Not happy with new dryer - what can I do?

[Mybobowler]

I recently treated myself to a tumble dryer from Argos (small, damp house + toddler - this was going to revolutionise my winter!), which was delivered this morning. I've just put it on and, frankly, it's crap. I only put it a duvet cover and a sheet - 1.5 hours later and it's all still really damp and came out scrunched up and creased. Not what I was expecting, and certainly not what I spent £200 for. Do I have any right at all to return it? I'm expecting the answer is no...

What tumble drier is it, and what setting did you have it on at? Did you have lots of things in it?

I have no idea if you can return it sorry, but if it's still damp after that amount of time it sounds faulty?

It's an Indesit Ecotime and has a ludicrously simple dial - it's basically got two temperature settings and you just set the time, so I'm not sure I could have got it wrong! If I ever get through to Argos, I'll try to argue that it's faulty.

I'm particularly annoyed because we had a brilliant Beko one in an old rented flat, and I'm gutted I didn't just buy the same one.

I agree it sounds like it might be faulty. Did it actually get hot? How is it vented? I have no expertise in dryers other than using one but I’d think either:

• You accidentally put it on a setting with very low heat,
• the heating element is faulty
• something is wrong with the installation and the damp air isn’t escaping.

Ps it was just a Kingsize duvet cover and a fitted sheet - it's a 7kg dryer so not enormous, but I'd call that a fairly average load. Considering I was hoping to use it for towels and loads of cotton kids clothing, it's definitely not going to do the job!

It's a condenser dryer. I'll go back and check the settings but the dryer itself got really, really hot. We have enough space around it, so it's placement isn't a problem.

Have you checked there are no blockages/bends in the pipe that are obstructing the air flow? Is it getting hot? If not press the reset switch which is usually at the back.

Just seen it's a condenser drier, I had assumed it was a vented one. Condenser driers in my experience are generally useless. Did you buy online?

I’ve stopped doing duvet covers in the dryer because they just twist up on themselves and never dry. Try it with some clothes and see what happens.

Go on Argos live chat or give them a call, you should be able to return it if it's not fit for purpose.

It's so disappointing! The old Beko one I've used before was brilliant (also a condenser) - I'm kicking myself for not getting the same one, but this one had great reviews and was marginally cheaper.

I'll try it with clothes tomorrow and see if it's any better. What a waste of money, I don't have much to spare as it is!

Thanks @Pugdoglife I'll keep trying them!

I picked up a second hand basic condenser that’s about 10 years old and that dries brilliantly

They are simple machines that shouldn’t have a problem drying a few sheets at even the cheapest end of the market

I would speak to Argos and get them to swap it

Tumble driers should revolutionise not cause more work

I find that with Kingsize duvet covers you sometimes need to take them out and disentangle them mid way through drying, otherwise they form a dense lump that will literally never dry. Or at least I used to until I got my present dryer which has a "bed sheets" setting which is actually magic and never has this problem. Still always find the pillowcases inside the cover, though.

@Mybobowler - Did you order and pay for it via the Argos website? In which case the Distance Selling Regulations (I think those are the ones) will probably apply. Under those, you're entitled to reject an item you order online.

Have a look at the Which website where you'll find lots of helpful information.