Yes, clothes dried in a dryer are supposed to be completely dry by the end of the drying cycle. The primary purpose of a clothes dryer is to remove moisture from the clothes, leaving them dry and ready to wear or store.
A properly functioning dryer should be able to remove the majority of moisture from the clothes, making them comfortable to wear and eliminating the risk of mold or mildew growth. When clothes are left slightly damp after a drying cycle, it can indicate an issue with the dryer's heating element, exhaust vent, or airflow, which may need to be addressed to ensure efficient and effective drying.
If you find that your clothes are consistently not completely dry after a normal drying cycle, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
Check the lint trap: A clogged or dirty lint trap can restrict airflow, leading to longer drying times and damp clothes. Clean the lint trap before each use.
Inspect the exhaust vent: Ensure that the exhaust vent leading from the dryer to the outside of your home is not blocked or obstructed. A blocked vent can prevent proper air circulation, affecting drying performance.
Avoid overloading: Overloading the dryer can impede airflow and result in uneven drying. Make sure to leave enough space for clothes to tumble freely.
Check the heating element: If the dryer's heating element is faulty, it may not generate enough heat to thoroughly dry the clothes. In such cases, professional repair or replacement may be necessary.
Choose the correct drying cycle: Some fabrics and loads require different drying settings. Make sure you are using the appropriate cycle for the types of clothes you are drying.
Inspect the moisture sensor: Some modern dryers are equipped with moisture sensors that can detect when the clothes are dry and end the cycle accordingly. If the sensor is faulty, it may not accurately gauge the moisture level, resulting in incomplete drying.
If you've tried these troubleshooting steps and your dryer is still not drying clothes adequately, it's best to contact a professional appliance repair service to diagnose and fix the issue. Properly functioning dryers should be able to dry clothes completely, efficiently, and without causing any damage to the fabrics.