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  1. Repair
  2. Whirlpool
  3. Whirlpool Dryer

Whirlpool Dryer takes 3 cycles to dry

Common reasons your Whirlpool Dryer takes 3 cycles to dry

The most common reasons your Whirlpool dryer takes 3 cycles to dry are an open heating element, a clogged vent tube, or a faulty thermal fuse.

  • 20%

    20% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 16%

    16% of the time it's the
    Vent Tube

  • 14%

    14% of the time it's the
    Thermal Fuse

  • 50%

    50% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool dryer

    Heating Element Replacement

    An open heating element could be causing the problem when your dryer is not drying. "Open" means that the heating element is broken and current isn't flowing through the element to produce heat. You may not see physical damage on the heating element for it to be electrically open. An interior break in the continuity of the element can prevent it from heating. When your dryer isn't heating, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and fix the dryer.


    Vent Tube Replacement

    A clogged vent tube is one of the most common causes for a dryer not drying clothes. When the vent tube is clogged, air won't flow through the dryer. Warm moist air will stay in the dryer drum and clothes won't dry. When clothes are taking a long time to dry, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and examine the dryer. The technician will determine whether a clogged vent is causing the drying problem.

    Thermal Fuse Replacement

    A faulty or blown thermal fuse can keep the dryer from heating or from starting. The thermal fuse is a safety device mounted on the blower housing that trips when the dryer overheats. The thermal fuse in most electric dryers prevents the motor from running. In some gas dryers, a blown thermal fuse will also prevent the motor from running. A clogged exhaust vent system often causes the dryer to overheat and the thermal fuse to blow. When the dryer won't run, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and fix the dryer. The technician will replace the thermal fuse if it's blown.

    What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool dryer takes 3 cycles to dry issue

    How is the takes 3 cycles to dry issue fixed?

    Correcting most dryer takes 3 cycles to dry issues involves replacing the heating element, vent tube or thermal fuse. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

    Sears Home Services recommendations for a dryer takes 3 cycles to dry problem

    When a dryer isn't drying clothes completely, it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dryer failures.

    What to look out for with a dryer takes 3 cycles to dry diagnosis

    Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dryer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

    What our customers say about us

    With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

    Excellent service from Daniel

    Daniel provided excellent service and was very quick to perform the repair. I have nothing good to say about the warranty program and the LACK of customer service and the inability to contact a human being to talk.


    Tammy M, Hilton, NY

    Satisfied customer

    Excellent technician Very thorough and detail oriented Would be happy to have him work on appliances again He managed to find our ranch headquarters in the middle of the desert


    Rose W, Las Cruces, NM

    Dryer service

    He was professional and polite. I didn't call back later that afternoon, although he replaced a thermostat the smart dry timer doesn't work as I was still having the same issue. The lady said she would email him and have him return. Never heard from anyone else.


    Terry F, Oklahoma City, OK

    Repair Dryer Resources

    Title image for blog article "How Do Electric Dryers Work?"
    9 min readDec. 02

    Learn how an electric dryer works to get your clothes dry.

    Title image for blog article "How Do Steam Dryers Work?"
    6 min readNov. 29

    Learn how steam dryers work and how to keep them working smoothly.

    Title image for blog article "How Does a Gas Dryer Work?"
    8 min readNov. 20

    Learn how a gas dryer works so you can use it safely and efficiently.

    A ventless dryer fits into small spaces and spaces without venting infrastructure.
    11 min readNov. 13

    Discover how ventless dryers work and if they're right for your home. Learn about energy-saving designs, types, benefits, and maintenance tips.

    Glossary Terms

    Natural gas is a fossil fuel used primarily for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. It's a hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting mainly of methane, but it also contains smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons and sometimes sulfur compounds.

    A gas dryer is a laundry appliance that uses natural gas or propane to generate heat to dry clothes.

    A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

    A furnace is a major appliance that heats air distributed throughout a home or building via a ductwork system.

    Additional possible Whirlpool dryer symptoms you may experience