Kenmore electric dryer taking too long to dry: A troubleshooting guide

We know how frustrating it can be when your Kenmore electric dryer takes too long to dry, so here’s a quick troubleshooting guide to help you fix the problem and avoid unnecessary service calls.

If you need any replacement parts for your Kenmore dryer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The troubleshooting information in this article is based on model 11068722700 and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• ¼ inch nut driver
• ¼ inch socket
• Putty knife
• Thermometer
• Abrasive pad or brush
• Dish soap

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Safety tips

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or its parts. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Read more: Tips for Caring for Your Dryer | Clothes Dryer Maintenance

How to troubleshoot a Kenmore electric dryer that’s taking too long to dry

Step 1: Check the house venting

1. Pull the dryer out from the wall and disconnect the vent.
2. Run a load of clothes without the vent attached.
3. If the clothes dry normally, the vent is likely blocked or restricted.
4. If drying times are still long, the problem may be with the dryer itself.

Step 2: Inspect the vent material and length

1. Ensure the vent material and length meet the specifications in the owner’s manual.
2. Check behind the dryer to see if the vent is smashed against the wall or if it’s too long.
3. If the vent is too long, consider shortening or redirecting it to allow a shorter path for air to escape.
4. If the vent is smashed, replace it.

Step 3: Test the cycling thermostat

1. Remove the laundry from the dryer and pull it out far enough to access the vent port.
2. Disconnect the vent and turn the dryer to a timed heat setting.
3. Use a thermometer to measure the air temperature coming out of the dryer.
4. The temperature should be between 125 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. If the temperature is outside this range, replace the cycling thermostat.

Step 4: Check the lint screen

1. Remove the lint screen and take it to a sink.
2. Run water over the screen; the water should flow through without pooling.
3. If the screen holds water, clean it using warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush or abrasive pad.
4. If there are holes or tears in the lint screen, replace it immediately.

Read more: DIY Dryer Troubleshooting: What Is Causing Slow Drying Times?

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Kenmore electric dryer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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