How to fix performance issues in dryers

Issue:

• Tumble dryer is not drying
• Tumble dryer is not drying properly (poor drying result)
• Clothes are still wet at the end of the cycle
• Tumble dryer drying cycle takes too long (does not end)

Applies to:

• Vented dryer
• Condenser dryer
• Heat pump dryer

Applies to model numbers:

EDH903BEWA, EDC704GEWA, EDH803BEWA, EDC804CEWA, EDV705HQWA, EDV805JQWA

Resolution:

1.  Difference between heat pump dryers vs condense dryers or vented dryers

Tumble dryers that are fitted with a heat pump give very gentle and energy-efficient drying at low temperature (max. 54°C), but the drying time will be somewhat longer than on appliances with high energy consumption.

This is normal and not a malfunction in any way.

On these appliances, it may seem that the appliance is not heating for a long period of time at the start of a drying cycle. This is because all of the heat pump’s energy is used to heat and evaporate water/moisture in the clothing. Simply let the appliance run through the selected cycle until the desired drying results have been achieved according to the chosen cycle and options.

Opening the door during a cycle to check on the clothing will extend the cycle by at least half an hour each time the door is opened. This is because the heat pump takes a long time to reach full working pressure in the heating system.

Some models have a quick-drying cycle with a shorter drying time. You can use this cycle if you do not have time to wait for the normal drying cycle to finish. Using this program increases the energy consumption and noise level, as the heat pump will operate at full power and speed throughout the entire drying cycle.

If you find that your dryer is not drying satisfactorily, there are a number of possible causes.

For best results with the lowest possible power consumption, the machine must be cleaned regularly and you should use the correct cycle and options in relation to the type of clothing you want to dry.

It is important that the clothing is sorted and dried according to clothing type when you use electronic cycles.

For some types of clothing, (e.g. with very thick seams) additional drying may be necessary after drying with a timed cycle (more than 10 minutes’ duration, because the last 10 minutes of the cycle consist of cooling without heat.)

See tips below

2. Spin the laundry well before drying.

3. Do not exceed the maximum load size / Do not overload the appliance

The indication of loading quantity in the manual always refers to the weight of the dry laundry. Select the correct drying program for the items in the drum.

Overloading can reduce the heat circulation around the clothing thus extending the drying time. De-tangle clothes before adding them to the dryer to reduce drying time.

4. Choose the right drying program.

Make sure that the respective type of washing and the care symbols in the label of the laundry comply with the drying program.

You will find help in the program overview in the user manual.

5. For programs that are humidity-controlled, such as "Cotton Cupboard Dry", select a higher level of dryness, such as Extra Dry.

Tumble dryer programs are essentially either time-controlled or humidity-controlled. Check user manual

6. If the load consists of different thicknesses of fabric or different types of fabric, sort the laundry by thickness and fabric type and dry separately.

Depending on the model, some devices also offer special programs, such as "MIX XL", "JEANS" or "Bed Linen", which are suitable for different types of fabric or laundry of different thicknesses.

7. Drying cushions, pillows and duvets:

First, check your user manual to see whether your machine is suitable for drying cushions, pillows and duvets.

Warning: If it is not suitable, there is a risk that the appliance may overheat and suffer damage.

If your appliance is suitable for drying cushions, pillow and duvets, set the program to dry the cushions/pillows/duvet in accordance with the user manual.

For example, if your cushions are not completely dry inside after drying, you can use a cycle to finish the drying process. (More than 10 minutes’ duration, as the last 10 minutes of cycles consist of cooling without heat.)

8. Set the DRY PLUS option to MAX if your dryer is equipped with it.

9. Drying slightly damp clothing:

If you want to finish drying clothes that are almost dry, you can use a timed cycle (over 10 minutes’ duration, as the last 10 minutes of cycles consist of cooling without heat.)

Automatic drying cycles cannot be used for clothing that is only slightly damp.

10. Set the remaining moisture level option to the highest drying level if your dryer is equipped with it.

Check the setting of the standard drying levels as stated in the user manual. For the best drying result, the setting should be set to CO_ once. If the setting of the standard drying levels is not set correctly, this can cause a poor drying result.

11. Clean the filter carefully after each drying cycle

Clean the filter, remove the fluff from the filter and clean the filter under the hot water tap. Clean the filters with your fingertips.

When the filters are dirty, the warm air cannot pass through the filters properly, which can lead to a poor drying result. This can be caused by using too much detergent during washing. As a result, the warm air will also contain detergent residues during drying, which can then cause the filter to become clogged.

Note please that the filter may appear clean but still be blocked.

You can check the filter by holding it up against the light and see if it is porous

You can also check the filter under a tap and seeing whether the water can flow through them.

After cleaning do not put the wet filter to the dryer – it must be dried before putting it back.

If water will still not pass through the filter, replace it.

See the user manual for information on how to clean and maintain your appliance.

12. Clean the condenser and condenser compartment of the dryer (only for heat pump and condenser dryers).

When the condenser is dirty, the warm air cannot be condensed properly, due to insufficient airflow, it can cause poor drying result

If the condenser is dirty, it may be the reason why the machine is not heating up.

Heat pump dryers

Condenser dryers

13. Clean drum ribs and drum with cleaning vinegar (2011 models).

If the drum ribs or the drum are soiled by using fabric softener during washing, it may cause poor drying results.

14. Clean the moisture measuring strips with white vinegar (2 metals, these are located on the inside at the bottom of the filling opening, Models from 2011).

If the moisture measuring strips are soiled by the use of fabric softener during washing, this can cause a poor drying result.

15. Check that the air exhaust hose is not blocked or folded in half (only with exhaust air dryers).

When the air exhaust hose is clogged or folded in half, the warm air cannot be discharged properly, resulting in poor drying results.

16. Ensure a room temperature is higher than +5°C and lower than +35°C

The optimal room temperature to achieve the best drying results is between 19°-24°C.

If the ambient temperature is too low or too high, the tumble dryer may not operate correctly.

Heat the room in which the tumble dryer is situated until it reaches a suitable temperature, or move the dryer to another room which is at a suitable temperature.

If the ambient temperature is too low, the drying time will be longer (at temperatures between 10˚C and 15˚C the drying time can be extended by 30% and at temperatures between 5˚C and 10˚C the drying time can be increased by as much as 50%.

17. Check if your product is connected to a power outlet or grounded socket.

If the appliance is not grounded, the measuring system will not work correctly and the appliance may decide that the clothing is dry at the wrong time.

If your appliance is not grounded, there is a risk of electric shock.

18. Reset the appliance

Remove the plug from the socket, wait 3 minutes and then plug it in again.

19. Check if the appliance is displaying an error code

The error message can be a code in the display, a flashing LED or a sequence of beeps.

If an error code is displayed, see the user manual or our support page for troubleshooting.

20. Check whether the appliance is getting hot:

Firstly, clean the appliance and then start a timed cycle of at least 120 minutes with no load.

After one hour, open the door and check whether the drum is hot inside (with at least 20 minutes remaining on the display).

If the inside of the drum is hot, the heating system is working. In tumble dryers fitted with a heat pump, you can often also hear whooshing or sloshing noises from the appliance when it stops.

If the appliance is still not hot after an hour of the program, we recommend requesting a visit by a service engineer.

If the above steps do not resolve the issues, please contact your local Electrolux Service Centre for further support.