Key takeaways
- Clothes that need more than one cycle
- A hot dryer, hot clothes or a hot laundry room
- A burning or musty smell
- Lint around the vent hood or a flap that does not open
The common signs
The most common sign is clothes that are still damp after a full cycle. Others include a dryer that is hot to the touch, a laundry room that feels humid and clothes that smell musty.
A burning smell is more serious. Stop using the dryer and unplug it until the vent has been checked.
Check the outside
Run the dryer and go outside to the vent hood. A strong stream of warm air should push the flap open. Weak air, a flap that barely moves or lint caught in the louvers all point to a restriction.
A flap that is stuck open can also mean a nest or debris in the hood.
What to do next
Clean the lint screen, wash it if it feels slick, and clear any lint you can see at the hood. If the dryer still struggles, have the full vent cleaned and the airflow measured.
Our Dryer Signs Check tool scores what you notice and tells you how urgent it is.
Quick answers
Can a clogged vent make the dryer shut off?
Yes. A restricted vent lets heat build up, and the safety thermostat can shut off the heat.
Why is my laundry still damp after one cycle?
The most likely reason is a restricted vent that cannot carry the moist air outdoors.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free quote or call 800-313-8481.