Things You Shouldn’t Put in Your Dryer

Dryers are essential in most households, making laundry day a breeze by drying clothes quickly and efficiently. However, it’s important to remember that not all clothes and fabrics suit the dryer. Putting the wrong items in your dryer can cause damage to the clothing and the dryer itself or even pose a safety risk. In this article, we’ll discuss four things you shouldn’t put in your dryer.

Spandex is a popular material in clothing, often used in athletic wear and leggings for its stretchy and form-fitting properties. However, spandex can be easily damaged when exposed to high temperatures, such as in a dryer. The heat can cause the spandex to break down and lose its elasticity, leading to shrinkage and deformation of the garment. To keep your spandex clothing in good condition, it’s best to air-dry them or use a low-heat setting on your dryer.

Silk is a delicate material that requires gentle care and handling. A dryer’s high heat and tumbling action can cause silk to shrink, wrinkle, and lose its sheen. Additionally, silk is prone to snagging and tearing, which can be worsened in a dryer. To keep your silk garments looking their best, it’s best to hand wash them or have them dry-cleaned.

Leather is a durable and stylish material often used in jackets, bags, and shoes. However, leather can be easily damaged when exposed to high heat and tumbling in a dryer. The heat can cause the leather to crack, shrink, and lose shape, while the tumbling can cause scuffs and scratches. To preserve your leather items, it’s best to air-dry them or have them professionally cleaned.

Putting clothes with oil or grease stains in the dryer can be dangerous, as the heat can cause the oil to ignite and fire. It’s essential to remove oil and grease stains from clothing before putting them in the dryer. If the stain is particularly stubborn, washing the garment separately or having it professionally cleaned is best.

Delicate fabrics like lace and tulle should not be put in the dryer as the dryer can damage the soft fibers. These fabrics should be air-dried by laying them flat on a towel or hanging them up to dry. If you must wash them in a machine, use the gentle cycle and a mild detergent, and place the items in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from damage.

Clothing items with embellishments like beads and sequins should not be put in the dryer, as the centrifuge motion can cause the embellishments to come loose or fall off.

In addition to the items mentioned above, avoiding overloading your dryer is essential. Overloading can cause the dryer to work less efficiently and damage the appliance. Following the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the recommended load size for your dryer is essential.

In conclusion, knowing what not to put in your dryer can help prevent damage to your clothes and your appliance and ensure home safety. By avoiding items such as clothes with spandex, silk, leather, and oil or grease stains and being mindful of delicate fabrics and overloading, you can prolong the life of your clothes and dryer.