How to use a tumble dryer?

[JemCB]

Sounds like a stupid question but I’m stuck with my tumble dryer. I usually air dry clothes then put them in the dryer to finish them off to save money but it’s a constant battle with the sensor! They aren’t dry enough to put away but the tumble dryer keeps finishing, I usually have to put them on at least 3/4 times as it keeps timing out! Brand new dryer so definitely not its fault, I just seem to be an idiot! So any advice on how to use the tumble dryer properly? Thanks!

Are there different settings for dryness?

Is the water bit getting filled up? That would make it stop early/before clothes are dry. Also on mine I can decide if I want it slightly damp or "cupboard dry".

My first machine had two controls - on/off and a timer dial. My new one has a sensor and programmes. hate it because it doesn't read my mind.

I judge how long the load will take and turn the dial until I get the right time. If I'm around, I pull out the faster drying items to cut drying time for the whole load.

If I was air drying first, I'd just use the 40 min quick dry setting. Mine is a condenser dryer which means two 'filters' to clean. It's plumbed in, so I don't need to empty the water collector. But the condenser filter (not sure of its real name) at the base of the machine clogs up far quicker than I expected. If I forget to clean it, drying takes forever.

The water bit never gets full and putting it on cupboard dry. Just wish we could still buy a tumble dryer that didn’t try and outsmart me!

"Cupboard Dry" on my machine is 2 levels away from actually drying the clothes. I think of it as Airing Cupboard Dry, where the warmth will finish them off. I then have a "Normal Dry", which also leaves them slightly damp. Only "Extra Dry" dries them. Failing that, I have timed options, so can add 10/20 mins etc on the end if not quite dry. I wouldn't just start again on the same setting.