Dryers are a convenient staple in most modern homes for a good reason: They make drying our clothes and household linens easy. But not all items can withstand the heat and tumbling of a dryer cycle. Delicate fabrics can be damaged, rubber can melt, and structured items like bras and swimwear can warp or shrink. Instead, you should always air-dry these types of items on an indoor drying rack or a classic outdoor clothesline.
8 Things to Never Put in the Dryer
Air-drying might take longer than throwing something in the dryer would, but when it comes to clothing you love, it’s better to be safe than sorry, Read on for fabrics, materials, and more you should never dry in the dryer.
1. Silk
Silk is a delicate fiber you should never put in a dryer. Instead, air-dry silk items after removing them from the washing machine or hand-washing them. To speed up the drying process, lay the silk garment on a white cotton towel and gently roll up the towel to remove excess moisture. Remove the silk item from the towel and hang it on a hanger or clothesline. Use the hanger straps if you are hanging a shirt or blouse to dry; using a clothes hanger could stretch or warp the shoulders otherwise.
2. Lace and Other Delicate Fabric
Like silk, lace and other delicate fabrics, such as sheer netting or tulle, are easily damaged in the dryer. Instead, hang these fabrics to dry.
3. Wool
In general, you should avoid placing wool items in the dryer. Wool is highly susceptible to shrinking, and the last thing you want is to ruin your expensive wool sweater. That said, some heavy wool items may require the heat of a dryer to dry out thoroughly, otherwise they might take days to dry completely (and you risk them developing a damp smell during that time). If you are dealing with a heavy wool coat or blanket, place it in the dryer on the gentle cycle. (Also, check the care label to ensure this is a viable option.) Lighter wool items should always be air-dried.
4. Spandex or Lycra
Items made from spandex or Lycra, such as athletic clothes, hosiery, swimwear, and undergarments, should always be air-dried rather than put in the dryer. Spandex and Lycra are susceptible to shrinking, and the high heat of conventional tumble-dry settings can cause the fabric to wear and break down over time. Instead, remove any items made from spandex or Lycra after the wash and hang them to dry.
5. Clothes with Sequins or Beads
The high heat of a dryer can cause beads or sequins that are glued or delicately sewn onto fabrics to detach or melt. Even if the rest of the garment is dryer-safe, it’s best to air-dry any item with sequins, beads, or other appliques to prevent damage.
6. Leather, Suede, and Faux Leather
Leather, suede, and faux leather items might dry out and crack if placed in a conventional dryer. If you’re dealing with wet suede, leather, or faux leather, it’s usually due to an accident, such as a run-in with inclement weather, since these items are easily water-damaged. To appropriately dry the item, use a cloth to dab off any excess moisture and then place it somewhere warm and dry. Put jackets, vests, and pants on hangers and fill shoes, boots, and purses with tightly packed newspaper or towels to help the leather keep its shape while it dries.
7. Bras
Bras are delicate, highly structured items that are easily damaged in dryers. Underwires (when present) combined with delicate fabrics can spell disaster for your expensive and essential undergarments. That said, bras can stretch out when hung to dry by their straps due to the heavy weight of the wet fabric. To properly air dry a bra, lay it flat on a dry towel or hang it upside down using clothespins on the bottom of the bra rather than hanging it by the straps.
8. Fabric Shoes
While most fabric shoes are safe to put in the washing machine, you should always skip the dryer because the high heat of the dryer can cause the rubber soles to melt or detach from the base of the shoe. Instead of placing them in the dryer, try hanging the shoes or placing them above an air vent indoors to dry.
