Tumble dryer not drying or laundry still damp? Filters, heat exchanger and settings
In most cases weak drying means clogged filters and a clogged heat exchanger. In heat pump dryers regular cleaning is essential, because lint blocks the airflow.
- Most common cause
- clogged lint filter and heat exchanger
- Time
- 15–20 minutes
- Repair shop, if this doesn't help
- 270–680 zł
Unplug the dryer before cleaning the heat exchanger. The exchanger fins are sharp, so clean them gently, from top to bottom, without metal tools.
Step by step
Clean the filter in the door
Take the lint filter out of the door opening and remove the lint. Once every few weeks, wash it under running water and dry it thoroughly.
Clean the filter by the heat exchanger
In heat pump dryers there's a flap at the bottom front with a second filter (sponge or mesh). Rinse it under running water.
Check the heat exchanger
If your dryer has a removable heat exchanger, rinse it in the shower. If not, vacuum the fins with a soft brush. Some models rinse the heat exchanger automatically.
Empty the condensate tank
A full or badly seated tank stops the drying or makes it longer. Empty it after every cycle.
Spin the laundry and don't overload
Laundry spun at 1200–1400 rpm dries much faster. Don't fill the drum to the brim, and dry towels separately from thin items.
Check the moisture sensor
Inside the drum there are metal strips, the moisture sensors. Wipe them with a cloth and vinegar. Fabric softener residue makes the dryer finish too early.
- The dryer doesn't heat at all even with clean filters.
- The drum doesn't turn or you hear squealing (belt, rollers).
- You smell burning.
How much does a repair shop charge?
| Cleaning the heat exchanger and heat pump at a repair shop | 200–410 zł |
| Drum belt / roller replacement | 200–520 zł |
| Heat pump system repair | 540–1200 zł |
| Condensate pump replacement | 200–480 zł |
Typical prices at independent repair shops in Poland, October 2026. Authorised service centres and big cities can be more expensive.
Repair or buy new?
Cleaning and minor repairs (belt, pump) always pay off. Repairing the heat pump system in a few-year-old, cheaper dryer can come close to the price of a new one. Compare it in the calculator.
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Open the calculator →FAQ
How often should I clean the dryer filters?
The door filter after every drying cycle, the heat exchanger filter every 5–10 cycles or whenever the dryer asks for it.
Should a heat pump dryer take a long time to dry?
Yes, it dries more slowly than a condenser dryer (often 2–3 hours), but uses half as much electricity. If the time has clearly got longer, it's time to clean.
Can I use the water from the tank in an iron?
Manufacturers advise against it, because it may contain lint and detergent residue.