For long drying on a Whirlpool WED9620, Whirlpool's own long-dry-times article asks eight questions in a fixed order: whether the dryer heats (five-minute empty test), whether it is new and connected to old house venting, which cycle was chosen, whether AF or Check Vent is showing, whether the lint screen is clean, whether the vent is crushed, whether the outside hood is blocked and whether the vent length and elbows are within the Vent System Chart. Its conclusion is that if the dryer heats but drying is long, the vent is the likely cause.
Differential
Likely causes of “Whirlpool dryer takes too long to dry clothes”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Restricted or unsuitable venting
What separates it Several cycles are needed, the cabinet is very warm and steam shows on the door
How to confirm Test and clean the vent; use 4 inch heavy metal vent with a short, straight run
- 2
EcoBoost adds about 40 minutes on Normal
What separates it The display shows a longer time than before on the Normal cycle
How to confirm Touch ECOBOOST to turn the option off, since EcoBoost adds about 40 minutes on Normal
- 3
A lint screen with invisible softener residue
What separates it The screen looks clean but the load stays damp
How to confirm Wash the screen with a nylon brush and liquid detergent
- 4
An unsuitable cycle for the load
What separates it Clothes are not dry at the end of an air-only or quick cycle
How to confirm Use an automatic cycle such as Normal for best performance
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The length and type of vent and how many elbows it has
- Which cycle and options were used and how long the cycle took
- Whether AF or Check Vent was shown and whether the outside hood opens
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedRun the five-minute test
ReversibleSelect a heated cycle, run it 5 minutes with an empty drum, open the door and feel inside. If it is not heating, use the not-heating page; if it heats, the problem is airflow or the cycle.
Look at the vent
ReversibleRigid or flexible metal vent is recommended. Foil or plastic can collapse. Use only 4 inch diameter heavy metal vent, and keep runs within Whirlpool's Vent System Chart.
Clear the hood
ReversibleThe exhaust hood must be at least 12 inches (305 mm) from the ground or anything that could block it, such as bushes, rocks or snow. Remove nests or debris from the hood and the vent behind it.
Clean the lint screen
ReversibleClean it after every use, and wash it occasionally with a nylon brush, hot water and liquid detergent, because softener leaves a residue that is not visible.
Choose the cycle and check EcoBoost
ReversibleUse an automatic cycle for best performance. If you need speed on Normal, turn EcoBoost off; it adds about 40 minutes.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Signs of a restricted vent
- Whirlpool lists long dry times, a dryer that is very warm to the touch, steam or moisture in the drum, water dripping behind the dryer, lack of lint on the lint screen and no air movement when the lint screen is out and the dryer is set to Air Dry or Air Fluff. Causes include lint build-up, nests in the outside hood, and kinks or improper installation in the duct.
- Parts for this problem on the WED9620 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- dryness sensor bar, part number WP3387223, at $12.03; dryer lint screen (filter), part number W11758174, at $36.94.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models WED8620, WED6605, WED5605, WED5050, WGD9620, WGD5050, WHD560CHW.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the vent tests clean and the lint screen is clean but drying is still long, contact Whirlpool service
- !If the cabinet is very hot and there is steam or water behind the dryer, stop using it until the vent is cleared
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Whirlpool's own help articles for its dryers, each; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
Whirlpool's own product-assistance articles for dryers, including the Dryer Vent Testing Kit (part W11224254).
Whirlpool's own page for this model, listing its manuals and guides and the accessories sold for it.
Whirlpool's quick start guide for its dryers: Start/Pause held for 1 second, sensor and timed cycles, Wrinkle Shield, Static Reduce and Mute Cycle Signal.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my new dryer take so long?+
If it was connected to old house venting the vent may be restricted. Venting to the outside should be cleaned every one to two years.
What are the signs of a blocked vent?+
Long dry times, a very warm cabinet, steam in the drum, water on the floor behind the dryer, little lint on the screen and no air movement.
How do I test airflow at the lint screen?+
On models with the screen on top, pull it, run Air Dry or Fluff and put your hand in the lint trap area; little or no air movement means a restricted vent.
How many elbows are too many?+
Stay within the Vent System Chart; longer runs and more elbows reduce airflow and encourage lint.
Does EcoBoost slow drying?+
Yes, by about 40 minutes on Regular or Normal, because it uses slightly less heat.
What is Check Vent?+
A restricted airflow message. The dryer continues to run; touch any key to clear it.
Can a vent inspection be done professionally?+
Yes. Whirlpool says you can hire a professional vent cleaning service to inspect for obstructions.
Is there a vent test kit?+
Yes, there is a vent test kit, which is part W11224254 from Whirlpool.