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It's tempting to just toss everything in the dryer and be done with it, but there are some things you should never put in the dryer. The heat from the dryer can cause fabrics to shrink, fade, or even melt. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 items that you should never put in the dryer! We will also provide tips on what to do with these items instead.
Benefits of using the dryer
As most households are increasingly doing their laundry, the use of a dryer has become an essential tool. Dryers provide numerous benefits while performing laundry services.
Not only do they save electricity compared to using a clothes line, but they are also extremely efficient at drying clothes quickly and thoroughly. Furthermore, they help reduce damage caused to fabrics; thereby protecting our clothing investments in the long term.
Additionally, dryers provide convenience as users can set a timer and their clothes will be dry by the time it's done running. Henceforth, making use of a dryer is an excellent way to care for our clothes and still be energy efficient.
Overview of the dangers of putting certain items in the dryer
Many of us may be unaware of the potential hazards associated with placing certain items in the clothes dryer. With many modern materials, chemicals, and fabrics trending toward man-made varieties, it’s hard to keep up with potential issues that can arise from specific types of items coming into contact with high heat and tumbling motions.
Every single item placed in the dryer should be assessed as to its safety for proper drying conditions before operating the machine. Unsafe items can range from rubber items which often contain adhesives not meant for high heat to items containing foam pieces or glues both of which have been reported to cause illness if ingested due to drying out and crumbling when exposed to excessive heat.
It is important to take caution and assume that any item that feels brittle or contains flammable ingredients should not be placed in a hot drying environment.
Contacting the manufacturer directly can help ensure proper care instructions are being followed, concentrating on personal safety and avoiding disaster altogether.
10 Things You Should Never Put in the Dryer
1. Wool clothing
Wool is probably the most delicate fabric you can put in a washing machine, so it’s definitely not safe to place in the dryer. Wool garments tend to shrink easily and putting them in a hot dryer will only make matters worse.
Instead of using heat, try air-drying wool clothes on a drying rack or lay them flat on a towel if necessary. This will help maintain the shape and quality of your wool clothing.
2. Delicate fabrics
Delicate fabrics such as lace, chiffon, and silk should not be put in a dryer either. These materials are too fragile to withstand the high heat and tumbling action of a dryer which could easily damage them beyond repair. To dry these fabrics, hang them up to air-dry or lay them flat on a towel.
3. Bras
Bras are made of delicate materials that can easily become misshapen if placed in the dryer. The elastic in bras often starts to lose its original shape after multiple washes and this is especially true when it’s put in the dryer. To preserve the shape of your bras and make them last longer, hang them up to air-dry or lay them flat on a towel.
4. Down comforters
Down comforters are made with delicate feathers that can easily be damaged in a dryer. The high heat can also cause the feathers to clump up, making it difficult for them to regain their original fluffiness. Instead of placing your down comforter in the dryer, try air-drying it outside on a clothesline or hanging it up indoors.
5. Spandex clothing
Spandex clothing is often made with a blend of synthetic materials that can easily be damaged by the heat of a dryer. The high heat could cause the spandex material to shrink or lose its original shape. To keep your spandex clothing looking new, air-dry it on a clothesline or hang it up indoors.
6. Foam cushions
Foam cushions are another item that should never be placed in a dryer. The heat of the dryer can cause the foam to break down, making it lose its shape and become lumpy. Instead, air-dry your foam cushions on a drying rack or hang them up indoors if possible.
7. Swimsuits
Swimsuits are typically made with a blend of materials that can easily be affected by the heat of a dryer. To keep your swimsuit looking its best, try air-drying it on a clothesline or hang it up indoors.
8. Leather clothing and accessories
Leather is another material that should never be placed in a dryer. The heat of the dryer can cause the leather to shrink and lose its shape, leaving it looking worn out. To keep your leather clothing and accessories looking their best, air-dry them on a clothesline or hang them up indoors.
9. Vinyl curtains
Vinyl curtains are often used for bathroom and kitchen windows, but they should never be placed in a dryer. The high heat of the dryer can cause the vinyl material to shrink or become misshapen. To clean your vinyl curtains, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth and let them air-dry on a clothesline or hang them up indoors.
10. Shoes
Shoes are often made with a blend of materials that can easily be damaged by the heat of a dryer. To keep your shoes looking their best, try air-drying them on a clothesline or hanging them up indoors. Additionally, stuffing the shoes with newspaper will help absorb any moisture and help them dry faster.
What to Do With These Items Instead
Wool clothing:
Hang to dry or lay flat on a towel if necessary. This will help maintain the shape and quality of your wool clothing.
Delicate fabrics:
Hang them up to air-dry or lay them flat on a towel.
Bras:
Hang them up to air-dry or lay them flat on a towel.
Down comforters:
Air-dry outside on a clothesline or hang indoors.
Spandex clothing:
Air-dry on a clothesline or hang indoors.
Foam cushions:
Air-dry on a drying rack or hang indoors if possible.
Swimsuits:
Air-dry on a clothesline or hang indoors.
Leather clothing and accessories:
Air-dry on a clothesline or hang indoors.
Vinyl curtains:
Wipe down with a damp cloth and let them air-dry on a clothesline or hang them up indoors.
Shoes:
Air-dry on a clothesline or hang them up indoors. Additionally, stuffing the shoes with newspaper will help absorb any moisture and help them dry faster.
Conclusion
Air-drying is a great way to keep delicate fabrics, bras, down comforters, spandex clothing, foam cushions, swimsuits, leather clothing, and accessories, vinyl curtains, and shoes looking their best.
To avoid damaging these items, be sure to read the care instructions label on your clothes before attempting to clean or dry them. Additionally, stuffing shoes with newspaper will help absorb any moisture and help them dry faster.
