Statewide Appliance Spares Blog

How to dry clothes faster (without overloading your dryer)

Winter is here, bringing cooler temperatures, shorter days, and the challenge of getting laundry dry. If you rely on your clothes dryer during winter, a few simple adjustments can help your clothes dry faster, reduce energy use, and keep your machine running efficiently.

Dry clothes faster with smaller loads

An overloaded dryer can actually be less efficient. Hot air needs space to circulate between clothes — when the drum is too full, garments tangle together and moisture gets trapped rather than drawn away.

Common signs of an overloaded dryer include clothes still damp at the end of a cycle, longer drying times, excess heat building up around the machine, and added strain on dryer components. Running two smaller loads will often get everything dry faster than repeatedly cycling one oversized one.

Read more: Why you should never overload your dryer

Sort laundry by fabric weight

Heavy items like towels, jeans, hoodies, and bedding hold onto moisture much longer than lighter fabrics. Drying them together in a mixed load means lighter garments tend to over dry while heavier ones are still damp in the middle.

Separating laundry into similar fabric types before drying helps the machine work more efficiently and gives you more consistent results throughout the load.

Make the most of your washing machine's spin cycle

An extra spin cycle before transferring clothes to the dryer can remove a surprising amount of residual moisture — meaning less work for the dryer and a noticeably shorter cycle. It's particularly useful for bulkier winter items like blankets, thick towels, and heavy knitwear.

Clean the lint filter after every load

A clogged lint filter restricts airflow, and restricted airflow means moisture can't escape efficiently — so your dryer runs longer and uses more energy for the same result.

To help maintain performance:

  • Remove lint after every load
  • Wash the lint filter periodically to remove residue
  • Ensure the filter is completely dry before reinstalling

If your lint filter is damaged, cracked, or no longer fits securely, replacing it can help restore proper airflow and drying performance.

Need a lint filter replacement? Shop dryer lint filters and replacements

Check airflow and ventilation

Good airflow is essential to efficient drying. For vented dryers, it's worth periodically inspecting the vent hose and external vent opening for blockages — lint and debris accumulate gradually and can significantly reduce performance over time.

For condenser or heat pump dryers, keep filters clean and empty the water reservoir regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.

Signs of restricted airflow can include:

  • Clothes taking longer to dry
  • Excessive heat around the dryer
  • Damp laundry after a full cycle
  • Error messages or warning lights

Vent hose blocked or damaged? Shop dryer vent hoses and ducting — our most popular universal fit options are the DK4W and ULX104.

Avoid over drying your clothes

High heat settings and running cycles longer than necessary can cause unnecessary wear on fabrics and add to energy costs. Where possible, use your dryer's moisture sensors or automatic drying programs — these stop the cycle once clothes reach the right level of dryness, rather than running to a fixed time, which is both more energy-efficient and gentler on your laundry.

Dryer maintenance checklist

Take care of your dryer with regular maintenance so that it can operate safely and efficiently during the winter season

After Every Load

✓ Clean the lint filter

✓ Wipe away any visible lint around the trap opening

Monthly

✓ Vacuum lint from around the dryer

✓ Inspect vents and ducting

Every Six Months

✓ Inspect belts and rollers for wear

✓ Wash the lint screen with warm, soapy water, then let it dry fully before reinstalling it.

✓ Check the door seal for any signs of wear and tear, cracks or damage

✓ Listen for unusual noises

✓ Inspect the power cord and connections for wear or damage

Drying clothes faster without a dryer

Without a clothes dryer, winter laundry takes a little more planning — but it's manageable with the right approach.

An extra spin cycle before hanging will remove as much moisture as possible from the start. When hanging clothes on an airer, leave plenty of space between garments so air can circulate freely rather than trapping moisture between them. Positioning the airer near a sunny window or in a well-ventilated room makes a noticeable difference, and a fan or dehumidifier can help move moisture out of the air more quickly. Turning garments occasionally during drying helps everything dry more evenly.

One thing to avoid: draping clothes directly over heaters. Beyond the fire risk, the concentrated heat can damage certain fabrics.

Winter laundry doesn't have to mean longer drying times and higher energy bills. With a few straightforward habits — smaller loads, good airflow, and regular maintenance — it's easy to keep your dryer running efficiently throughout the season.

Should a dryer be repaired instead of replaced?

A dryer that isn't performing properly doesn't always need to be replaced. Many common issues can be easily fixed by replacing worn or faulty components, such as lint filters, belts, thermostats, heating elements and more.

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Visit our blog for all the latest on dryer repairs and maintenance – learn the warning signs your dryer is failing (and what to do) and our top laundry tips to save you time.

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Find genuine dryer spare parts from leading brands including Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, LG, Miele and Speed Queen. With Australia's biggest range and fast delivery, we'll help you get your dryer back to its best.

Not sure what part you need? Call 1800 005 220 or chat with our expert team online.