Tumble dryers: how they work

In short: Tumble dryers remove water from damp clothes using warm air that flows through the rotating drum. Depending on the type, the resulting moist air is removed differently.

In more detail: The three main types are vented dryers, condenser dryers, and heat pump dryers.

In detail

• Vented dryers: Expel moist warm air directly outside through a hose, requiring a venting connection.
• Condenser dryers: Cool the moist air so water condenses and collects in a container; no venting connection needed.
• Heat pump dryers: Use a heat pump to efficiently recover heat, significantly saving energy.
• Energy efficiency: Heat pump dryers often use only half the electricity of classic condenser dryers.
• Lint filter: Regular cleaning of the lint filter is important for drying performance and fire safety.
• Drying programmes: Cupboard-dry, iron-dry, or timed settings adapt drying to the clothing’s intended use.
• Fabric protection: Too-high temperatures can damage delicate fabrics, so choosing the right programme matters (waschmaschine-funktionsweise, stromverbrauch-im-haushalt-senken).