How does a dryer work?
A clothes dryer, also known as a tumble dryer, combines heat, tumbling, and airflow to dry laundry.
Your dryer is important for the care of your clothes and you might wonder how it works. Read on to learn more about how your dryer helps to refresh your clothes load after load.
How does a tumble dryer dry clothes?
A tumble dryer is a convenient way to speed up the air drying process. Tumble dryers use a motor to turn the drum and tumble the clothes, while the fan and heater will warm up and circulate the air in/through the drum.
Be sure to check the care tag on your clothing for recommended drying methods.
How does a dryer heating element work to dry clothes?
Electric dryers use an electric heating element to heat up the load of clothes during a drying cycle. Metal coils within the heating element heat up and dry the laundry, while gas dryers use natural gas or propane to generate heat. Then, the ventilation system circulates moist air to speed up the drying process. Proper airflow is crucial for a quick dry cycle, so routine cleaning of your dryer vents ensures your appliance is performing its best.
Does a dryer need gas to heat up?
Gas dryers and electric dryers both require electricity. However, gas dryers also require gas to generate heat. This is important because you may already have a gas hook-up in your laundry room or need to have one installed if you choose a gas dryer.
How do dryers know when clothes are dry?
Dryers use thermostat sensors to regulate temperature and properly dry laundry. Certain Whirlpool® dryers are equipped with advanced moisture sensing that uses three sensors to track moisture and temperature and adapt drying times.
Whirlpool® Dryer features1
Interior dryer light: Shed some light inside the dryer drum to find that missing white sock with ease
Wifi connectivity: Monitor load cycles remotely through your smartphone or smart home system
Sanitize Cycle: Use higher temperatures to sanitize items like towels
Static Reduce option: Help decrease static with the Static Reduce Option, which combines a spray of mist with tumbling after the load is dry
Whirlpool® Wrinkle Shield™ Option: Help keep wrinkles from setting into clean, dry fabrics. The Wrinkle Shield™ Plus Option with Steam uses tumbling and steam for up to 150 minutes after the cycle ends or until you open the dryer door for improved wrinkle-fighting performance
Advanced Moisture Sensing: Three sensors offer added protection against overdrying by tracking both moisture and temperature to adapt drying times and end the cycle at just the right time
Drying Cycles: Choose between Normal, Delicate, and Timed Dry settings for each load
Long vent design: Up to 125 ft. long vent for simple installation in apartment and condos
Explore Whirlpool® Dryers
Whirlpool® dryers offer convenient features on both gas and electric options, so there’s a dryer for every home. Choose between features on select models like the AutoDry™ system, which helps prevent overdrying, or Timed Dry, which lets you manually control your drying schedule. Choose from a selection of compact designs to keep your laundry room streamlined and running smoothly.
Get more dryer tips from Whirlpool®
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What Is a Steam Dryer & How Does It Work? Are steam dryers worth it? Learn about the pros and cons of dryers with steam cycles in this guide from Whirlpool, and discover if a steam dryer is right for you. -
Types of Dryers: A Clothes Dryer Buying Guide There are many types of clothes dryers, but which is the best for your home? Use our dryer buying guide to find the right dryer for your needs. -
Large Capacity Dryers A large capacity dryer can cut down on laundry loads and even handle a bulky king bedspread. Learn more about large capacity dryer sizes and uses.
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1. Features available on select models
