Kara Zorn on August 10, 2017 39 Comments How to Avoid the Laundromat (And Still Have Clean Clothes) Do you live in an apartment or house that does not come equipped with washer/dryer hookups? Do you find yourself piling up your dirty clothes until you finally don’t have anything to wear but some old holey t-shirt from junior high and your swim suit bottoms? This outfit predicament is usually the last straw that forces you to take your now Mount Kilimanjaro sized pile of dirty clothes to the laundromat. Once you procure your roll of quarters and get to the laundromat, you feel trapped there like a caged animal while you wait for your clothes to wash AND dry. You wouldn’t dare venture out to grab a bite to eat or run an errand because last time you tried to be efficient with your time and left your clothing unattended, someone took your wet clothes out of the dryer and stole your machine because you weren’t there to protect your territory. If this sounds like you, or you would just like a way to wash and dry your clothes in the comfort of your own home when you don’t necessarily have the space or connections for a traditional washer and dryer, there may still be a solution for you: A washer dryer combo. What is a Washer Dryer Combo? A washer dryer combo is an all-in-one laundry machine that is designed to wash and dry your clothes within the same machine. The majority of combo washer dryers are ventless units that only have two basic requirements to wash and dry your clothes. Those requirements are typically only a 120V plug and a cold water connection. Condensation Drying They do not use the same type of drying method as traditional dryers, instead washer dryer combos use a method called condensation drying to dry the clothes that does not need the power of a 220V plug. Using the condensation drying method allows washer dryer combos to be ventless, which means that you don’t require a dryer vent that are common with traditional dryers. They do, however, still need to be hooked up to a cold water source, but if you do not have traditional water connections in your home, never fear, you can hook these units up to your sink with the help of the optional Y-connector and Quick Connect Faucet Adapter. The Pros & Cons People often ask me, “Do Combo Washer Dryers actually work?” My answer is always, “Yes, but you need to understand the unit and know what to expect to really know if it is the right choice for you.” The below benefits and drawbacks should help you figure out if a washer dryer combo is the right fit for your unique needs. 7 Benefits of a Washer Dryer Combo To help you figure out if this is the right appliance for your home, we have compiled the benefits you can expect from using a combo washer dryer. Can Wash & Dry Clothing All-In-One Unit: With these units you can say goodbye to the days of forgetting you have clothes in the washer and neglecting to move them to the dryer. Simply turn it on, select the cycle you want and let it get to work. No Need to Vent Out Hot Air From the Dryer: These units use condensation drying instead of forced air drying and therefore do not require a vent. It’s important to understand the difference between these two methods of drying clothes, as they each have their own set of pros and cons. No Need For Separate Hot & Cold Water Connections: With the use of some optional accessories, such as a Y-connector and faucet adapter, a washer dryer combo can be easily connected to your kitchen, bathroom or any other sink. This allows you to use it just about anywhere, without the need for separate water connections. Low Water Consumption: These appliances use far less water than a traditional top-load washing machine. Not only does this save water, but it cuts down on your utility bills and helps you save money in the long run. Space Efficient: Because these are two machines in one unit they obviously take up less space than a traditional washer and dryer. On top of that, most of them are made to fit underneath a standard height countertop, so they can conveniently fit in smaller living environments without being intrusive. Extends Life of Clothing: Traditional heat forced drying methods can be rather tough on clothing, as indicated from all the lent in the lent trap. All of that lint is just small pieces of your clothing and, over time, drying your clothes using a traditional dryer will cause more wear and tear on your clothing than drying in a combo washer dryer that uses the condensation drying method. Portability: Many of the combo washer dryers have optional portability kits that you can purchase. These kits include castors that you can attach to the bottom of your unit, a Y-connector and a quick connect faucet adapter. This added portability allows you to quickly roll this unit out, attach it to your sink and washer your clothes. And then, roll it back out of the way when your wash is complete. 5 Drawbacks of a Washer Dryer Combo Of course, a washer dryer combo is going to be the best fit for everyone. It’s important to know what the downsides are of switching to a ventless unit. Must Have Access to Cold Water: Due to the condensation drying method used in washer dryer combos you must have cold — not warm — water running into the machine to allow the clothes to dry. And yes, this does include while it is drying. Small Load Capacity: Because the condensation drying method needs to allow enough air space for moisture to dissipate from the clothing, the drum can only be ½ to ⅔ full during the dry cycle. Ventless washer dryers are great for small households with only 1-2 people. You don’t have much clothes to wash and, therefore, don’t need a large washing machine. However, larger families may experience a small bottleneck as you have to wash smaller loads. Longer Cycle Time: The condensation drying method takes longer than the traditional forced air drying method and, therefore, the combined wash and dry times of a load will be longer than that of a traditional washer and dryer. Wrinkles: If you do not take