“Every Washing Machine Can Dry Laundry” — Is This True?
This popular claim is partly misleading. Not every washing machine can fully dry clothes. However, many washing machines have a feature that can make laundry less wet after washing.
The “Hidden” Function: Extra Spin Cycle
Many standard washing machines can:
- Spin clothes at a high speed
- Remove more water from fabrics
- Reduce drying time on a clothesline or in a dryer
A stronger spin cycle can make clothes feel almost dry, but it does not use heat or airflow to actually dry them like a tumble dryer.
How to Get Clothes Drier in a Regular Washer
1. Use the highest safe spin speed
Check the care label on delicate fabrics first. Higher spin speeds remove more water from towels, cotton, and heavier clothing.
2. Run an extra spin cycle
If clothes come out dripping wet:
- Put them back in the machine
- Select “Spin” or “Drain & Spin”
3. Avoid overloading the drum
A packed washer cannot spin clothes effectively, leaving them wetter.
4. Add a dry towel trick
For some loads, adding a clean, dry towel during an extra spin cycle may help absorb some moisture.
Which Machines Actually Dry Clothes?
Some appliances combine both functions:
- Washer-dryers: Wash and dry in the same drum using heat and airflow.
- Heat-pump washer-dryers: Use a more energy-efficient drying method in some models.
If your machine has settings like “Dry,” “Drying,” “Tumble Dry,” or a drying symbol, it may have a true drying function.
Bottom line
A normal washing machine usually cannot dry laundry completely, but the spin cycle can remove much of the water and speed up drying. Check your model’s settings before assuming it has a built-in dryer.
