Tumble dryer not drying clothes: causes and safe checks

Usually simple

Quick answer

Damp clothes at the end of a cycle are usually caused by a clogged fluff filter (it can look clean but still be blocked), a dirty condenser, a blocked vent hose on vented dryers, an overloaded drum, or the wrong programme or dryness level. Clean everything, spin loads well, and don’t overload. Heat pump dryers simply take longer.

Also covers: tumble dryer taking too long · clothes still damp after drying · tumble dryer hot but not drying.

This can be normal

Heat pump dryers take longer than older condenser or vented dryers, and opening the door mid-cycle adds at least half an hour. AEG says that is normal.

Likely causes

What you can safely check yourself

Stop and call a qualified engineer if:
  • It still doesn’t heat after the checks. Heating faults need an engineer.
  • The code or problem comes back after you’ve done the safe checks on this page.
  • The next step would mean removing a cover or panel, or working on the pump, valves, heater, motor, door lock or wiring. That is a job for a qualified engineer.

Work through these in order. Stop as soon as one of the signs above applies.

Clean the fluff (lint) filter

  1. Open the door and pull out the fluff filter. On most models it sits in the door opening.
  2. Open it and remove the fluff with your fingers. Use a vacuum cleaner for heavy build-up, and clear fluff from the filter slot and door seal too.
  3. Hold the filter up to the light. If you can’t see through it, residue is blocking it. Wash it under running water and let it dry.
  4. Refit it fully. Do this after every load.

Never run the dryer without the filter fitted.

Replace a torn filter rather than using it.

Clean the condenser or heat exchanger Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
Tumble dryer filter, tank and condenser Water tank empty after every cycle Fluff filter in the door opening Condenser cover condenser/heat pump only
Tumble dryer filter, tank and condenser. Positions vary by model — check your manual.
  1. Condenser and heat pump dryers only. Open the condenser cover as your manual shows.
  2. Heat pump dryers: remove fluff from the heat exchanger with a damp cloth or a vacuum brush attachment. Wear gloves, because the metal fins are sharp, and don’t bend them.
  3. Condenser dryers: if your model has a removable condenser block, slide it out level so it doesn’t spill, rinse it through over a basin, and refit it.
  4. Close and lock the cover. Check the condenser at least once a month.

Don’t run the dryer with a condenser blocked by fluff.

Check the vent hose (vented dryers) Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  1. Vented dryers only. Follow the vent hose from the back of the dryer to the window or wall vent.
  2. Clear fluff from the hose and both ends, and check nothing is stuck inside.
  3. Straighten any kinks or crushed sections. A damaged hose needs replacing.

Check the load size and programme

  1. Don’t overload. The load limit in your manual is the weight of dry laundry.
  2. Spin washing well before drying, and untangle it. Dry thick and thin fabrics separately.
  3. Sensor (automatic) programmes need properly damp laundry. For nearly dry items, use a short timed programme instead.
  4. For damp results on sensor programmes, choose a higher dryness level.

Don’t run the dryer empty or with just one or two dry items, except for the short, supervised heat test on the dryer-not-heating page.

Empty the water tank and seat it properly

  1. Condenser and heat pump dryers only. Pull the water tank out slowly and keep it upright. The water may be warm.
  2. Empty it into a sink and push it fully back into place. A tank that isn’t seated properly won’t collect water.
  3. Empty it after every cycle, unless your dryer drains through a hose.

Check the room temperature and ventilation

  1. Dryers work best in a ventilated room between about 5°C and 35°C.
  2. Don’t run a dryer shut inside an unventilated cupboard. Leave space around it.
  3. In a small room, open a door or window while it runs.

Step-by-step guides

Related problems

More tumble dryer problems and codes, or use the fault finder.

Sources

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We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.