Tumble dryers: FAQs
Is a washer-dryer a good idea?
Buying a washer-dryer may seem tempting if you want to save space or money.
Bear in mind, though, that they have to repaired more frequently than separate washing machines and tumble dryers – possibly because you're asking them to do twice as much work. Our recent reliability survey showed that about 30% of washer-dryers up to six years old needed a repair, compared with about 20% of washing machines.
Washer-dryers can usually wash more clothes than they can dry, meaning a single washing load may need to be dried in two or more loads.
Is a condenser dryer better than a vented one?
Water reservoirs need emptying each time you use the condenser dryer
Condenser dryers collect moisture from wet clothes in a water reservoir, which you must empty when it is full. Vented dryers simply expel the moist air from the room through a hose.
Condenser dryers are usually seen as more convenient as you don't have to hang a hose out of the kitchen window or knock through a wall to install a vent. However, they're more expensive to buy than vented machines and use more electricity.
Also, some models are awkward to use and don't remove enough moisture from the air. To avoid the poor condenser models, check out the condensation efficiency rating in our test results.
How do automatic dryers work, and are they a good bet?
Automatic dryers, also called sensor dryers, have humidity sensors which detect how moist the washing is and stop the machine when it's dry. They should take the guesswork out of setting the machine, but we've found the sensors on cheaper models tend to be less effective.
You can help your sensor to work better by trying to dry similar fabrics together. Mixed loads, for instance, thick denim jeans and thin cotton pillowcases, can confuse the sensor.
I've read stories about fires starting in tumble dryers, how can I avoid this?
Don't let fluff build up in your dryer's lint filter
You will sometimes see news reports of house fires that start in tumble dryers. It’s a fire risk to let fluff build up in your drier, so regular maintenance is a must.
You should clean all lint filters every time you use the machine to maintain good airflow. Wipe the drum with a damp cloth regularly, and check the vent outlet and hose of vented driers for fluff.
The heat exchanger in condenser models needs washing out about five times a year, more often for heavy users. Some machines have a light that shows when this needs doing.
Any tips for drying clothes?
- Separate out fabrics and dry similar clothes together. This reduces the drying time and increases the evenness of drying
- Loosen your laundry when you take it out of the washing machine. This prevents lengthy running times and creasing
- Don't dry large objects, such as duvets, because there won't be enough space for air to circulate. This can overheat the dryer
How can I prevent accidents that happen with the dryer?
Avoid your small child (or pets) being injured in a tumble dryer by following these precautions:
- Unplug your dryer when it's not in use
- Turn the program dial to the off position if you remove your clothes mid-cycle
- Many older dryers restart automatically. Choose a machine that doesn't do this if you interrupt the cycle.
- Ensure that your dryer has a door that can be opened if it's pushed from the inside. Some driers require too much force
- Avoid dryers with a handle-operated catch on the door, as these can not be opened from the inside
- Choose a dryer with a child lock. A mechanical child lock can be engaged after each cycle. It prevents the door from closing, so a child can't become trapped inside
- Electronic child locks prevent children from turning dryers on or changing the program settings