7 washer-dryer combo mistakes (and how to avoid them)

1. Overloading the washer-dryer

Potentially, the most common mistake people make with washer-dryer combos is overloading the machine. They assume the combo can dry as much as it can wash, which isn't the case.

Laundry expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk Sarah Dempsey explains: "Stand-alone tumble dryers tend to dry clothes much quicker than washer-dryers do, and often have a bigger capacity."

AO expert Gwil Snook says: “To keep your washer dryer running smoothly, it’s a good idea to avoid overloading the drum since drying cycles need lots of airflow."

Joy Aumann also asserts: "The biggest mistake is overloading. Washer-dryer combos have limits, and overstuffing them makes washing and drying less effective."

As Judi Kutner explains: "A common mistake is expecting the dryer to handle the same size load as the washer. Most of these combos dry less than they wash."

It's clear that whilst it might sound like a good idea to get all that washing done at once, in the end, it will only result in you having to split the load and run the wash and dry cycles for both loads again, wasting not only your time, detergent, money and energy.

It's not all that convenient to have to weigh your washing, and of course, it will weigh more when water-logged after the wash and spin cycles, so unless your washer-dryer informs you of the weight on the control panel, as a good rule of thumb, the best advice is to fill no more than the two bottom thirds of the drum and leave the top third of the drum empty.

This should give the clothes plenty of space to move and spin, enabling the machine to clean and dry them effectively.

2. Not checking the care labels

Our experts explain that as washers, most washer-dryer combos work almost as efficiently as separate washing machines; however, the combination appliance's dryer function tends to cause problems.

This is often because washer-dryers dry much slower than stand-alone machines, and the washer-dryer functions are not always compatible with all the clothing in the washing load.

For instance, it's essential to pay attention to the care labels on your clothes so you can be sure that the item is suitable for both the wash and dry cycle if that's the cycle you intend to use.

If you are loading a load, but some items are delicate and unable to go through the entire dry cycle and wash, you must remember to remove them from the drum before the machine begins the drying cycle.

Laundry expert Sarah Dempsey at MyJobQuote.co.uk explains: "The biggest mistake people make when using a washer-dryer is not checking washing and drying instructions on clothing labels. It’s often necessary to sort clothes by fabric type and color."

AO expert Gwil Snook adds: “Make sure to check those care labels and pick the right program for your fabrics to prevent any heat damage."

Judi Kutner asserts: "Sorting your laundry by fabric type and color avoids surprises like damaged clothes or bleeding colors."

3. Too much detergent

All our experts warn users about using too much detergent. It's so easily done if you're in a rush; it's also tempting if you imagine that doing so will clean your clothes more effectively, especially if you have a heavily soiled load.

Trust me, I've been there, and honestly, the hassle is not worth it. I've had everything from foaming machines leaking all over the floor to detergent-stained clothing because I thought adding more detergent was a good idea.

A simple way to avoid this mistake is to use a measuring cup. Our expert, Judi Kutner, highly advocates this, explaining: "Detergent needs to be measured properly—too much creates build-up, which causes more issues than it solves."

Our AO expert recommends consulting the user manual and manufacturer's guidelines to ensure best practices. Gwil Snook explains:

"Common hiccups like using too much detergent or mixing incompatible fabrics can affect how well it performs, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions."

Sarah Dempsey also agrees: "Using too much detergent in the wash can trigger your machine to use more water. This prevents excessive foaming but can leave your laundry wetter than usual. So, you may need to run the dryer for longer or add an extra spin."

4. Neglecting care and maintenance

Neglecting care and maintenance, from forgetting to empty lint trays and filters to cleaning the interior drum, can compromise your machine's efficacy and efficiency, so it's shrewd to educate yourself on how to clean a washer-dryer.

Create and stick to a schedule for maintaining your appliances, especially if you use them frequently. If you wash one or more loads daily, you may wish to check the filters more regularly.

Joy Aumann emphasizes the importance of following a maintenance schedule: "Another common issue is ignoring maintenance—skipping cleaning cycles or not checking filters can lead to problems down the road."

Judi Kutner adds: "The lint filter in these machines is often overlooked. Clearing it out after drying cycles keeps everything running smoothly."

Sarah Dempsey concurs that blocked drains or clogged filters can cause a washer-dryer to perform less well.

Sarah explains: "It can prevent the machine from drying your clothes effectively, so it’s important to maintain your machine, hoses, and pipes."

"Most washer dryers don’t have a lint filter but wash particles away down the drain. This means inspecting your siphon or plastic drainpipe is a good idea to ensure it’s free from blockages."

Sarah also explains that, depending on the frequency of use, the drain pump should be checked every two to three months.

She says, "This is usually located on the front of your machine in the bottom left or right-hand corner. To clean it, ensure your machine is cool and then unplug it."

"Place a shallow tub underneath the filter cover and open it. Turn the filter slightly to allow the water to empty, and then remove it completely."

