Drying

June 3, 2021
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Operations

Q: Recently, I have noticed the clothes I process are taking too long to dry. Can you suggest a cause?

A: There are several causes that can lead to slow drying of a load.

1. A heavy load: A full load with heavy weight and bulky articles will take more time to dry. In most cases, in a normal drying cycle such articles remain damp under folds and double-thick areas. Loads consisting of heavy, bulky articles must be smaller than the recommended load capacity. DLI recommends 80% of load capacity. This may vary according to weight or bulkiness of the articles. A proper classification is important.

2. Over-loaded wheel: A regular load, consisting of pants, jackets, skirts, and other garments, should be no more than 80 percent and no less than 50 percent of the rated capacity of the machine.

3. Dirty button trap: A clogged button trap will cause an incomplete extraction. The excess solvent must be evaporated in an extended drying cycle. It is a good practice to check and clean the button trap after every load.

4. A clogged lint filter: An uncleaned or clogged lint filter/bag will not let the hot air circulate properly during the drying cycle. It is recommended that the lint bag be cleaned out after every hundred pounds of clothes cleaned or at least once a day.

5. Loose belts: This is a very rare occurrence, but if the belts on the wheel are loose or worn out, the RPM rate at the high speed/extraction cycle decreases, resulting in an incomplete extraction and a longer drying cycle.

Suggested Reading
DLI Standard, Gold, and Premier members may access more information on this topic in the following bulletins available in DLI's Encyclopedia of Drycleaning Online:

  • Technical Operating Information Focus: Principles of Drycleaning
  • Technical Operating Information Focus: Reclamation of Drycleaning Solvents
  • Technical Operating Information Focus: Maintenance of Perc Drycleaning Machines
  • Technical Operating Information Focus: Filter Mediums
  • Technical Operating Information No. 608: Filters, Filter Pressure, and Flow Rate
  • Technical Operating Information No. 644: Maintenance Schedule Guide for Drycleaning Machines
  • Technical Operating Information No. 656: Lint Filters
  • Technical Operating Information No. 689: Maintenance of Petroleum Machines
  • Many more