smaller load and see whether the result changes
Still not drying the clothes?
If the checks above have not sorted it, it needs looking at properly. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Local engineers covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — same and next-day appointments, and the person who comes out is one of ours, not a subcontractor.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my tumble dryer not drying the clothes?
The dryer runs a full cycle but the load is still damp at the end. Drying depends as much on moving air as on heat. A dryer that gets hot but does not dry has an airflow problem — a blocked filter, condenser or vent — while a dryer that never gets warm has a heating problem. Sensor dryers add a third possibility: moisture sensors coated in fabric conditioner film read the load as dry and end the cycle early.
Can I fix a tumble dryer not drying the clothes myself?
Clean the filter before every load, and rinse the condenser through. Wipe the metal sensor bars just inside the door with a little white vinegar to remove the film. Check the vent hose runs clear and is not crushed behind the machine. Try a smaller load and see whether the result changes. Those checks fix it more often than not. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair a tumble dryer not drying the clothes?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other tumble dryer faults
- tumble dryer not heating
- tumble dryer drum not turning
- tumble dryer making a noise
- tumble dryer will not start
- tumble dryer burning smell
- tumble dryer keeps stopping