"To clean the filter, run it under the cold tap and then replace it. Filters vary between makes and models, so check your manual’s instructions before cleaning them."

5. Choosing the wrong cycle

This mistake is often accompanied by forgetting (or neglecting) to check the care labels on clothes. It's essential to ensure that the clothes are suitable for washing together in the same load in terms of color, fabric, weight, etc., and that you're selecting the correct wash and dry cycle for them.

Again, we (and the experts) agree to check the user manual and manufacturer's instructions to understand the specific cycles and options your machine offers, what those cycles do, and whether the clothes you intend to wash are suitable for that load.

We advise you to learn how washer-dryers work and how to use them. Read the manual for your machine to fully understand the available options. From there, you can confidently identify and group the right linens ahead of the wash. You can also select the best wash and dry cycle available on your machine to suit the requirements of your washing load.

Judi Kutner advises: "Most machines have pre-set cycles for different fabrics, so pick one that matches what you’re washing. Jeans and towels need a different cycle than silk or other delicate fabrics."

Joy Aumann advocates using the machine to do the hard work: "Use the right cycles for your fabrics, like gentle for delicates or regular for everyday clothes, and choose a high spin speed to cut down on drying time."

"If your machine has auto-settings, let it do the work, but always double-check for delicate items. It’s all about matching your load to the machine’s capabilities. Pick the right fabric cycle to avoid damage or poor results."

Sarah Dempsey explains: "Most modern washer-dryers will allow you to select the wash cycle and drying program simultaneously. Although this is convenient, you must pay more attention to the instructions on your clothing labels to ensure the washing and drying programs are suitable."

"Different fabrics don’t just need to be washed at different temperatures; they require different temperatures and speeds for drying, too. Many of us don’t understand the symbols on our clothing labels, but you can use an app to scan them on your smartphone. Or if you have an iPhone, you can simply take a photo of the label, press the ‘i’ button, and it will tell you exactly what the symbols mean."

"Washing and drying programs that use your machine’s sensors are more energy efficient than time-based programs. Sensors can work out how much laundry there is and how wet it is to minimize water and electricity consumption. So, plan with your laundry rather than resorting to a quick wash or intensive drying settings."

6. Not cleaning the washer-dryer

Another mistake that goes hand in hand with another is neglecting or putting off a complete cleaning of your machine. Check out our guide to learn how to clean a washer-dryer and discover more about this vital step.

Cleaning is part of care and maintenance, but too few people take the adequate time and attention required to do this, and there is quite a lot to expand upon regarding the ins and outs of cleaning a washer-dryer.

Our experts emphasize the importance of keeping a clean washer-dryer to ensure your laundry looks and feel as fresh and hygienically clean as possible.

Joy Aumann explains: "Keeping your washer-dryer clean is essential for it to work well. Run a cleaning cycle now and then to clear out detergent buildup. Wipe down the detergent drawer and check the drain filter regularly—it may not have a lint trap, but the filter can still get clogged. A clean machine means better performance and fewer odors, so don’t skip this step."

Gwil Snook similarly asserts: "Regularly cleaning your washer and dryer will ensure that it keeps performing at its best. There are a few quick and easy steps that you can follow to make sure it’s kept in tip-top condition. Clean the detergent drawer and filter to remove detergent residue and lint."

"Run a maintenance wash on an empty drum using a washing machine cleaner or a mix of white vinegar and baking soda. Remember to wipe the drum, door seal, and exterior with a damp cloth."

Judi Kutner considers it more important to focus on the cleanliness of the interior first and foremost: "Keeping it clean is just as important. Wiping the outside keeps it looking nice, but the inside matters more. Running an empty cycle with hot water and a cleaner every few months takes care of residue and odors. The lint filter in these machines is often overlooked. Clearing it out after drying cycles keeps everything running smoothly."

Sarah Dempsey provides a quick checklist of things to remember: "It’s also a good idea to check that the drum and door seal are free from fluff. Wiping around the inside with a damp microfibre cloth effectively removes lint and other trapped particles."

"Once a month, give your drum a bit of a sniff. If it has a stale smell, run a drum-cleaning cycle."

Check the maintenance section for instructions on cleaning the filters and drains. This is a necessary step to keeping your washer-dryer in good working order.

Sarah adds, "It’s worth cleaning your detergent drawer every few months. You can remove it by pressing the plastic tab inside the drawer. Use hot water and a little washing-up liquid rather than harsh cleaning chemicals. A small bottle brush is handy for getting into all the nooks and crannies."

"If you live in a hard water area, your machine may need descaling every six months or so. A program might be built to help you do this, or you may need to use a descaling product."

7. Not airing the machine out

A simple trick to reduce moisture build-up in your machine and, therefore, minimize the possibility of mold developing is to allow the drum and drawers to air out every few days or, if possible, after every use.

Sarah Dempsey recommends that after every use, "make sure you leave the door and detergent drawer open to allow air to circulate and prevent mold growth."