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Tumble dryer is not drying

After the programme has ended, warm laundry tends to feel damper than it actually is. Take out the load, and spread the laundry to let it cool off. If your laundry is still damp, the simple checks listed below can help you to resolve the problem.

Select the right drying cycle

Ensure that you have selected the right cycle for the load you would like to dry and keep in mind that different clothing materials also dry differently. Consult your instruction manual to find out more about the programmes available and information on which items a programme is suitable for. You may also consider adjusting the drying time or the degree of dryness. Please note, that this will increase the drying time but the temperature will remain the same.

Clean the fluff filter

If the drying is taking a long time, the appliance’s fluff filter might be clogged. A clean fluff filter improves the appliance’s performance, and as fluff can build up easily, we recommend cleaning this key part after every drying cycle. To find out more about how to clean the fluff filter, click here.

Adjust the load

Avoid overloading the dryer and reposition large items to ensure even drying. Consult your instruction manual for more information on maximum load weight per programme. You can also read our guidance page on how to properly load the tumble dryer here.

Deactivate the child lock

If the programme does not start, check that the door is fully closed and that the child lock has been deactivated. If you are unsure how to deactivate the child lock on your tumble dryer, click here. Please note, that if the programme has been delayed by setting Finished in, the programme will start at a later point.

Check that the moisture sensor is clean

The sensor is a key component to any modern tumble dryer, which helps you to control the time your clothes spend inside the dryer. It will detect if clothes are wet and help prevent wasting energy and time by stopping the programme once the clothes are dry. Unfortunately, after long periods of usage the moisture sensor may become covered by a fine layer of limescale or residues of detergents and care products. Such residues must be removed regularly as the sensor function and in consequence the drying result may be impaired.

To clean the sensor, open the appliance door and thoroughly clean the area of the moisture sensor with a coarse sponge (the sensor itself is located in the door area). Do not use abrasives and steel wool as they can damage the sensor.

To find out more about looking after your tumble dryer, click below.

Cleaning a tumble dryer
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Tumble dryer is not drying | Bosch UK