Using a dryer is a convenient way to get your clothes dry quickly, but not all garments are suited for the heat and tumbling action. When you put the wrong items in the dryer, you risk damaging the fabric, shrinking your clothes, or even ruining delicate details.
Knowing which clothes you should never put in the dryer helps you protect your wardrobe and extend the life of your favorite pieces. By understanding these basics, you can avoid common laundry mistakes and keep your clothes looking their best longer.
Spandex activewear
You should avoid putting spandex activewear in the dryer. High heat can break down the stretchy fibers that give your clothes their shape.
This damage can cause your workout gear to lose its fit and elasticity faster.
Instead, air-dry your activewear to keep it looking and feeling good for longer. It’s a simple step that really helps your clothes last.
Bras
You should avoid putting your bras in the dryer. The heat can damage the elastic bands and straps, causing them to lose their stretch. This affects how well your bra fits over time.
The tumbling motion can also stretch or warp the fabric, making your bras wear out faster. Instead, lay them flat or hang them to air dry for the best results.
Wool sweaters
You should never put wool sweaters in the dryer. The heat and tumbling can cause them to shrink or lose their shape.
Wool fibers are sensitive, and drying them this way may make your favorite sweater feel stiff or misshapen.
Instead, lay them flat to dry so they keep their softness and fit. This helps your wool last longer and stay cozy.
Silk garments
You should avoid putting your silk clothes in the dryer. The heat can easily damage the delicate fibers, causing shrinkage or weakening the fabric.
Instead, let your silk garments air dry by laying them flat or hanging them gently. This helps maintain their smooth texture and prevents wrinkles that are hard to remove.
Taking this extra step keeps your silk looking its best longer and preserves its natural beauty.
Leather jackets
You should never put your leather jacket in the dryer. The heat can dry out the natural oils that keep the leather soft and flexible. This can cause your jacket to crack and lose its smooth feel.
Instead, let it air dry naturally after cleaning. Taking care of your leather jacket this way helps it last longer and stay comfortable to wear.
Suede shoes
You should never put suede shoes in the dryer. The heat and tumbling can ruin the texture and color of the delicate material.
Dryers can also cause the suede to shrink or become stiff, making your shoes uncomfortable to wear.
Instead, let your suede shoes air dry naturally. Gently stuff them with paper to keep their shape while drying.
Cashmere sweaters
You should avoid putting your cashmere sweaters in the dryer. The heat and tumbling can shrink and damage the delicate fibers.
Instead, gently hand wash or use a gentle cycle, then lay your sweater flat to dry. This helps keep its softness and shape intact.
Taking a bit of extra care will help your cashmere last longer and feel cozy every time you wear it.
Delicate lace clothing
You should avoid putting delicate lace clothing in the dryer. The heat can weaken the fine fabric and cause it to lose shape or tear.
Lace often has intricate patterns that can easily snag or get damaged by the dryer’s tumbling.
To keep your lace looking its best, air dry it flat or hang it gently. This helps maintain the fabric’s texture and longevity.
Tights
You should avoid putting tights in the dryer. The heat can damage their delicate fibers, causing them to lose shape or develop holes.
Even using a mesh laundry bag won’t fully protect them from the tumbling action. Instead, lay your tights flat or hang them to air dry.
This gentle care helps your tights last longer and keeps them looking their best.
Swimsuits
You should avoid putting your swimsuits in the dryer. The heat can break down the elastic fibers, causing your swimsuit to lose its shape and fit.
Instead, air dry your swimsuit flat on a towel. This helps maintain its stretch and color for longer.
Remember, gentle care keeps your swimsuits looking good and feeling comfortable each time you wear them.
Rubber-backed rugs
You should avoid putting rubber-backed rugs in the dryer. The heat can damage the rubber, causing it to crack, melt, or lose its grip. This damage affects the rug’s shape and safety.
Instead, hang your rubber-backed rugs to air dry. This keeps them in good condition and helps maintain their non-slip qualities.