Every Washing Machine Can Dry Laundry — And Most People Don’t Know This Function

Many people think their washing machine can only wash clothes and spin out excess water. However, some washing machines have a drying function or can significantly improve drying by using the correct spin settings. The exact feature depends on the type and model of your machine, so not every washing machine can actually dry clothes completely.

How to Check If Your Washing Machine Has a Drying Function

Look at the control panel for settings such as:

Dry
Drying
Wash & Dry
Tumble Dry
Cotton Dry
Synthetic Dry
Timed Dry
Air Dry

If your machine has one of these options, it may be a washer-dryer combination.

If you only see Spin, your machine probably doesn’t have a true heated drying function.

The Simple Trick for Faster-Drying Clothes

Even if your washing machine doesn’t have a built-in dryer, you can often remove much more water from your clothes by using the spin cycle correctly.

Step 1: Don’t Overload the Machine

Remove some clothes if the drum is packed tightly.

Clothes need enough room to move freely during the spin cycle.

Step 2: Select a Higher Spin Speed

If your machine allows you to choose the spin speed, select a suitable higher setting for fabrics that can tolerate it.

Common settings may include:

600 RPM
800 RPM
1000 RPM
1200 RPM
1400 RPM

Always follow the garment care label for delicate fabrics.

Step 3: Run an Extra Spin Cycle

After the normal wash cycle finishes, select Spin or Extra Spin.

Running another spin cycle can remove additional water from the laundry.

This doesn’t technically “dry” the clothes, but it can make them much faster to air-dry.

If Your Machine Has a Drying Function

For a washer-dryer combination, place the washed clothes inside and select the appropriate drying program.

Choose the Right Drying Setting

Depending on the machine, you may see options such as:

Cupboard Dry: Clothes are dried enough to be stored.

Iron Dry: Clothes remain slightly damp, making ironing easier.

Extra Dry: A longer drying cycle for thicker fabrics such as towels.

Timed Dry: You choose the approximate drying duration.

Important: Don’t Put Everything on High Heat

Different fabrics require different treatment.

Avoid using high heat for delicate materials unless the garment label specifically allows it.

Be particularly careful with:

Wool
Silk
Lace
Elastic fabrics
Delicate synthetics
Clothes with printed designs

High temperatures can cause shrinking, damage elastic fibers, or affect the shape of garments.

A Useful Laundry Tip for Cold or Rainy Days

If you don’t have a dryer, the best approach is:

Wash the clothes normally.
Select the highest safe spin speed for the load.
Run an extra spin cycle.
Remove clothes immediately.
Shake each garment before hanging.
Leave space between garments.
Use good ventilation or a fan to improve airflow.

This can considerably shorten drying time compared with hanging heavily saturated clothes straight from the wash.

Can a Washing Machine Really Dry Clothes?

It depends on the machine.

A standard washing machine generally cannot completely dry laundry. Its spin cycle removes water but does not function like a heated tumble dryer.

A washer-dryer combo, however, can wash and dry clothes in the same appliance.

So before trying a “secret drying function,” check your machine’s model and owner’s manual.

One More Important Tip

Don’t assume that a high spin speed is suitable for every load.

For delicate clothing, use a gentler spin setting or follow the care label.

For towels, bedding, and sturdy cotton clothing, a higher permitted spin speed can usually help remove more water before air-drying.

Quick Summary

Regular washing machine: Spin cycle removes excess water but doesn’t fully dry clothes.

Washer-dryer combination: Can wash and dry clothes using a dedicated drying program.

No dryer available: Use an appropriate high-speed spin + extra spin + good airflow to dramatically reduce drying time.

Best rule: Check your machine’s control panel and manual before assuming it has a true drying function.