For a Samsung DVE45T6000 that takes too long, Samsung's checklist begins with airflow: clean the lint filter and the exhaust duct, use 4 inch rigid metal duct and make sure the outside hood opens freely. Then it lists the load: one wash load per dryer load, heavy and light items separately, and a washer that extracts water properly. Finally there is Eco Dry, which stretches drying up to three times, and Sensor Dry, which changes the time as it reads moisture. Run the Vent Blockage Test to put a number on the airflow.
Differential
Likely causes of “Samsung dryer takes too long to dry clothes”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Restricted lint filter or exhaust duct
What separates it The time on the display keeps growing and the outside flap barely opens
How to confirm Clean the filter and run the Vent Blockage Test for Clg, C80 or C90
- 2
Eco Dry is on, which extends drying up to three times
What separates it Cycles that used to be quick now run much longer with low heat
How to confirm Turn off Eco Dry for Normal or Time Dry
- 3
The washer is not extracting enough water
What separates it Clothes come out of the washer dripping and take several cycles to dry
How to confirm Check that the washer drains and spins properly
- 4
Overloading or drying heavy and light items together
What separates it The drum is packed and seams are still damp when the light items are dry
How to confirm Split the load, and dry heavy and light items separately
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which cycle, dryness level and Eco Dry setting you used
- How long the cycle took compared with normal
- The Vent Blockage Test result: 0, Clg, C80, C90 or Ct
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedClean the lint filter
ReversibleTake out the lint filter and clean it before every load. The manual reminds you with a Clean Lint Filter icon after every load.
Turn Eco Dry off
ReversibleEco Dry lengthens drying by up to three times depending on temperature and load. Press Eco Dry on Normal or Time Dry to turn it off if you need faster cycles.
Run the Vent Blockage Test
ReversibleWith the drum empty and the dryer cool, press Power, hold Adjust Time and Dryness together for 3 seconds until InS shows, and hold Start. Do not open the door for the 2 minute test. Read 0 or the check code.
Check the ducting
ReversibleUse 4 inch rigid metal duct with taped joints and no lint-trapping screws. Samsung's table allows about 80 ft with no elbows for the recommended layout, less with each 90 degree elbow.
Size the load
ReversibleOne wash load equals one dryer load. Fill a large load to about 3/4 and add a few towels if the load is too small to tumble.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Duct length table
- For the recommended weather hood, 4 inch rigid duct allows 80 ft with no 90 degree elbows, 68 ft with one, 57 ft with two and 47 ft with three. 2.5 inch rigid duct is for short-run installations only and allows 74, 62, 51 and 41 ft. The static pressure in any exhaust system must stay within the manometer limit the manual gives, measured with the drum empty and the lint filter clean.
- Vent and lint checks
- A dryer that takes too long usually has a blocked vent. Clean the lint filter every load and the vent duct yearly, check that the exterior flap opens and that the duct is not crushed. A long or kinked vent run slows drying and is a fire risk.
- Load size and settings
- An overloaded drum, a wet load that was not spun properly in the washer or a Low Heat setting extends drying. Use the sensor dry setting and clean the moisture sensor bars with a damp cloth to remove fabric softener film.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models DVE53BB8700, DVE50BG8300, DVG53BB8700, DVG50BG8300, DVG45T6000, DV45K6500, DV42H5000.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the Vent Blockage Test shows C90, stop using the dryer and have the duct cleaned by qualified personnel
- !If the duct is clear, Eco Dry is off and cycles are still very long, contact a Samsung service center
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is my Samsung dryer taking two cycles?+
The likeliest causes are a restricted vent, Eco Dry on, or a washer that leaves too much water in the load.
How long is the Vent Blockage Test?+
About 2 minutes. Do not open the door during the test.
How long can the duct be?+
With 4 inch rigid duct and no elbows, up to 80 ft, falling to 47 ft with three 90 degree elbows for the recommended hood type.
Is Sensor Dry time fixed?+
No, it changes with the type and amount of laundry and stops when the selected dryness is reached.
Can flexible foil duct be used?+
Only foil-type flexible duct that Samsung identifies for this dryer, and not more than 7 ft 10 1/2 in in total.
Should I add towels to a small load?+
Yes. The manual says a load too small to tumble properly needs a few towels, and a load too large should be reduced.
How often should I clean the vent?+
At least once a year.
What are the moisture sensor bars?+
Metal strips inside the drum that sense wetness; clean them with a damp cloth.