We’ve all been there: pulling a favorite shirt from the dryer only to find it shrunken to doll-sized proportions, or discovering a pair of jeans now two shades lighter and speckled with bleach spots. While dryers are a household staple and undeniably convenient, they can also be pretty harsh on certain items.
With this guide, I hope to help you avoid some of the common laundry pitfalls that I’ve experienced. Here are 12 things I wish I’d never put in the dryer.
1. Wool Sweaters
Wool is not a fan of heat, and throwing your favorite wool sweater in the dryer is a recipe for disaster. The heat can cause the fibers to shrink, leaving you with something that might fit a teddy bear but certainly not you.
Instead, after washing, lay your woolen items flat on a towel to dry. This will help them retain their shape and size, ensuring that you can continue to enjoy them for years to come. It might take a bit longer, but it’s definitely worth the wait.
2. Lingerie
Lingerie, especially those with lace or other delicate details, can get ripped or tangled in the dryer. The heat can also break down the elastics, causing your once perfect-fitting bra to lose its shape. Always let your lingerie air dry. Not only does it prevent damage, but it also helps to prolong the life of these often expensive items. A drying rack or even a shower rod are perfect places to let them dry naturally.
3. Bathing Suits
Like lingerie, bathing suits often contain elastics that can be damaged by heat. Additionally, the tumbling action of the dryer can cause them to stretch out of shape. Let your bathing suits air dry instead. To speed up the process, roll them in a towel to squeeze out excess water before laying them out to dry. Just remember to avoid direct sunlight as it can cause colors to fade.
4. Running Shoes
While it might be tempting to toss your sweaty running shoes in the dryer, the high heat can warp the soles and damage the synthetic materials. Instead, remove the insoles and laces and allow everything to air dry. You can also stuff the shoes with newspaper to help absorb moisture and maintain their shape.
5. Leather and Faux Leather
Whether it’s a pair of leather pants or a faux leather jacket, the heat from the dryer can cause cracking and damage to the material. Always air dry leather and faux leather items. If they’re really wet, you can use a towel to blot out as much moisture as possible before letting them dry naturally.
6. Sequined or Beaded Clothing
Clothing with sequins or beads can easily get damaged in the dryer, with the heat causing them to come loose or even melt. It’s best to let these items air dry. If you’re in a hurry, you could try using a hairdryer on a cool setting, but make sure to keep it moving so you don’t concentrate too much heat in one area.
7. Tights and Stockings
The tumbling action in the dryer can cause tights and stockings to snag and run. The heat can also cause them to shrink or lose their shape. Once again, air drying is the way to go. Hang them up or lay them flat to dry to keep them in the best possible condition.
8. Cashmere
Cashmere, like wool, is not a fan of heat and can shrink if put in the dryer. The tumbling action can also cause it to pill. After washing cashmere, lay it flat on a towel to dry. You can also reshape it while it’s wet to help it maintain its original shape.
9. Silk
Silk is a delicate fabric that can be damaged by the heat and tumbling action of the dryer. Instead, after washing, gently squeeze out any excess water (don’t wring it) and then hang it up or lay it flat to dry.
10. Suede
Suede can shrink and become hard if put in the dryer. The tumbling action can also scuff the surface. If your suede items get wet, blot as much moisture as you can with a towel and then let them air dry. If they’ve become misshapen, you can stuff them with paper while they dry to help them regain their shape.
11. Anything with a ‘Dry Clean Only’ Tag
This should go without saying, but if something is labeled ‘dry clean only’, it means just that. Putting these items in the dryer can cause them to shrink, fade, or become misshapen. If you’re not sure whether something is safe to put in the dryer, it’s best to err on the side of caution and let it air dry. It might take a bit longer, but it’s better than ruining a favorite item of clothing.