your laundry out upon completion of the dry cycle, you may get excessive wrinkles due to the moisture build up in the air inside the drum left from the condensation drying method. Clothes Not Fully Dry After Dry Cycle: The air inside the combo washer dryer will still be very humid even after the dry cycle is over. This does cause the clothing to feel moist to the touch as you are taking your clothes out, but normally this is resolved with a quick shake out of the clothing item. Common Uses of a Washer Dryer Combo There are many different scenarios where a washer dryer combo would be a beneficial. The common theme of these different scenarios is the need to do laundry in a place that is not equipped with traditional laundry hookups, or there is not enough space for a separate washer and dryer. In the below scenarios, a combination washer dryer makes doing laundry more convenient. Apartments & Condos Without Washer/Dryer Connections — This is the most common use of a washer dryer combo, and the best solution if you find you don’t have the necessary hookups. RVs: — Bring the comfort of washing your clothes on the road with you without compromising your space. Boats: — Bring the comfort of washing your clothes to the sea without compromising your space. Nursing Homes: — Allows the resident to wash their clothes when they want to and not get lost or mixed up with the another residents clothes. Extra Washer & Dryer: — If you have an overabundance of laundry or you have some light loads that you do not want to travel all the way down to the basement to handle, combo washer dryers often can lend the extra hand needed. Mother-in-Law/Guest House: — Helps offer the amenities of the main house without having to transport laundry back and forth. Extended Stay Hotels or Temporary Housing: — Some hotels or temporary housing offer these to their guests if they have to stay for long periods of times. Hair Salons: — Eliminate the need to take home the hair salon towels again if your shop space doesn’t offer laundry hook-ups. However, if you do have the space and the necessary hook-ups for a separate washer and dryer, I would recommend going with that, because of the drawbacks that were listed above. Laundry tends to be one of the least liked chores of in every household, and that dislike for laundry only multiplies when you are forced to make a trip to the laundromat just to have clean clothes. Washer dryer combos can make this chore more convenient, allowing you to never again go to the laundromat.
Frances says March 20, 2014 at 12:48 pm I’m sorry i am finding this very hard to believe so you will have to excuse me for being just straight out blunt about this washing machine that’s also a dryer it’s just to much for me to believe!! So i am just so extremely baffled and i just can’t believe it I would have to see it and use it to believe it !! That’s All I Can Say About This Washing Drying Machine !!!! Reply
Kara Zorn says March 21, 2014 at 7:40 am Frances, no worries on being blunt. It definitely was hard for me to believe when I first found out about them too but I can no longer deny their existence having worked with them over the past 8 years. As a matter of fact, the combo washer dryer was invented in 1954 but never gained huge popularity in the U.S. which is why it is surprising for a lot of people that a machine like this exists. They are actually very popular in Europe and Asia where the living space is often limited because they are great space savers. Reply
tania says January 8, 2017 at 8:26 pm excellent reply! I have lived in many parts of the world outside the US and this is what is considered a “washing machine” in many countries! for some reason it has not caught on here and folks have to be tortured by going to the laundromat…get one of these, it frees you considerably and now you dont need to be a property owner to enjoy washing clothes! spread the word Reply
Laura Marti says May 17, 2019 at 11:25 am I live in Mexico City and everyone has these, we hang dry our delicates and use the combo for everything else. Sure beats hand washing and hang drying, many people in Mexico still wash the traditional way by hand washing and hang drying there clothes and bedding, but the newer generation loves these.! Reply
steph says March 24, 2017 at 8:57 pm Excellent article and having used one for years and years your completely correct in everything you say. If i may just point out its LINT not lent!!! cheers Reply
Andrew says November 24, 2019 at 11:19 am Bang on. Lived in Asia and middle east many years and these are what are considered as a washing machine kut there… Reply
CARL says October 10, 2014 at 10:03 pm I have to admit also i didnt believe it until i bought mines. Granted it does take a lttle longer but it is lovely not having to go to the laundrymat. I live in an apartment without the hookups and without a laundry facility. Just roll to the sink and connect, that easy! No more hanging out clothes to dry. Very good machine( lg wm3477hs) can ask for more. Reply
Jason says October 18, 2014 at 11:29 pm I had a question for kara zoom. I have read that the cycles are much longer does this mean a lot of energy cost? Reply
Suzy says November 22, 2014 at 6:36 pm The worst! 4 + hours to dry a teeny tiny load and it is still horribly wrinkled and crunchy. Need I say more! Reply
Mercedes says February 22, 2015 at 11:29 am I get that I can hook up the machine to the faucet, but what about the drain.i called a plumber to see if it could be installed in my closet next to the bathroom, ( the tub is next to the closet , but he said that the water will overflow and go into my tub. How did you guys did you connection for drainage? Reply
benny says March 16, 2015 at 2:57 pm you’re plummer does not know what he is talking about. These machines do not require the use of enough water to back up into you’re bathtub. If they can drain down a sink, they will certainly have no problem with a tub. Reply
Karen says May 7, 2015 at 1:28 pm My Mother had a Bendix combination in our kitchen in London, Ontario in 1954! We loved it. Reply
