Quick answer: to get clothes properly dry in a washer dryer, dry no more than the machine's drying capacity, spin the load well first, sort it by fabric, and choose the right dryness setting. Clean the fluff filter and the door seal regularly, as your manual explains, so air can move freely. If loads still come out damp, split them into two smaller batches. Browse our washer dryers to compare drying capacities.
1. Don't overload the dryer side
The most common reason for damp or creased washing is drying more than the machine is rated for. A washer dryer can usually wash more than it can dry, because clothes need room to tumble so warm air can reach them. Check the wash-and-dry capacity on the energy label and stick to it. If you washed a full load, take some out and dry it in two batches. Our washer dryer capacity guide explains the two figures.
2. Spin well before drying
The more water the spin removes, the less work the drying stage has to do. For cottons and towels, use the spin speed recommended for that programme rather than a reduced one. Delicates need a gentler spin, so expect them to take longer to dry or dry them separately. Our spin speed guide covers how spin affects how wet clothes are.
3. Sort the load by fabric and weight
Heavy towels and light shirts dry at different rates. When they share a load, the light items are dry long before the heavy ones, and the cycle runs on until everything is done, which can over-dry and crease the lighter clothes. Dry similar fabrics together where you can, and always follow the care label: some items shouldn't be tumble dried at all.
4. Pick the right drying setting
Many washer dryers offer sensor or dryness-level drying (such as cupboard dry or iron dry) as well as timed drying. Sensor drying stops when the load reaches the level you chose, which helps avoid over-drying. "Iron dry" leaves clothes slightly damp so they are easier to iron. Your manual lists the options your model has.
5. Keep the filters and seal clean
Fluff and lint build up during drying. Clean any fluff filter and the rubber door seal as often as your manual recommends, and check the pump filter from time to time. A clogged filter or seal slows airflow, so drying takes longer. Some models also have a condenser or drying-circuit cleaning routine; follow your manual for how and when to run it.
6. Take clothes out promptly
Unload as soon as the cycle ends and shake items out. Clothes left warm in a full drum crease more. If you can't unload straight away, some models have an anti-crease phase that tumbles the load now and then after drying; check whether yours does.
When a separate tumble dryer makes more sense
If most of your loads are bigger than a washer dryer's drying capacity, or you often need to wash and dry at the same time, a separate washing machine and tumble dryer may suit you better. A heat pump tumble dryer is usually the most energy-efficient type. Our washer dryer vs separate machines guide weighs up the options, and our guide to how long a washer dryer takes explains cycle times.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my clothes still damp after a washer dryer cycle?
The usual causes are drying more than the rated drying capacity, a low spin speed, mixing heavy and light fabrics, or a blocked fluff filter or door seal. Try a smaller load, a full spin and a clean filter first.
Can I wash and dry a full load in one go?
Only if the load is no bigger than the machine's wash-and-dry capacity, shown on the energy label. For a bigger load, wash it in one go and dry it in two batches.
How do I stop clothes creasing in a washer dryer?
Don't overload the drum, dry similar fabrics together, choose a dryness setting rather than over-drying, and take clothes out as soon as the cycle ends.
How often should I clean a washer dryer's filter?
Follow your model's manual, as it varies by machine. Checking the fluff filter and door seal regularly keeps air moving and drying times shorter.
Looking for a washer dryer that suits your loads? See our washer dryers.
