How to Get Your Laundry Drier Using a Washing Machine: A Simple Trick Many People Overlook

Many people believe that a washing machine can only wash clothes and spin out excess water before the laundry is hung up to dry. However, the spin cycle can do much more than people realize. When used correctly, it can remove a significant amount of water from wet clothing, helping laundry dry faster on a clothesline or drying rack.

Although some washing machines also have a dedicated drying function, not every washing machine can fully dry clothes. A standard washer typically removes water through spinning, while a washer-dryer or a machine with a dedicated drying program may be able to dry laundry using heat or another drying system.

Understanding the difference can help you get better results from your machine, reduce unnecessary drying time, and care for your clothes more effectively.

1. Understand the Difference Between Spinning and Drying

The first thing to know is that washing, spinning, and drying are three different processes.

During the washing cycle, the machine uses water and detergent to remove dirt, sweat, and other residues from fabrics.

During the spin cycle, the drum rotates rapidly. Centrifugal force pushes water out of the clothing and through the machine’s drainage system.

During a dedicated drying cycle, a washer-dryer or suitable drying appliance removes additional moisture until the clothes reach the desired level of dryness.

A standard washing machine generally performs the first two functions. It does not necessarily have a heating or drying system capable of making clothes completely dry.

Nevertheless, using the spin cycle properly can make a noticeable difference, especially when laundry must dry indoors or when the weather is cold and damp.

2. The Simple Trick: Use an Additional Spin Cycle

One of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of moisture left in freshly washed laundry is to run an additional spin cycle, provided the clothes and machine allow it.

Here is how to do it.

Step 1: Finish the Normal Wash

Wash your clothes using the appropriate program for the fabric.

Once the washing cycle finishes, check whether the laundry is still particularly wet.

Some machines automatically perform a spin cycle at the end of washing, while others offer separate spin settings.

Step 2: Check the Care Labels

Before selecting another spin cycle, check the care labels on your clothing.

Cotton towels, sturdy jeans, and many everyday garments can generally tolerate normal spinning, subject to the manufacturer’s instructions.

However, delicate fabrics, certain wool garments, silk, structured clothing, and items with special finishes may require a lower spin speed or a different treatment.

Do not assume that the highest spin speed is suitable for every load.

Step 3: Select the Spin Program

Look for a setting labeled “Spin,” “Drain and Spin,” or something similar on the washing machine’s control panel.

The exact name depends on the manufacturer and model.

Choose a spin speed appropriate for the laundry. Higher speeds often extract more water from suitable fabrics, but they may increase creasing or stress delicate garments.

If the machine has already completed a high-speed spin, another cycle may provide only a modest improvement.

Step 4: Avoid Overloading the Drum

Clothes need enough room to move during spinning.

If the drum is overloaded, the laundry may become unevenly distributed. The machine may struggle to reach the selected speed, produce excessive vibration, or stop the spin cycle.

Follow the load limits in the user manual and leave enough room for the laundry to move freely.