10 Tips to Love Your RV Washer Dryer

It’s hard to argue the convenience of having an RV washer dryer combo in your RV. We all know how inconvenient it can be to find a laundromat when we’re on the road and now that’s no longer an issue! This blog post was created for those who are new to washer dryer combos and want some advice on how to get the most out of their investment.

I’ve included 10 tips for using your washer-dryer combination unit effectively so that you get the most out of it.

What are the benefits of having a washer dryer combo in my RV?

I’ve been using washer/dryer combination units in my RVs for nearly ten years. I love the convenience of doing laundry at my leisure just like I did when I lived in a standard home.

I’m not a fan of laundromats. They have their place but I do my best to avoid them. The prices have gone sky high over the last few years. Last fall, when I was boondocking, I used a laundromat and was really surprised at the cost. It was nearly $5 to wash and dry each load. That can really add up over time.

RV washer-dryers use very little water and are environmentally friendly.

What are the drawbacks of RV washer dryer combo units?

The complaints I hear from campers when discussing RV washer-dryer units is they are small and your clothes come out wrinkled. Both of those things are true but, you can conquer the wrinkle problem. It takes time to learn how to work with your washer/dryer so your laundry does not come out wrinkled.

They also take up a fair amount of space in your RV. Larger RVs often have a closed space prepared for washer/dryer installation. Some owners choose to use the space for storage.

There is a large initial cost when you purchase and install your unit. These appliances are priced at about $1,500. However, if you do five loads of laundry in a laundromat weekly over the course of a year, you will have spent $1,300.

What features should I know about?

These machines are 110 volts (15 amps) and plug into a standard outlet. While standard home clothes dryers run on 220 volts and require a special plug.

Some RV washer-dryer units can switch between vented and ventless drying. My machine is ventless. Ventless dryers take a little longer to dry but you don’t have to cut a hole in your RV for the vent installation.

I have personally owned two brands of RV washer-dryer units but can only recommend Splendide Brand. All three of my Splendide units have been workhorses. I had an Equator brand unit for a few months and it was very disappointing and unreliable.

How do I use an RV washer-dryer effectively?

If you’ve never experienced an RV washer/dryer combination unit, you’re in for a treat. You simply put your load of dirty laundry in, select your wash and dry settings, add detergent and fabric softener, and press start. After the cycle runs, your laundry is not only clean but also dry.

There are tricks to keep your frustration level down when using these machines. Don’t pack your machine too full. If you put too much in the drum, the machine can’t clean as effectively as with a smaller load. Overstuffing also causes excessive wrinkling. Your clothes need space to tumble when they dry.

Approach laundry as a marathon rather than a sprint. I do a load about every other day. On days when I’m doing bedding, I’ll run three or four loads in a day but in nice weather, I’ll hang my blankets and rugs outside to dry.

Washing and drying clothes without wrinkles can be tricky but I don’t iron and haven’t owned one for nearly ten years so it’s doable. I love my dryer balls for helping trap dog hair and keeping the wrinkles down.

I used my last set of dryer balls for three years and they finally started to become brittle from the heat. I recently replaced them with new silicone dryer cacti. I love these because they are fun and much quieter than the hard balls I had before.

When I’m washing denim, I remove it from the dryer before it’s fully dry, shake the wrinkles out, and hang it to finish drying. I do the same with my tops.

My ventless machine leaves my laundry feeling damp when I remove it from the machine. This is normal due to the drying process but the dampness dissipates quickly.

10 tips for using washer dryer combos in an RV

1. Small loads are best.
2. Overdrying causes wrinkles and static.
3. Leave the door cracked when not in use to avoid musty smells.
4. Clean your unit periodically per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
5. Using fabric softener helps keep wrinkles to a minimum but don’t use it on your towels as it will reduce their absorbency. I love Mrs. Meyers products.
6. Drying on low heat helps reduce wrinkles.
7. Remove clothes when still slightly damp and hang to finish drying.
8. If you winterize your RV you should also winterize your washer/dryer to avoid damage.
9. Dryer balls are your friend. I suggest using the type that doesn’t soak up water.
10. When drying jeans, stop the drying cycle, remove your jeans and shake them out well and put them back to finish drying. This keeps the legs from getting twisted.

RV washer dryer combos are a great way to save money and time. They require less space than separate washers and dryers, which is an added bonus for RV owners with limited room in their trailer or camper. With the right care, these appliances can last you years of trouble-free laundry service too!

To make sure your washer/dryer combo unit lasts as long as it should, follow our tips: Don’t overload the drum; this also leads to excessive wrinkling. Do loads every few days instead of all at once; doing four loads of bedding in one day isn’t unheard of. Use fabric softener but don’t use it on towels because it reduces absorbency.

For more information about getting started RVing, check out The RV Living And Travel Guide For Beginners.

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