Nancy says December 22, 2015 at 8:19 pm Do you have to use a special laundry soap? I currently make my own (powdered) and really love it so am not sure I would want to change. Reply
Alexander says February 13, 2016 at 9:07 am I am curious about this and would love to purchase one very soon as I am moving into an apartment wit out connections. The only thing I feel concern for is draining, is a floor drain necessary or is it capable to drain into the sink? Reply
Peter Taylor says June 13, 2016 at 9:38 pm We live off the grid. We need a combo washer dryer solution that consumes less than a a kilowatt hour per day assuming one load per day. I see no energy consumption data with this machine. A more expensive machine suggested 120 kilowatt hours per year but no assumptions about usage. Reply
Laurie Gucinski says September 10, 2016 at 10:17 pm I too am curious about where the link goes and power usage? Thanks Reply
Hernan says September 14, 2016 at 8:15 pm I had an equator EZ3000 in my old apartment. I hooked it up under the kitchen counter. It washed really well, with very little detergent and low water consumption due to it being a front loader. The drying took longer than a vented drying machine, and the clothes came out a bit humid and wrinkled. I would then hang them on a folding rack for half an hour and voila! I sometimes had issues with unbalanced loads, which would make the machine shake A LOT, frightening the bejesus of the old lady that lives underneath me ( Bay Area earthquakes are common). Regarding the lint, it has a small trap at the bottom front of the machine, thru a little door. It definitely produces a lot less lint than a normal dryer. I strongly recommend it. Reply
Hernan says September 14, 2016 at 8:18 pm It requires low suds detergent for front loaders machines. The drain hose needs to go a bit higher than the machine so there’s no back up. Just place the hose in the kitchen sink. Reply
Charles Blair says September 15, 2016 at 10:50 pm I am having water backing up in to washer. Where is water coming from? Reply
Tracey Colby says September 23, 2016 at 12:46 pm What is the best brand out there. I really want to get one because I have a dog grooming shop in my apartment and as you know I go thru a lot of towels so I need to know what brand is the best. Reply
tegmapat says October 4, 2016 at 5:41 am I haven’t bought one yet, but have read that the LG is tops (but expensive) and Edge Star next. Also the Midea is good. Since the LG is almost double the Edge Star, I think I’m going to go with Edge Star myself. Hope this helps! Reply
Holly says October 24, 2016 at 3:19 pm In Europe, these machines are extremely popular, efficient and huge space savers. I had my first experience in an apartment I was leasing in Paris France last summer. At first, I thought it was a dishwasher until I took a good look at it. The owner left directions and measured laundry powder. Following the directions and placing my laundry in it, I set it and went out to tour Paris. When I came back about six hours later, I opened the machines door and retrieved the laundry. Not only was it super clean and fresh; it was dry too with few wrinkles. I was in love with this magical machine. I’m moving into a condo and placing my machine in the kitchen like the Parisians, so I can start my laundry, make coffee and breakfast all in one spot. Reply
Penny Rose says January 11, 2017 at 10:10 am Its true. We have one in our motorhome. I didn’t know they made ones for a house though. Its nice when we go camping because we don’t have to go or a laundry mat. I love it, but it is small. Reply
Keith says February 6, 2017 at 7:12 pm What size drain is needed ?donyou have Spector diagram for hookups? Thanks Reply
Candee says February 16, 2017 at 10:45 pm I would like to remove an existing dishwasher and replace it with an LG combo washer-dryer. Can it be connected to the kitchen sink plumbing with it draining through the disposal like the dishwasher. I realize it would have to be hooked up to just the cold water with an adapter. Reply
Kathleen says March 4, 2017 at 1:12 pm What if u don’t want to use dryer unit after. Wash ? Also the price difference LG vs others After reading specs/Reviews it’s confusing Reply
Angela Viles-Shop says May 20, 2017 at 10:06 pm I found lg scratch and dent for half the cost of new but still unused…you may look …lg is worth the cost especially in a business…I saw reviews were pump went out in a year in a house of two.. only a few loads a week Reply
Ronnysha Benton says September 13, 2017 at 12:48 am So I dont need a special outlet???i can just roll it in and use it?? Reply
Robert says January 11, 2018 at 7:05 pm You forgot the biggest con of all on your list.. If you wash multiple loads it’s highly inefficient in productivity. You can’t wash another load while your last is drying in the dryer. It takes a solid hour just to dry a load of washed towels. It would be two or more hours before You could even stick another load in. Even when I had a small apartment I was able to get small washer and dryers. I’d never go this route. Reply
Michael Messing says December 6, 2018 at 5:34 am How of these portable, on wheels, do you hook these up to kitchen or bathroom faucets, and do you just drain them in the sink?? Which brands heat the water themselves so you only need cold water source? Reply
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tracy stewart says November 3, 2019 at 11:28 pm Hi, I love this idea. I am a happy single apartment dweller. I love my new apartment EXCEPT it does not have a W/D in it. The laundry room is creepy and in the basement. I have only used my dishwasher once since I moved here in April. I am wondering if I can use the same space & hookup for an all in 1 W/D that the dishwasher uses. Any response/s would be GREATLY appreciated. I don’t know a plumber I trust enough to ask. Thank you in advance! TeeDee Reply
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