How to Fix an Electrolux Dryer That’s Not Drying

It’s always frustrating when an appliance isn’t working properly! If your dryer is not drying at all, or if it’s taking longer than it should, there are plenty of fixes that a DIYer can try without having to call in a professional. Whether it’s a heating issue, a filter issue, or something else, we’ve got you covered!

This guide applies to all popular models of Electrolux dryers, including:

DEA500C0D

EDE16NS0

EDG16NS0

EIED50LIW0

EIED50LIW1

EIED55HIW0

EIMED55IIW0

EIMED55IIW2

EIMED55IMB0

EIMED60JIW0

EIMED60LT0

EIMGD60LT3

EWMED65HIW0

EWMED65HSS0

EWMED65HTS0

EWMED70JIW0

EWMED70JSS0

SAEQ7000FS0

SAGQ7000FS0

SEQ7000FS0

SGQ7000FS0

Clean the lint filter

If your Electrolux dryer isn’t drying properly, start by checking the lint filter. The lint filter traps bits of lint and debris from your clothes, and if it gets too full, it can interfere with air circulation, meaning that your clothes won’t dry properly. 

To fix:

• Locate the lint filter – you may need to check your Electrolux manual to find out where it’s located on your specific model. 
• Remove the filter and clean it of lint. 
• Clean the lint out of the filter housing. 
• If there is any lint remaining in the lint filter, use a soft brush to clean it off. 
• Replace the filter into the housing and run a test cycle to see if this has fixed your issues. 

Clean the vent pipe

The vent pipe allows your dryer to vent to the outside. It means that moist air can escape from the dryer’s interior, leaving your clothes warm and dry. If the vent pipe is blocked with lint, then moisture won’t be able to escape. If this is your issue, you may notice that after a dryer cycle, although your clothes are warm, they are still damp. 

To fix this:

• Turn your dryer off and pull it away from the wall so you can access the back. 
• Remove the vent pipe from the back of the dryer and the wall of your house. The end that’s attached to the house may be held in place with screws or clips, and the end attached to the dryer should just pull off. 
• Clean out any lint remaining in the pipe housing.
• Stretch out the pipe and look through it to see if it’s blocked. If there is just a little lint at the mouth of the pipe, you may be able to remove it by hand.
• If the pipe has a lot of lint, use a vacuum cleaner to remove this. If necessary, you can even buy a special flexible brush that you can use to remove hard-to-reach lint build-up. 
• Once the pipe is clean, reattach it on both ends and run a test cycle to make sure the dryer is now drying properly. 

Ensure proper loading

One relatively common cause of a dryer not drying properly is the incorrect loading of the drum. Overloading your dryer can reduce airflow within the drum, meaning that your clothes won’t dry within the expected timeframe. 

Some loading tips include:

• Check your dryer manual to find out the recommended load size, and make sure you don’t exceed this. 
• Load similar types of items together. For example, heavy items like towels can wrap around lighter, more delicate items, preventing them from drying. 
• Untangle your laundry before placing it in the dryer, specifically large items like sheets and duvet covers. 
• To improve airflow, try using dryer balls during your load. They’re designed to bounce around in the machine, helping to agitate your clothes and reducing drying time. 

Check the heating element

If the heating element in your dryer is faulty, you may notice the dryer appears to be operating as normal, but at the end of the cycle, your clothes are still damp and cold. To identify if your heating element is faulty:

• Unplug your dryer and locate the heating element. You may need to look at your Electrolux manual to help you locate the element in your particular model. 
• Inspect the element for any obvious damage, like cracks or scorch marks. 
• If it appears fine, use a multimeter to test for continuity. An element without continuity is faulty and needs replacing. 
• Purchase a replacement element online, ensuring it’s compatible with your dryer. 
• If you’re comfortable doing electrical DIY, you can replace the element yourself; otherwise, engage a professional technician to install the new element. 
• Once the new element is in place, run a test cycle to ensure that your dryer is now working properly. 

Check the moisture sensor

Many models of Electrolux dryers have a moisture sensor, which can automatically sense when a load of laundry is dry and then stop the dryer from running. If the sensor is faulty, it may incorrectly sense that the clothes are dry when they’re not, which can lead to your clothes being damp after the load is finished. If you think your moisture sensor might be the culprit, here’s what to do:

• Locate the moisture sensor in your dryer. This is usually located in the drum’s interior, near the lint filter, and will appear as two metal bars. If you’re having trouble locating it, consult your manual. 
• The first step should be cleaning the sensor. If you regularly use fabric softener or dryer sheets, then there can be a residue build-up on the sensor that makes it less effective. Use a rag dipped in rubbing alcohol to thoroughly clean the sensor. 
• If the sensor appears clean, but you still think it may be the culprit, test the sensor with a multimeter to see if it’s working. When you touch a moist finger to the moisture sensor, the continuity on the multimeter should change. If it doesn’t, it will need replacing. 
• You can purchase a replacement moisture sensor online and either install it yourself or get a technician to install it. 
• Once you’ve replaced or cleaned your moisture sensor, run a test cycle to ensure your dryer works properly.