Do washing machines dry clothes completely?

Washing machines are among the most essential home appliances. The importance of a washing machine becomes even more evident during the monsoon season when they not only help with washing your clothes but also aid in drying those clothes. Do washing machines completely dry your clothes? This question continues to puzzle the minds of those who own a washing machine as well as prospective buyers. 

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The primary function of a washing machine is to wash your clothes and not dry them and hence they are called washing machines. However, the modern washing machine is being conceived as a laundry help and hence comes with a built-in dryer function. Such machines are being advertised as a washer-dryer combo and they aim to provide a seamless experience when it comes to handling both washing and drying requirements.  

Before we get to whether that dryer component completely dries your clothes, let’s understand how washing machines dry your clothes. 

How does a washing machine dry your clothes?

As soon as you turn on a washing machine, the first process involves washing your clothes. Once the washing is done, the machine enters into the spin cycle, a phase where the drum spins rapidly and uses centrifugal force to remove excess water from the clothes. The faster the spin, the drier the clothes will be when they come out of the machine. 

In the case of a fully automatic washing machine, this process occurs immediately after the wash cycle. However, if you have a semi-automatic machine, you will need to move all the washed clothes into another area for drying. 

During the spin cycle, it is not only the excess water that gets removed but also the remaining moisture. The warm air present inside the drum of your moisture only helps speed up evaporation.

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Some modern washing machines also house a heating element that warms the air inside the drum during the drying phase. However, this does not guarantee completely dry clothes. 

Limitations of drying clothes with a washing machine

There are several limitations when it comes to relying on your washing machine alone for drying clothes. Here are some of the limitations you need to know: 

1. Residual dampness

Even if you have a modern washing machine with a washer-dryer combo, the clothes coming out of your machine at the end of the spin cycle will feel slightly damp. In order to completely dry them, you need to hang these clothes for a short time or use an iron to eliminate the residual moisture.

2. Ineffective compared to standalone dryers

When compared to standalone dryers, a washing machine is not that effective. A dedicated dryer has a larger drum, higher heat capacity, and better airflow and since it is separate from the washing machine, it is very effective and efficient at drying clothes.

3. Longer drying time

Another limitation of washing machines is that they take longer to dry clothes. If time is critical then a standalone dryer will be faster, more efficient, and more effective at drying clothes. 

List of factors affecting drying efficiency

In addition to the limitations mentioned above, there are factors such as load size and machine settings that directly affect drying efficiency. Here are the factors you need to know. 

1. Load size

One of the common mistakes people make with a washing machine is overloading them. This may not impact the wash cycle but it has direct implications on the drying efficiency. If the drum of your washing machine gets crowded, it leaves little room for the air to circulate and the final result will be clothes that are damper than usual. 

2. Fabric type

The drying efficiency is also dependent on the fabric type with some fabrics like cotton taking longer to dry since they absorb more water. You also need to keep in mind that delicate clothes can get damaged due to heat settings. 

3. Machine settings

The most effective drying happens when the drying time, temperature, and spin speed are optimal. A higher heat setting will dry clothes faster but it could also lead to shrinkage or fading. 

4. Ventilation

Another factor to note is ventilation. If the machine is placed in a closed space, the effectiveness of drying will be reduced since the humidity will linger. 

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So, do washing machines dry clothes completely? The answer to that question is no but there is more nuance to that answer. A washing machine is designed to wash clothes and to completely dry your clothes, you will need a standalone dryer. However, the modern washing machines available in the market dry clothes enough that you can get completely dry clothes by hanging them for a short time. 

If space and pricing aren’t a constraint then investing in a washing machine and a separate dryer will give you the best of washing and drying experience. However, for most users, a washer-dryer alone would do the trick if they give proper care and attention to settings and optimise the drying instead of looking for completely dry clothes.