Could it be lint screen partially blocked?

Run water over the screen. If it pools rather than passing straight through, fabric-softener residue has sealed the mesh. Scrub with warm soapy water and a brush, then dry before refitting. Typical cost: DIY.

Could it be restricted vent duct?

A long or crushed duct, or a flap that does not open outside. Loads taking two or three cycles is the classic symptom. Clear the duct end to end and confirm the exterior flap opens with airflow. Typical cost: DIY, or $100–$200 professionally.

Could it be overloading?

Try a small load. If that dries normally, the machine is fine. Dry smaller loads — air has to circulate for moisture to leave. Typical cost: DIY.

Could it be faulty moisture sensor?

Auto cycles stop early while a timed cycle dries the load fully. That contrast points at the sensor. Clean the sensor bars inside the drum; replace if still misreading. Typical cost: $150–$320.

Dryer Not Drying Clothes

Clothes that come out damp after a full cycle usually mean the dryer is heating but cannot move moist air out — a restricted vent or a clogged lint screen — rather than a heating fault.

Causes, in order of likelihood

Causes of dryer not drying clothes, with typical repair costs
Cause	How often	Typical cost
Lint screen partially blocked	Most common	DIY
Restricted vent duct	Most common	DIY, or $100–$200 professionally
Overloading	Common	DIY
Faulty moisture sensor	Less common	$150–$320
Weak or failing blower wheel	Less common	$200–$420

1. Lint screen partially blockedYou can check this

How to check: Run water over the screen. If it pools rather than passing straight through, fabric-softener residue has sealed the mesh.

The fix: Scrub with warm soapy water and a brush, then dry before refitting.

2. Restricted vent ductYou can check this

How to check: A long or crushed duct, or a flap that does not open outside. Loads taking two or three cycles is the classic symptom.

The fix: Clear the duct end to end and confirm the exterior flap opens with airflow.

3. OverloadingYou can check this

How to check: Try a small load. If that dries normally, the machine is fine.

The fix: Dry smaller loads — air has to circulate for moisture to leave.

4. Faulty moisture sensorTechnician job

How to check: Auto cycles stop early while a timed cycle dries the load fully. That contrast points at the sensor.

The fix: Clean the sensor bars inside the drum; replace if still misreading.

5. Weak or failing blower wheelTechnician job

How to check: Poor airflow at the outlet even with the duct disconnected.

The fix: Replace the blower wheel or its housing.

When to call a technician

If airflow is strong with the duct off and the load still will not dry, book a technician to test the sensor and thermostats.

Describe the fault and get matched with an independent appliance technician in California.

Call (844) 659-0046