The dryer is a convenient appliance that saves time, especially during winter or rainy days. However, some garments should never be placed inside, as they can suffer irreversible damage. Shrinking fibers, damaged fabrics, or unusable clothing: here are five items you should keep away from the dryer, along with reasons why it’s essential to wash them differently.
1. Wool Garments
What Happens In The Dryer:
The high heat and mechanical action of the drum can cause wool clothing to shrink dramatically. A wool sweater can lose up to two sizes after being put in the dryer.
Why Avoid The Dryer?
Wool is a natural fiber that reacts poorly to high temperatures and rough movements. This disrupts the fiber structure and leads to the infamous felting effect.
How To Care For Them:
Wash them by hand or use a special wool program if machine washing, then lay them flat on a towel to dry to prevent distortion.
2. Silk Garments
What Happens In The Dryer:
Silk, being a delicate fiber, can wrinkle, fray, or lose its natural luster when exposed to the heat of the dryer.
Why Avoid The Dryer?
High temperatures damage the fine silk fibers, which are also sensitive to excessive moisture.
How To Care For Them:
Wash silk garments by hand or on a delicate cycle in the machine. Hang them to air dry, away from direct sunlight.
3. Lace Or Embroidered Garments
What Happens In The Dryer:
Delicate items like lace or embroidered clothing can become distorted, snagged, or lose their precious details in the drum.
Why Avoid The Dryer?
Lace and embroidery do not withstand aggressive movements in the drum which can tear or damage them.
How To Care For Them:
Opt for hand washing or machine washing in a protective bag, then lay them flat or hang them to dry.
4. Specific Synthetic Fiber Garments (Nylon, Polyester, Spandex)
What Happens In The Dryer:
Synthetic fibers, often used in sportswear or undergarments, can melt or lose their elasticity due to heat exposure.
Why Avoid The Dryer?
Excessive heat weakens synthetic fibers and causes irreversible deformation, making the garment uncomfortable to wear.
How To Care For Them:
Hang these garments to dry naturally or use a low-temperature gentle drying cycle if necessary.
5. Garments With Heat-Transferred Prints Or Designs
What Happens In The Dryer:
Heat-transferred prints or designs can crack, peel, or even melt inside the dryer.
Why Avoid The Dryer?
The heat melts the adhesive used for the prints, damaging both the design and the garment.
How To Care For Them:
Wash these garments inside out to protect the designs, then let them air dry flat or hang them.
To preserve your clothing, it’s crucial to be selective about what you place in the dryer. Wool, silk, lace, synthetic fibers, and items with heat-transferred designs should be washed and dried with care to avoid damage.
By following these tips, you will extend the lifespan of your clothing while maintaining their quality and appearance. So, before filling your dryer, take a moment to check the labels and choose the most suitable drying method!
