Dryers are a modern convenience that most people rely on, saving time and energy in your daily routine. However, what you choose to put in your dryer can have significant consequences for both your clothes and the machine itself. While it’s tempting to toss everything in for a quick dry, certain items can become damaged, shrink, or even pose safety risks when exposed to heat. To prevent costly repairs, ruined clothing, or worse, it’s essential to know what should stay out of the dryer. This article explores several items you should avoid drying and the reasons why.
Delicate Fabrics and Clothing
Delicate fabrics such as silk, lace, and wool are highly sensitive to heat and agitation. When placed in the dryer, these materials can shrink, lose their shape, or become stretched out, making them unwearable. Wool, in particular, tends to shrink dramatically, while silk and lace can tear due to the tumbling motion inside the dryer. To avoid damaging these items, it’s best to opt for air-drying or using a low-heat setting, though air-drying is the safer option in most cases.
These types of fabrics are often found in special garments like lingerie, scarves, or luxury clothing, making their care even more critical. Many of these items have sentimental or monetary value, and improper drying can cause irreversible damage. Additionally, dryers can cause delicate fibers to fray or pill, further reducing the lifespan of these garments. By taking extra care, you can ensure that these treasured pieces stay in good condition for years to come.
Items with Elastic Components
Elastic materials are commonly found in clothing items such as swimsuits, bras, and workout gear, all of which are prone to damage in the dryer. High heat can cause the elastic to break down over time, resulting in stretched-out garments that no longer fit properly. The constant tumbling inside the dryer further weakens the elastic, reducing its flexibility and functionality. To maintain the longevity of these items, it’s better to air-dry them or use a gentle, no-heat cycle.
Elastic loses its integrity when exposed to extreme temperatures, and once it’s stretched beyond repair, the item is essentially ruined. Clothing with elastic components is often expensive and meant to last, but drying it improperly can drastically shorten its lifespan. Over time, the heat breaks down the fibers, making the garment less comfortable to wear and less supportive. By handling these items with care, you can preserve their stretch and structure, ensuring they serve you for as long as possible.
Clothes with Embellishments or Decorations
Clothing with embellishments, such as beads, sequins, or rhinestones, is particularly vulnerable to damage in the dryer. The high heat and movement inside the drum can cause these decorative elements to melt, loosen, or fall off entirely. Even items turned inside out or placed in garment bags are at risk of losing their intricate details. This not only affects the appearance of the clothing but also reduces its overall value and longevity.
The dryer’s tumbling action can also cause embellishments to snag on other clothing, leading to tears or pulls in the fabric. Formal wear, holiday sweaters, and even casual shirts with decorative designs can be ruined after just one cycle. These types of garments are often worn for special occasions, making it even more important to take extra precautions. Air-drying or hand-washing these items ensures they remain intact, keeping their aesthetic appeal and quality intact.
Shoes and Heavy Items
Shoes, particularly those made from leather or certain athletic materials, should never be placed in the dryer. The intense heat can warp the shoe’s structure, causing the soles to separate or the material to become stiff and brittle. Drying shoes can also lead to unpleasant odors, as the heat bakes in any moisture or dirt left inside. Additionally, the weight of shoes can cause unnecessary strain on your dryer’s motor, potentially leading to mechanical issues.
Heavy items like blankets, rugs, or large towels can similarly damage your dryer. These bulky pieces often take longer to dry and can unbalance the machine during the cycle, causing it to work inefficiently. Over time, this stress can wear down the dryer drum and increase the risk of mechanical failure. To prevent this, it’s better to air-dry or use a line for heavier items, ensuring they dry evenly without harming your appliances.
Items Containing Foam or Rubber
Foam and rubber-based items, such as memory foam pillows, rubber-backed bath mats, and certain sports gear, should always be kept out of the dryer. The high heat can cause foam to melt or warp, rendering the item useless and potentially ruining the dryer as well. Rubber materials can become sticky, lose their elasticity, or even break apart during the drying cycle. As these materials are not designed to withstand high temperatures, drying them can lead to unpleasant odors and deterioration of the item’s structure.
In addition to damaging the item itself, drying foam or rubber materials can create issues inside the dryer. Melted rubber or foam can stick to the dryer drum or clog the lint trap, increasing the risk of a fire. Furthermore, foam-filled items often contain moisture deep inside that isn’t completely removed during washing, which can turn into mildew if not properly dried. To avoid these risks, air-drying these items or cleaning them according to manufacturer guidelines is the best approach.
Items Soaked in Flammable Substances
Clothes or fabrics exposed to flammable substances, such as gasoline, oil, or cleaning chemicals, should never be put in the dryer. Even after washing, trace amounts of these substances can remain, and when combined with the high heat of a dryer, the risk of fire becomes dangerously high. Items like rags, work clothes, or towels used in cleaning may contain residues that are easily overlooked. This can result in combustion, leading to devastating consequences for your home and your safety.
Before drying any item that has come into contact with flammable substances, it’s essential to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and air-dried. Even small amounts of gasoline or oil can pose a significant fire hazard, as they evaporate at a slower rate and can ignite in a heated environment. It’s critical to take extra precautions, such as pre-soaking and washing these items multiple times, to ensure they are free from hazardous substances. Air-drying is the safest method for these fabrics to prevent any potential disasters.
Pet Hair-Covered Items
Items covered in pet hair may seem harmless, but they can cause problems when placed in the dryer. Pet hair tends to gather in clumps and can clog the dryer’s lint filter, reducing airflow and increasing the risk of overheating or even a fire. Additionally, instead of removing pet hair, the dryer’s tumbling action can embed it further into fabrics, making it even harder to get rid of. This can lead to frustration when trying to keep clothing and bedding clean and free of hair.
Furthermore, the buildup of pet hair inside the dryer can reduce its efficiency over time, making it work harder to dry other items. It’s a good idea to remove as much pet hair as possible before drying by shaking out the fabric, using a lint roller, or running items through an extra rinse cycle. Regular cleaning of the dryer’s lint trap is also crucial if you frequently dry items with pet hair. By taking these precautions, you can avoid the buildup of pet hair in your dryer and ensure it operates safely and efficiently.
Keep Your Clothes Safe and Your Dryer Happy
Being mindful of what you put in your dryer can save you from costly repairs, damaged clothing, and even dangerous situations. By avoiding the items mentioned, you can keep your dryer running efficiently and your clothes in top shape for years to come. Making a few small adjustments to your laundry routine can make a big difference. Remember, a little extra effort goes a long way when it comes to protecting your clothes, your appliances, and your home. Take control of your laundry and enjoy the benefits.
