How does a tumbler dryer work?

A tumbler dryer is a clothes dryer where hot air is blown across damp clothes that are spinning in a rotating drum to collect moisture. Depending on the type of dryer, the warm and moist air is either vented to the outdoors or put through a heat exchanger to be reused.

Parts of a tumbler dryer

There are five main components of a tumbler dryer that work together.

• Drum: This is the main container for wet clothes. It is usually larger than the accompanying washing machine to improve drying consistency.
• Sensor/timer: To determine how long the dryer must run for, a sensor may monitor the moisture content in the drum, or a timer will stop the machine after a predesignated time.
• Heating element: Hot air can hold more moisture than cold air. The heating element at the back of the drum heats up the incoming air before it is blown across the clothes.
• Water drain: Excess water is drained through the bottom of the drum. The water is either delivered to a small container that needs to be removed and emptied or to an external location through a hose.
• Filter: Stray fibres and lint can impede the drying process. They are captured in the air filter, typically located in the door. The filter should be cleaned after every use.