That claim is misleading.
Most washing machines do not “dry” laundry in the sense of fully removing moisture the way a dryer does. However, there is a common feature that confuses people:
What washing machines actually can do
1. Spin cycle (water extraction)
Almost all modern machines use high-speed spinning to:
- Force water out of clothes using centrifugal force
- Leave clothes damp, not dry
This is sometimes mistaken for “drying,” but it’s really just wringing out water efficiently.
2. Washer-dryer combo machines
Some appliances are specifically:
- Washer + dryer in one unit
These can dry clothes using heat, but:
- They usually take longer than separate dryers
- They have smaller drying capacity than washing capacity
What washing machines cannot do
A standard washing machine:
- Does not use heated air drying
- Does not fully dry clothes for storage or wearing
- Cannot replace a proper dryer or sun-drying
Why the myth spreads
This type of claim often comes from:
- Confusion about the spin cycle
- Marketing of “2-in-1” washer-dryer units
- Social media exaggeration (“hidden function” style posts)
Simple takeaway
- Spin cycle = removes water, not drying
- Dryers or sunlight = actually dry clothes
If you want, I can explain how to make clothes dry faster using only a washing machine plus simple tricks (useful in humid weather or small apartments).
