Dryer Taking Forever? 9 Simple Tricks That Can Make It Dry Faster

A washer and dryer can make laundry day easier—unless your dryer isn't working properly. A dryer can run more slowly than usual for many reasons, whether it be the way you load items into it, the setting you choose, or the appliance's condition. If your clothes and linens are coming out damp or taking noticeably longer to dry, it’s a sign you might need to switch things up.

From quick adjustments to routine maintenance, these simple tips can help your dryer operate more efficiently, make your items dry faster, and speed up your laundry routine.

1. Use the Spin Cycle

One of the easiest ways to speed up drying time is to remove as much moisture as possible from the things you just washed before placing them in the dryer. Most washing machine settings have a spin cycle designed to do just that. Using a high or extra-high spin cycle, you can extract excess water, so your dryer won’t have to work as hard or as long to finish the job. A lower spin setting (or air drying) may be needed for delicates. But for most everyday items, try opting for a higher spin cycle and see if it shortens their drying time.

2. Shake Out Items After Washing

Sure, it’s tempting to transfer a bundle of wet clothes, sheets, or towels directly from the washer to the dryer, especially if you’re in a hurry. However, taking a minute to shake out and untangle each item can significantly affect how long they take to dry. This simple step keeps things from clumping, allowing dryer air to circulate more freely and making everything dry faster.

3. Keep the Filters Clean

A clogged lint trap—also known as the filter—is a common cause of slow drying times. When the filter is full of lint, it restricts airflow and makes the dryer work harder and longer to complete the job. Make it a habit to remove lint after every dry cycle, if not right before you load and start the next one. Occasionally, use a flexible lint brush or a crevice vacuum attachment to clean the lint trap, the slot where the screen fits. This will speed up drying time, improve energy efficiency, and reduce the risk of a dryer fire.

If you regularly clean the lint trap but still experience slower-than-normal drying times, check to see if the dryer vent hose is clogged or has a kink. Over time, lint and debris accumulate in the hose, blocking airflow and, worse, becoming a fire hazard, so cleaning the vent out regularly is essential. A clear vent lets hot air escape properly, speeding up the drying process and reducing the risk of overheating.

4. Dry Similar Fabrics Together

Not all fabrics dry at the same rate. When you mix bulky towels with lightweight pajamas, the dryer will continue running until the heaviest items are completely dry (even though your pjs were ready well before). To achieve more even drying and cut down on unnecessarily long drying time, aim to sort your laundry by fabric type or weight. For example, dry towels and bedding separately from garments, which are generally thinner and smaller. Alternatively, try air-drying some of the heavier stuff for a half hour or so before adding them into the dryer to minimize their dampness.

5. Avoid Overcrowding the Dryer

Stuffing all your wet laundry into the dryer might seem like you’re saving yourself some time, but it actually has the opposite effect. An overloaded dryer leads to lessened airflow and, therefore, extended dry time. Aim to fill the drum only two-thirds of the way full to maximize drying performance. This will allow enough room for items to tumble more easily, resulting in faster dry time.

6. Select the Correct Dryer Setting

Although you might think high heat can speed up the drying process, that isn't always the case. Some fabrics dry quicker on medium heat, or it might be necessary to prevent shrinkage or damage to the fabric. Try experimenting with different heat levels depending on the type of clothing or linens you’re cleaning to find the best balance between speed and efficiency.

7. Use Dryer Balls

Wool or rubber dryer balls are specifically designed to reduce drying time. So, if you haven’t started using them yet, they're worth trying. They work by separating damp items in the dryer, allowing hot air to flow better. These mini miracle workers also help to reduce static and wrinkles and are more eco-friendly than one-time-use dryer sheets. If you don’t have dryer balls on hand, a new, clean tennis ball can serve as a substitute.

8. Toss in a Dry Towel

If you’re in a rush, try using this trick with something you likely have readily available: a clean, dry towel. Adding a towel to wet laundry in the dryer will absorb excess moisture, potentially reducing drying time. Remember to remove the towel from the dryer after about 15 or 20 minutes to keep it from adding moisture back into the load.

9. Avoid Opening the Dryer Door

Hot air escapes every time you open the dryer door during a cycle, causing the dryer to work harder to regain heat. If you need to check on your load, try to do it quickly to minimize heat loss. Think of this simple habit the same way you try to minimize opening the refrigerator door during a blackout to keep the cold air in.