The washer-dryer combines the capability of a washing machine with that of a tumble dryer. This device saves space and is recommended for homes where there is no room for two separate devices. However, there were a few minor drawbacks to older models. Since dry laundry requires more volume than wet, half of the machine had to be emptied after the washing and before the drying cycle. Thus, in a full computer, there were always three passes: one wash and two dry runs, which meant extra work and high power and water consumption. Meanwhile, modern washer-dryers are already available in energy efficiency class A with the best possible use of water and electricity. Here’s the question: how exactly does a washer-dryer work?
The so-called operating cycle is composed of the wash cycle and the dryer process in the washer-dryer. Theoretically, both can take place one behind the other. But for most models of washing-dryers, the washing capacity is twice as high as for drying. This is due to the different techniques of washing and drying. So you may need to take out some of the laundries after washing to begin the drying process.
The washing process
A washer-dryer requires connections for electricity, freshwater, and wastewater. The washing machines commonly used today usually offer the following program sequence.
1. soaking
When soaking initially only cold water in the washing drum, it dissolves, among other things, leftovers or blood spots. Of course, you can also connect the machine to the home supply with hot water, which is heated more efficiently with gas, for example, than with the flow of the washer dryer. Some soiling such as blood dissolves exclusively or better in cold water.
2. Prewash
Prewash removes heavy soiling, especially from children’s or professional clothing. There is even a separate compartment for detergents on the automatic washing machines – different from the one for the primary wash cycle. The pre-wash is rarely used today; you can also set the program without prewashing. It is barely needed today because technology and detergents have a quality that is sufficient for the main wash. One consequence of this is the triumphant progress of liquid soaps, which are located directly in the washing drum together with the small plastic scoop.
3rd main wash
The main wash then removes the dirt. The mechanics of the washing drum does this with the water and detergent solution therein. The drum rotates again and again at different speeds, sometimes in one direction, sometimes in the other direction. If you use detergent in powder form, the machine pulls this out of the detergent chamber.
4. Rinse
The rinsing takes place in several passes, combined with short spin stages. The machine disposes of the dissolved dirt with the dirty water and the detergent into the wastewater.
5. Fabric softener
Softener or starch is used when needed. There is a third, separate chamber for filling, and the machine calls only at the end of these funds.
6. Spin
The spinning process presses the water out of the laundry at a high touring speed of 600 to 1,600 revolutions per minute. Then remove the textiles for hanging on a leash or go to the drying process.
The drying process
The washer-dryer is available for a capacity of up to 9 kg. Still, you want to pull the program without interruption and repackaging from washing to drying, so you can usually only max—pack 4-7 kilograms. The modern models have sensors that measure humidity and temperature and ensure proper drying. They extract the water with cold air from the laundry so that the high water consumption for cooling down the hot dryer air is eliminated. This cold air technology saves up to 40 liters of water per wash and dry process compared to hot air. Thus, innovative washer-dryers offer all the advantages of this system, but avoid the disadvantages of the initial models.
This is how a stackable washer-dryer works.
The work steps are similar to those of a washing machine and a tumble dryer. In combination, only the capacity is different to note. Unfortunately, most manufacturers do not attach much importance to state-of-the-art technology in washer-dryers. While regular washing machines already have many functions, such facilities are not yet available at wash dryers or only at a very high price.
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