How to only use the dryer in the washing machine? (settings guide and practical tips)

Many of us have been using the washing machine for years, and perhaps we have never paid attention to the functions of its panel buttons. Activating the “dryer only” mode is one of the most useful tricks that you can use when you have hand-washed clothes or they are damp from rain. Next, we will learn how to use only the dryer of the washing machine?

Necessary tools and items to activate the laundry dryer mode

First of all, you need to make sure whether your device has this feature or not. Many washing machines, especially older models, only have a spin system and remove moisture with centrifugal force. This does not affect the complete drying feature and your device must have a heating element and a fan (Condenser or Heat Pump system).

The second point is the issue of security and energy. The thermal dryer system consumes a lot of electricity and therefore its plug must be connected directly to the wall outlet. Leave the sewer outlet open.

Always have your brand specific manual handy. Although the general principles are similar in most brands, the combination of hidden buttons to activate Dry Only mode in each brand (such as LG or Bosch) has its own language. If you have washed the clothes by hand, be sure to remove the excess water first. Putting wet clothes in the drum puts pressure on the motor and increases the drying time.

Step-by-step tutorial on how to use a washing machine dryer

In the following, we will review the steps of using the washing machine dryer together.

The first step is to check the control panel of the device

At this point, look for keywords like Spin, Dry, Time Dry, or a sun-like icon. In many new devices, you should not turn the program selection volume to use the dryer alone. Instead, you have to press the on/off button first and then directly press the dryer button. With this, the system realizes that you want to invoice the steps of washing and draining.

Second step – choosing the right Dry cycle

At this point, the machine will ask you how long you want to dry the clothes. If you plan to wear the shirt immediately, select Cupboard Dry. If you want to iron the clothes, select the Iron Dry mode to keep the clothes slightly damp so that the wrinkles can be opened more easily with the steam of the iron. You can also set the time manually with the Time Dry option.

Step 3 – Load the clothes properly

There is an important unwritten rule that dryer capacity is always less than washing capacity. For example, if your machine is 7 kg, you can put about 3.5 to 4 kg of clothes inside it for drying. Clothes need to be suspended in a hot air stream to dry. If you fill the pot, the middle clothes will stay wet and the outer clothes will be damaged due to the high heat. Open the clothes one by one and then put them in the drum.

The fourth step – setting the time, rotation and temperature

For cotton clothes, you can use high temperature, but for delicate or sports clothes, be sure to activate the Low Temp option. It is also suggested to run a spin cycle with the highest possible speed before starting work to minimize physical moisture and make the work of the heating element easier.

The fifth and sixth stages – start and finish the process

After pressing the Start button, you will hear the sound of the door locking and the fans starting to work. Never force the door open at this stage. Wait for the final buzzer to sound, then remove the clothes and immediately shake and hang them.

Professional tips for optimal use of the washer dryer

For optimal use, you must pay attention to the details of the fabrics. For example, if you plan to wash your shoes in the washing machine, you should know that the dryer can be the worst enemy of your shoes; High heat causes the glue on the shoe sole to open. In such cases, just use the quick spin cycle and let the shoes dry at room temperature.

Be aware that you should never use the dryer during peak hours because the heating element increases the electricity consumption. Maintenance of filters is also an integral part of this process. Lints from clothes are detached during drying and get stuck in the filter. If the lint filter is full, the warm air cannot circulate and the machine has to work twice as long as normal. Be sure to clean the drain filter or lint filter (depending on the device model) after every 2 or 3 times of using the Dry Only mode.

Common mistakes when using a dryer

Many people who use the dryer only mode for the first time are dissatisfied with the result. Most of the time, the problem is not with the device and the common user mistakes. For example, the biggest mistake is putting too wet clothes. Do not think that the dryer mode can evaporate the water that drips from the clothes. This takes a lot of energy and may cause the element to burn. Always use the Spin button first to remove excess water and then activate the Dry mode.

The second mistake is to ignore the signs on the clothes tag. A circle inside a square means that the dryer is allowed. If there is a cross on the mark, it means that the garment will shrink due to heat (water will go away) or its fibers will melt.

The third mistake is to throw heavy towels and thin cotton t-shirts at the same time. The T-shirt dries in 20 minutes, but the towel needs 60 minutes. The t-shirt is exposed to intense heat for an additional 40 minutes and its texture is damaged. Overfilling the tank also causes the clothes to be wrinkled and pilled out of the machine at the end of the work. When clothes don’t have room to move, water vapor gets trapped in the middle layers and you end up with clothes that are hot on the outside and completely wet on the inside.

Important Brand-Specific Tips: LG Washer-Dryer Guide

LG washing machines have a special way to activate the dryer due to Direct Drive technology and smart systems. In most LG brand models, you can press the Dry button by turning on the device and without turning the volume. Each time you press the button, the drying time changes from 30 to 120 minutes. In addition, most LG models also have an Eco Hybrid mode, which allows you to choose between air drying (without using water for cooling) or normal drying.

Reviewing common errors in LG dryers

Don’t panic if you encounter error codes while using the dryer. A d80 or d90 code usually means a clogged air outlet or fluff in the filter. The DHE code refers to the error of the element or the dryer fan. In this case, we recommend unplugging the device and waiting for a few minutes. The temperature and humidity sensor of the LG washing machine is sensitive, and if you notice that the drying time is constantly changing, maybe the sensor is monitoring the humidity of your clothes momentarily to prevent them from being damaged.

LG systems are designed to automatically lock the door if it overheats during the dryer until the temperature reaches a safe level. So do not try to open the door by force.

conclusion

Now that you are familiar with all the twists and turns of using a dryer, you can manage washing and drying your clothes with ease. It doesn’t matter if you use the best foreign laundry with accurate sensors or a product from the list of the best Iranian laundry; In any case, you are the one who will guarantee the health of your clothes and the longevity of your device by choosing the right program and tips.

Source: Digikala Mag