Tumble dry in washing machine

Tumble dry in washing machine The Russian market of household appliances is replete with offers of models of washing machines with a drying function. Manufacturers assure that by purchasing a 2 in 1 machine, users will forget about laundry hanging on batteries and ropes. The washing machine will do all the work itself - you can take things out of the drum that are completely ready to wear.

However, reviews about washer-dryer equipment are contradictory. Many customers are very satisfied and cannot imagine how they ever managed without a machine with this function. Some people hint that dry items taken out of the unit are too wrinkled. Let’s figure out how drum drying works in a washing machine and whether it’s worth overpaying for equipment with advanced functionality.

How does tumble drying work?

The automatic machine, capable of drying wet laundry, is equipped with an additional heating element. The main heating element sets the desired temperature regime and is located below, under the tank. The second electrical appliance is designed to heat the air that is supplied to the drum when the drying program is activated.

During the drying process, heated air enters the drum, penetrates the fibers of the fabric and “takes away” the remaining moisture.

Additionally, the washer-dryer has a condensate container. From this reservoir, the liquid then flows through the drain pipe into the sewer. To ensure uniform drying, the washing drum slowly rotates in different directions during the program.

This function can be found in both “vertical” and “frontal” washing machines.Drying is the final stage of the process and is performed after rinsing and spinning are completed. The option can also be activated as an independent program, separately from the main washing mode. machine drying process

Drum drying in a washing machine can be done according to a specified time or according to the residual moisture of the items. In the first case, the user himself regulates the duration of the mode using a special timer. For example, the LG F1203CDP model can dry for 30 minutes, one hour and two hours.

In the second case, the machine has a residual moisture indicator. Users can dry clothes to the desired condition, for example by leaving items slightly damp for ironing. This option is more convenient; it eliminates the possibility of “over-drying” the laundry.

Sensors that monitor the humidity level in the drum are located under the condenser. Thanks to these devices, the automatic machine can control the degree of moisture in the laundry and interrupt drying if the indicator value approaches the set value.

Drying programs

Depending on the model of the washing machine, the “set” of drying modes may differ. There are machines with one drying program, while other washing machines have 3-4 modes. Conventionally, the following names of options can be distinguished:

"intensive drying" The laundry in the drum may even “dry out”;
"for easy ironing." In this case, the humidity level in the drum is 15%;
"into the cupboard". The best option is the humidity level of the laundry - no more than 3 percent;
"gentle drying"

More modern 2-in-1 machines have the option of both hot and cold drying of clothes. The first function is ideal for rough, durable materials, the second for synthetic and delicate fabrics.Some machines provide the ability to quickly dry - in just 30 minutes the equipment will cope with the task assigned to it. The express program can be started when there are few items in the drum.

Constantly resorting to quick drying is not recommended. It is ideal to run the “light ironing” or delicate program. Then things will not dry out. Otherwise, the fabric fibers will begin to thin out faster, which will cause the clothing to wear out faster.

Remember that the volume of laundry loaded into the dryer will be 2 times less than with standard washing.

The main advantages of drying machines

When thinking about purchasing an automatic machine with the ability to dry things, people try to compare all the advantages and disadvantages of such equipment. In many ways, the reviews of those who have already bought 2 in 1 washing machines help in making a decision. Analyzing the opinions of experts and users, we can highlight the following advantages of washing and drying units:

versatility. If you have such a machine at home, you can wash things at any time of the year, regardless of the weather outside. The equipment will make it possible to dry clothes even when it’s raining outside and the heating is turned off in the apartment;
compactness. Having purchased a 2 in 1 machine, you won’t have to rack your brains about where to install a separate machine for washing and drying. In addition, some models with a drying function are even smaller in size than conventional washing machines;
the ability to reduce the humidity level in the apartment. For example, in families with small children, things are washed almost every day, and the wet ones are hung around the house. A dryer will help you get rid of this need and not constantly breathe stale, humid air;
aesthetic aspect.Family members and guests will no longer have to see laundry hanging around the apartment or on the balcony.

Of course, the main factor that encourages people to pay attention to 2-in-1 machines is the ability to quickly dry washed items. Some models even have a “Wash and Dry in 1 Hour” mode. That is, after 60 minutes you can already put on clean clothes, which is very convenient. Also attractive is the opportunity to no longer hang laundry around the apartment - after the drum, the clothes can be immediately transferred to the closet.

The main disadvantages of drying machines

It’s also worth considering the disadvantages of washer-dryers before purchasing. Like any device, 2-in-1 washing machines have their drawbacks. Among them:

higher cost compared to conventional machines. Machines with a drying function are approximately 30% more expensive than their analogues;
limited loading volume. This is one of the main disadvantages. For example, if the machine can wash up to 6 kg of laundry at a time, then it can dry no more than three kilograms of clothes. Thus, if you fully load the machine, you will have to dry your clothes in two passes. And this means additional time and energy consumption;
lack of anti-dust filter. Such a device is provided in drying machines, but 2 in 1 machines do not have it;
increased electricity consumption.

If you use the tumble dryer incorrectly in your washing machine, it is easy to ruin your clothes. Over-drying clothes wears out faster; this can also be identified as a disadvantage. However, if you follow all the recommendations, such a problem will not arise.

What to look for when buying a 2 in 1 machine?

When choosing a washer-dryer, you need to pay attention to many indicators. When buying a washing machine with a drying function, first of all, focus on the permissible load volume and the presence of sensors that monitor the humidity level. The more spacious the washing machine, the easier it will be for you to use the “home assistant”. washer dryer

Washing and drying machines with a vertical loading type are more convenient to use. You can dry clothes made of different materials in them, open the lid during the process and remove more delicate fabrics from the drum in advance.

Of course, if opportunities permit, it is better to purchase a separate washing machine and a separate dryer. Then all 7 kg of clean wet clothes can be dried in one cycle. In the case of a 2 in 1 technique, you will have to divide the washed clothes into 2 batches and lay them out to dry alternately.

Problems with drying machines

Among the “special” breakdowns of washing-drying machines, one can highlight the malfunction of an additional heating element designed to heat the air. Usually the device fails because users violate the operating rules and put more laundry in the drum than allowed.

It is not advisable to repair the additional heater; experts advise immediately replacing the element.

It will take even less money to purchase a new heating element than to pay for the services of a master who agrees to repair the electric heater. Therefore, it is much easier and more reliable to purchase a replacement part. If you do not have sufficient knowledge and skills to repair washing equipment, it is better to contact the service center specialists for help.