Published on:
5 min read
By Olivia Reed · Laundry & Fabric Care Writer
15 Things You Should Never Put in the Dryer
I've learned the hard way that not everything belongs in the dryer. Let my laundry mishaps save you some headaches and heartache.
Things I Wish I Knew Before Using the Dryer
If I had a nickel for every time I shrank something precious in the dryer, well, I'd have too many nickels. The dryer, as convenient as it is, is not a one-size-fits-all machine. In my early days of doing laundry, I treated it as one, and the results were often disastrous. From ruined clothes to damaged household items, I learned some lessons the hard way. In this article, I'm sharing the top 15 items you should never put in the dryer, based on my own mishaps and the wisdom I've gathered over the years.
The dryer is a powerful appliance, and while it can save tons of time, it can also cause irreparable damage to certain fabrics and materials. This list includes items from my personal laundry mishaps and is intended to help you avoid similar costly mistakes. Trust me, nothing brings more regret than pulling a shrunken wool sweater or melted plastic item from the dryer.
The Wool Sweater Catastrophe
Let me start with my worst offender: the wool sweater. I once inherited a beautiful hand-me-down wool sweater from my grandmother. The first cold snap of the season hit, and after wearing it, I tossed it in the wash and then, without a second thought, into the dryer. Big mistake. What came out was an expensive doll-sized version of my cherished sweater. Wool, when exposed to the heat and tumbling action of a dryer, shrinks dramatically. If you've ever stood there holding a toddler-sized sweater instead of your own, you know the heartbreak. Now, I always air dry my wool garments, laying them flat on a towel to maintain their shape.
The drying process can be sped up a bit by placing the wet wool item on top of a dry towel, rolling it up, and gently squeezing out excess water before laying it flat to dry. This method keeps the wool in its original form much better than the dryer ever could.
Silk Blouses: A Delicate Affair
Silk is another delicate fabric that should never see the inside of a dryer. I learned this lesson after buying a beautiful silk blouse on sale. I was so thrilled about the bargain that I forgot to read the care label. That fatal tumble in the dryer left the blouse looking like a crumpled, slightly melted version of its former self. Silk requires gentle care. Hand washing and air drying are your best bets for maintaining its softness and sheen. If you're in a pinch, a low heat setting on an iron can help smooth out wrinkles, but in my experience, keeping silk out of the dryer is the safest route.
For silk, if you want to take extra precautions, you can wrap the blouse in a clean, dry towel and gently press out the water after washing. Hanging it on a padded hanger to air dry in a cool, shaded area prevents any distortion of the fabric and maintains its luxurious drape.
Comparing Dryer Safety for Different Fabrics
When it comes to using the dryer, not all fabrics are created equal. Here's a quick comparison of what happens to different materials:
| Fabric Type | Dryer Outcome | Recommended Care |
|---|---|---|
| Wool | Shrinks drastically | Air dry flat |
| Silk | Wrinkles and melts | Air dry, hand wash |
| Denim | Fades and shrinks | Low heat or air dry |
| Linen | Wrinkles excessively | Iron while damp |
| Nylon | Warps and loses shape | Air dry |
Practical Tips to Avoid Dryer Disasters
To save your favorite clothes from a dryer disaster, here are some practical tips I've learned:
- Always check garment care labels before drying.
- Use mesh laundry bags for delicates, if you must put them in the dryer.
- Consider air drying or using a drying rack for items prone to shrinking or damage.
- Keep dryer sheets away from athletic wear, as they can affect moisture-wicking properties.
- Opt for a low heat setting for mixed loads to minimize damage.
- Regularly clean your dryer's lint filter to enhance efficiency and reduce fire risk.
- Use dryer balls to speed up drying time and reduce static without chemicals.
- For items like down jackets, use tennis balls during air drying to help maintain fluffiness.
FAQs: Common Dryer Dilemmas
Q: Can I put sneakers in the dryer?
I tried this once, and it made a terrible racket. Sneakers can damage your dryer and, depending on the material, get warped. Air drying is safer.
Q: Is it safe to dry bras in the dryer?
No, it's not. The heat can ruin the elastic and the shape of the cups. Air drying is best.
Q: What about items with elastic like leggings?
Elastic doesn't fare well with heat. Over time, it breaks down the fibers, leading to saggy garments. Air dry when possible.
Q: Are there any dryer-safe items?
Yes, most cotton items and towels can handle the dryer well, but always check the care label first.
Q: What should I do if I've accidentally shrunk an item?
Sometimes soaking the item in lukewarm water with a bit of hair conditioner can help loosen the fibers before gently stretching it back to size.
EditorialOur Take
After a series of unfortunate laundry events, I've come to respect the power and limitations of the dryer. It's a fantastic tool when used correctly, but a careless toss can lead to irreversible damage. For anyone with a busy schedule, it's tempting to throw everything in on high heat, but a little patience with air drying can save you a lot of heartache. This guide is particularly useful for those handling specialty fabrics or cherished garments. If precision isn't your thing, or if you're dealing mostly with hardy fabrics, you might not need to be as cautious. However, for everyone else, taking the time to understand your dryer's impact can save both money and memories in the long run.
Whether you're a laundry novice or a seasoned pro, it's clear that not all items are cut out for the dryer. With a bit of extra care and attention, you can keep your wardrobe looking its best. Remember, a little extra time spent air drying could save your favorite pieces from an untimely demise.
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Olivia Reed
Laundry & Fabric Care Writer
Olivia Reed covers laundry and fabric care. She has rescued enough favorite shirts from the wrong wash cycle to take care labels seriously. Olivia shares the methods that keep clothes looking good for longer. Olivia uses AI tools to research, draft, and help keep these articles accurate.
More from Olivia →The information on this site is of a general nature only and is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any particular individual or entity. It is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional advice.
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