TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics and the number one brand for Mini LED and ultra-large format televisions, is strengthening its presence in the home appliance market in South Africa by entering the premium segment of laundry equipment. The leader of this expansion is the new TCL C5 Laundry Series, which represents the next generation of washing machines designed to provide greater capacity, smarter fabric care, advanced hygiene, and everyday convenience for modern households.
The C5 portfolio was created with the changing needs of South African families in mind and includes both a combined washer-dryer model and a separate washer and dryer set. This allows families to choose flexible solutions based on available space, laundry volume, and preferred home layout.
As local consumers increasingly seek appliances that combine capacity, hygiene, convenience, and smart technology, the C5 offers a comprehensive upgrade for the laundry room, based on the real needs of households.
Alvin Wang, TCL's General Manager in South Africa, noted that the launch of the C5 series marks an important step in TCL's growing presence in the South African home appliance market. He emphasized that South African families need appliances capable of keeping up with a busy lifestyle while providing the performance, convenience, and reliability they expect from a modern home. According to Wang, the C5 combines smart technology with thoughtful design, including the large Super Drum and AI Auto Dose function, as well as advanced hygiene care and connected features, allowing consumers to adopt a more intelligent and considered approach to daily laundry.
At the heart of the C5 model is the 540mm TCL Super Drum, designed to create ample washing space within a standard 600mm casing. The increased drum diameter allows clothes to move more freely during each cycle, helping to reduce overloading, tangling, and uneven washing. The large drum also lifts clothes higher before they fall into the wash cycle, creating a stronger and more effective rotational movement that promotes more thorough movement of water and detergent through the fabric.
For families in South Africa who have to process many loads of clothing, baby items, bedding, towels, and large weekly loads, the increased diameter of the Super Drum allows items to be washed effectively without compromising cleaning quality.
The C5 uses a unique three-plus-three biomimetic lifter system, consisting of three full-sized and three compact lifters positioned around the drum. These lifters are inspired by the movement of fish tails and fins; they direct clothes in multiple directions instead of allowing items to constantly move along the same path. This ensures more balanced lifting, tumbling, and rotation throughout the drum.
The system helps separate items, untangle knots, and ensures that water and detergent reach different parts of the load evenly.
The AI Auto Dose function in the C5 eliminates the need to manually estimate the amount of detergent and conditioner for each load. Users fill the integrated storage compartments, and the appliance automatically doses the required amount based on the load size. Overuse of detergent can leave visible residue or require extra rinsing, especially on dark clothing. Insufficient amounts, conversely, can lead to incomplete cleaning. The AI Auto Dose function solves both problems by delivering a more precise amount at the right time in the wash cycle. For busy households doing frequent washes, this ensures more consistent results while reducing the need for repeated measurements and excess detergent use.
The C5 is equipped with the TCL EBS™ (Eliminating Bacteria System), which combines high-temperature washing with steam treatment to eliminate up to 99.99% of common bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This system provides an extra level of hygiene for clothing worn outside, as well as for baby clothes, towels, bedding, and items used by family members with sensitive skin. Steam also penetrates fabrics, supporting a more thorough cleaning process without complete reliance on intense mechanical action or harsh chemicals.
The C5 operates on a Smart Direct Drive Motor, which is directly connected to the drum without using traditional belts, pulleys, or additional transmission components. This simplified design ensures smoother movement, reduces mechanical vibrations, and maintains quiet operation. Furthermore, it increases durability by reducing the number of components subject to normal wear and tear. TCL provides a 20-year warranty on the motor, demonstrating a clear commitment to reliability and reinforcing the C5's positioning as a long-term investment in the home. Quieter operation is particularly relevant for apartments, open-plan homes, and households that prefer running wash cycles in the evening or during quieter daytime hours.
With built-in Wi-Fi support, users can control and monitor supported functions of the C5 via the TCL Home app. The connectivity allows users to check the cycle progress and remotely manage selected functions, providing greater flexibility in managing laundry alongside work, family duties, and daily life. The C5 also includes the AI Easy Start function, which simplifies program selection for users who want reliable washing results without having to sift through numerous settings. By pressing and holding the Start and Pause button, users can quickly access the Mix program. Together, these features make the laundry process more accessible to different family members, reducing the need for constant manual adjustment.
This launch is part of TCL's broader expansion into the global home appliance sector. According to Industry Online, TCL ranked fourth in the global shipment ranking for washing machines for the entire year of 2025. With the C5 series, TCL is bringing its engineering innovations, smart home ecosystem, and consumer technology expertise to the growing mid-to-high-end laundry appliance market in South Africa. The TCL C5 Washer and Dryer Combo and C5 Washer and Dryer Set are now available at Incredible and HiFi Corp stores, and will soon be available in more retail locations.