Abstract: Systems and methods for improving drying efficiency are disclosed. The systems may include a dryer a motor operatively connected to the drum and configured to cause the drum to rotate. The systems further include a controller for controlling operation of the dryer and configured to alter a drum rotation direction during a drying cycle. The methods may include, at the beginning of the drying cycle, causing the drum to rotate in a first rotation direction thereby causing the contents of the dryer to traverse along the drum centerline. In addition, causing the contents of the dryer to traverse along the drum centerline comprises reversing the rotation direction during the drying cycle. Reversing the rotation direction promotes movement of the contents within the drum in the opposite direction.