All-in-one washer-dryers are popular in Boston apartments because they need no vent and fit under a counter. They can dry only about half the load they can wash. Overloading is the most common reason clothes come out damp, even on a machine that's working perfectly.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Can you DIY it? | Mostly. Load size and cleaning. |
| How urgent? | Low |
Why are my clothes still damp?
The load is too big for drying. If the drum is full for washing, take half the clothes out before drying, or choose a "wash and dry" setting meant for smaller loads.
Clothes are tangled. Sheets and big towels ball up, leaving a damp core.
Cold water supply issues. Many combo units condense moisture using a trickle of cold water. If the cold supply is restricted, drying suffers.
Lint buildup. Some combos have a lint filter or self-cleaning lint path that still needs attention. Others collect lint around the drain pump filter.
A failing heater, fan or humidity sensor. That's a repair, and it usually comes with an error code or a drum that never gets warm.
How long should a combo cycle take?
A full wash-and-dry cycle can take three to six hours on some models. That's by design. If your cycles are much longer than the manual lists, or the drum isn't warm partway through drying, something needs attention.
What can I safely check myself?
- •Dry half-loads and see if results improve.
- •Clean the drain pump filter and any lint filter your model has.
- •Make sure the cold water valve is fully open.
- •Check that the unit has some air space around it, since some models vent warm air out the front or sides.
When should I call a technician?
Call if half-loads still come out wet, if the drum stays cool during drying, or if the unit shows a heater or fan error.
Elliott's take
I tell combo owners to think of them as "wash big, dry small." Washing a full load and then splitting it into two dry cycles beats one long cycle that leaves everything damp.
Related: Washer repair · Ventless Dryer Taking Forever? Here's What Helps
Combo unit not drying? Call TrueFix Boston at (857) 810-1119.