LG All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo: Clothes Still Damp After Drying

How LG Ventless Combo Dryers Work

Unlike traditional vented dryers, LG’s all-in-one combo units (WM6998HBA, WM1455HNA) use condensation drying: warm air circulates through the drum, picks up moisture from clothes, passes through a condenser where the moisture condenses into water, and the water drains out through the drain hose. No vent is required, but the trade-offs are longer drying times and more sensitivity to conditions.

Expected Drying Time

A full dry cycle in a combo unit takes 2–3 hours for a normal load — significantly longer than a vented dryer. This is normal. If drying is taking 4+ hours or clothes are still noticeably damp after a complete cycle, something is wrong.

Common Causes of Incomplete Drying

1. Overloading the Dry Cycle

The wash capacity (5.0 cu. ft.) is larger than the effective dry capacity (3.5 cu. ft.). Do not fill the drum to full wash capacity and expect complete drying. Dry loads should be no more than 60–65% of the drum.

2. Condenser Requires Cleaning

The condenser (heat exchanger) accumulates lint and mineral deposits over time, reducing its ability to extract moisture. LG recommends cleaning it every 1–2 months:

1. Access the condenser through the lower access panel (on models with a removable condenser).
2. Remove the condenser and rinse it thoroughly under running water.
3. Let it dry completely before reinstalling.

3. Ambient Temperature

Condensation drying works by cooling moist air. If the laundry room is very warm (above 85°F), the condenser has difficulty reaching the temperature differential needed to condense moisture efficiently. Ensure adequate ventilation in the laundry area.

4. Failed Thermistor (tE1 Error)

The dryer thermistor monitors drum temperature throughout the cycle. If it fails, the heater may not activate or the cycle may end prematurely. Replace the thermistor — it is an inexpensive part accessible without full disassembly.

Tips for Best Combo Drying Results

• Run smaller loads through the full combo cycle for best results
• For large loads, split into two drying sessions rather than one
• Use the highest spin speed during washing to remove maximum water before drying begins
• Clean the condenser and drain filter monthly

Why Professional Service May Be the Right Choice

While many Dryer issues can be addressed with the steps in this guide, there are situations where attempting a DIY repair can make the problem worse or void your warranty. If you've followed the steps above and the issue persists, or if you're not comfortable working with electrical components or water connections, calling a factory-certified technician is the safest and most cost-effective path forward.

LG Appliance Experts technicians are trained directly to LG's service specifications. They arrive with the most common OEM replacement parts already on the vehicle, which means most repairs are completed in a single visit — no waiting for parts to be ordered.

Preventing the Problem from Recurring

Most Dryer issues that require repair are preventable with regular maintenance. Key habits that extend appliance life and reduce fault frequency:

• Clean filters regularly. Lint filters, drain pump filters, and water inlet screens accumulate debris over time. A clogged filter is one of the most common causes of performance issues and error codes.
• Don't overload. Consistently running your Dryer beyond its rated capacity puts extra stress on the motor, drum bearings, and suspension components.
• Use the correct detergent and amounts. Excess detergent — especially non-HE detergent in HE appliances — causes buildup, mold, and sensor errors over time.
• Check hoses and connections annually. Inspect inlet and drain hoses for cracks, kinks, or loose connections at least once a year, especially if your appliance is more than five years old.
• Level the appliance. An unlevel Dryer vibrates excessively during operation, accelerating wear on internal components and causing noise and balance errors.

LG Warranty and Service Coverage

LG offers a standard one-year parts and labor warranty on most appliances, with extended coverage on specific components — most notably the 10-year warranty on linear compressors in qualifying refrigerators. If your appliance is still within its manufacturer warranty period, contact LG directly before scheduling an independent repair, as unauthorized service may affect warranty coverage.

For appliances outside the warranty period, LG Appliance Experts provides a 90-day parts and labor warranty on every repair we complete. All replacement parts are genuine LG OEM components sourced directly from LG's authorized parts network.