That headline is one of those half-true, viral “did you know?” claims 😅
Here’s what’s really going on:
Can every washing machine dry laundry?
No — but almost every washing machine can make clothes much drier than people realize.
What washing machines can do
🌀 High-speed spin cycle
- During the final spin, the drum can reach 1,200–1,600 RPM
- Centrifugal force squeezes out a lot of water
- Clothes come out damp, not dripping
This is what people mistake for “drying.”
What washing machines cannot do
🔥 They do NOT apply heat to evaporate water
- No hot air
- No condenser
- No vent
So clothes are not actually dry, just pre-dried.
The confusion: washer vs washer-dryer
People mix these up 👇
✅ Washer-dryer (combo machine)
- Washes and dries
- Uses heat + long cycles
- Usually smaller capacity for drying
❌ Standard washing machine
- Washes only
- Spin cycle removes water but cannot fully dry
Why the spin cycle still matters
A strong spin can:
- Cut air-drying time in half
- Reduce dryer energy use
- Prevent musty smells
- Save electricity 💡
Pro tip:
👉 Use the highest safe spin speed for cottons and towels
👉 Lower spin for delicates to avoid damage
Bottom line 🧺
- ❌ Every washing machine does not dry laundry
- ✅ Every washing machine removes most of the water
- 🔥 Only machines with a drying function actually dry
If you want, tell me:
- your machine type
- or whether you air-dry or use a dryer
I can give you settings that dry clothes faster without extra energy 👌