The best washer-dryer combos are convenient and helpful. They offer two essential functions in one compact, space-saving machine—what's not to love? However, since you rely on your washer-dryer combo to do both jobs, it can be inconvenient if something isn't working quite right. Many will be familiar with the common occurrence of the washer-dryer not drying the laundry after the wash cycle.
As anyone who has experienced this problem will know, it's easy to panic that your washer-dryer combo has a complex underlying issue and imagine expensive scenarios, such as having to call a technician to fix it or, worse, having to replace the whole machine unexpectedly. Of course, we know that's possible; washer-dryers will reach an expiration point just as the best washing machines and dryers do, and occasionally, faulty machines will break down.
However, our experts explain several other simpler—and more likely—causes of your washer-dryer not drying. They also explain how to troubleshoot your washer-dryer combo and efficiently resolve your drying dilemma. Read on to find out more.
Joy Aumann is a licensed realtor (CIPS), interior designer and co-founder of the LUXURYSOCALREALTY team at COMPASS. 2021 and 2022 Wall Street Journal Real trends; ranked in the top 1,000 small real estate teams nationwide; two decades of luxury real estate and design experience staging homes; cited in major publications like The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Inc.
Judi Kutner is a licensed realtor as well as a senior contributor at Virtual Staging, the premier solution for transforming vacant property listings into captivating dream homes. She currently holds a Florida real estate license and has held a NY Mortgage Broker's license, a Florida Community Association Manager license, plus several SEC licenses during her career.
Why is my washer-dryer not drying?
The main appeal of a washer-dryer combo is the convenience of laundered and dried clothing in one machine. For many people with limited kitchen, utility, or garage space, washer-dryer combos are a great space-saving and money-saving invention.
The downside is that when one function doesn't work, such as the washer-dryer not drying, you wonder if the whole machine is toast. Before you throw the towel in altogether—excuse the pun—and start shopping for a replacement model, you may consider a few of these more straightforward causes for why your washer-dryer isn't drying your laundry.
So, before you call a technician or consider purchasing a new washer-dryer, you may have overlooked an easy fix.
First, familiarizing yourself with how a washer-dryer combo works is an excellent step toward understanding your machine.
1. Don't overload your washer-dryer
If you run a busy household with a family, a partner, children, and pets, and perhaps you're on the school run or at work during the day, it can become tempting to overload your washer-dryer to feel more productive in getting laundry done.
In reality, this may be slowing you down. According to expert Joy Aumann, "If your washer-dryer isn’t drying, the most likely reason is overloading. These machines handle smaller drying loads than washing loads, so lighten the load if it’s not drying properly."
Judi Kutner also asserts that; "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 could be as simple as overloading your machine. Yes, your washer-dryer combo may be able to effectively clean the clothes in the drum, but if they come out soaked or damp, it's a sure sign that the load is too heavy for the dryer to take.
Not only could this compromise your machine over time, but it would also waste your time, money, and energy, as you would have to separate the load into two loads and put them on again.
Trust me I know (I've been there) it's such a pain, which can be easily avoided if you are vigilant about checking the weight of your load, and ensuring that your load is in the safe weight range for drying, as well as washing.
2. Check you have selected the correct cycle
Judi and Joy also explain that a common mistake people make is selecting the wrong cycle.
Most washer-dryer combos feature various preset cycles for washing and drying, typically including temperature, fabric, and color options.
Most machines include drying options for a standard dry, a custom-timed dry, a no-heat or fluff dry for items containing plastics, a delicate dry, a 'more-dry' for thicker items, and a heavy dry for duvets and blankets. Some manufacturers offer additional dryer settings, such as steam dry, tumble dry, or wrinkle-free dry options.
Be sure to select the correct cycle for the load. If you are about to wash some lightweight baby clothes with a super-king duvet cover, you may wish to check again and separate those items more thoroughly.
When selecting dirty clothes to launder, always aim to separate them as much as possible according to color, fabric, thickness, or type of item. For instance, you may want to dry your swimwear separately from your knitwear.
Take a little time to read the manufacturer's guide to understand the preset cycles. Then, arm yourself with the knowledge to become an expert in your machine and upgrade your laundry routine like a pro.
3. Check the spin cycle is correct
If you're sure you have the correct size of the wash load and have selected the proper drying cycle, perhaps the spin cycle at the end of the wash isn't spinning efficiently. This leads to extra-wet clothes, which the drying cycle cannot compensate for.
Check during the spin by observing it, either by lifting the lid of the top-load washer-dryer or looking through the window. Listen to the sound of the machine - is it typical for the spin? Also, the machine's vibrations should be observed. Any unusual sounds or bumps may indicate an issue.
You can also manually spin the drum - when the machine is off - to ensure that it has a full range of motion. The control panel may also alert you to any inconsistencies or problems with the spin cycle or speed.
Uneven loads can occasionally disrupt the spin cycles, so you may have to remove one or two items to complete the cycle.
If you suspect something obstructs the spin or a technical issue with the spin function, it may be something for a technician to look at.
4. Check the power and the water is on
It's probably the most straightforward fix, but it's worth mentioning because you may not have realized that the load may have been interrupted by a power outage, an issue with the water line, or something equally unexpected.
Try to switch the machine on again; check that it is plugged into a working power source and that the water is connected.
I know you will feel like kicking yourself after you realize that one of these reasons is the cause, but hey, let's be honest—we've all been there! At least you didn't call out the technician before you realized. Phew, you're red-faced, but no one needs to know.
5. Check the filters are clear
Both Joy Aumann and Judi Kutner advocate for regular cleaning and maintenance of your washer-dryer combo to keep it performing at its peak for as long as possible.
Joy advises, "Give the machine a quick clean. Build—up in the filter or drum can reduce efficiency. Simple fixes can save you a headache."
Judi also asserts that a common reason washer-dryers don't dry is that "something clogs the vent or filter. Clogged filters reduce efficiency. Ignoring the filters and putting in more detergent than needed causes problems over time."
Build-up can occur in the lint filter, depending on the frequency of use. The same can be said for the drain filter, depending on how soiled your clothes are and how much detergent you use. Fabric softener sheets, for instance, can clog the air filters, reducing the machine's efficiency.
It's also advisable to check the vent hose to ensure it's free of build-up or debris and in good working order to keep your washer-dryer running efficiently.
6. Check the washer-dryer position
Another slightly less common reason your washer-dryer combo fails to dry is the location and setup of the machine. Be sure that there is adequate space surrounding the machine for proper ventilation and connection.
You also want to ensure that the washer-dryer is set up on a level surface; if it is off balance, it may not be able to perform as expected.
7. If all else fails, buy a new one
If your dryer dilemma persists after checking the above, it may be time to call a technician or local expert who can help you troubleshoot, fix, or replace any damaged or faulty parts.
A qualified technician is also likely to advise you whether it's worth your time and money to fix whatever is causing the issue or whether it's time to throw in the metaphorical towel and consider purchasing a shiny new washer-dryer combo. If you can sacrifice space, you may decide that a washer-dryer combo isn't for you and that you'd invest in a separate washing machine and dryer.
If so, you may also appreciate our guides to the best top-load washers and front-load washers.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you found an answer to your washer-dryer not drying dilemma in one of these options, but if you and your washer-dryer combo must part ways, we have you covered.
We constantly scour the internet for the best deals on washer-dryer combos, washing machines, and dryers. Even after Black Friday and the holiday sales, there's always a bargain. Case in point: Check out today's best washer-dryer combo deals below.
