8 Things You Should Never Put In The Dryer
The dryer is a magical appliance that saves time and effort, but not everything belongs in it. Tossing the wrong items into your dryer can lead to ruined clothes, damaged appliances, or even a fire hazard. To keep your laundry routine smooth and your belongings intact, avoid putting these eight things in the dryer.
1.Silk:
Silk should never be kept in the steam room to beautify it with threads. Instead, remove silk products from the washing machine or let them air dry after hand washing. To speed drying, place the silk cloth on a white cotton towel and gently fold the towel to remove excess moisture. Remove the silk items from the folds and hang them on a hanger or clothesline. If you hang a dress or blouse to dry, use hanger straps; The hangers could be used to stretch or twist the shoulders in other ways.
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 putting leather furniture in a leather room. Wool shrinks very easily, and the last thing you want is to ruin your expensive wool sweater. That said, some heavy leather goods need dryer heat to dry properly, otherwise it can take days to dry completely (and in the meantime, they run the risk of having a damp smell ) If you’re dealing with heavy leather upholstery, dry it on a slow cycle. (Also, check the care label to ensure this is the proper procedure.) Lightweight leather goods should always be air dried.
4.Swimsuits and Activewear:
Made with elastic materials like Lycra or spandex, swimsuits and activewear lose their stretch when exposed to high heat. Prolong their lifespan by air-drying them instead.
5.Tights:
Similarly, delicate hosiery can be damaged in the dryer — the mesh material can tangle or even shrink. Hand wash these items and then hang or lay flat to dry.
6.Backpacks or Lunch Boxes:
If your kid brings home a messy backpack or juice-filled lunch box, wash it—then leave it out to air dry. “High heat temperatures from dryers will damage the fabric on these items,” says LaLonde. “Specifically accessories on the items, like zipper pulls.”
7.Rubber-backed rugs:
It might seem obvious to throw your door or bath mat in the washer and dryer when it gets wet or dirty, but the intense heat can destroy the rubber backing and make it collapse. After washing these mats in warm water on a gentle cycle, let them air dry.
8.Leather, faux leather and suede:
Although you may already be aware that leather cannot be laundered, suede and imitation leather are also off limits. These textiles may melt or split due to the dryer’s excessive heat, resulting in irreversible damage, in addition to the difficulties associated with wet cleaning. Taking these goods to a professional is something we advise, especially if they are more costly and structural pieces like jackets or jeans.
Final Tip: Always Read Care Labels:
Before tossing anything into the dryer, take a moment to check the care label. The manufacturer’s instructions will help you determine if the item can handle the heat.
Remembering these pointers will help you avoid the aggravation of damaged items and ensure that your dryer continues to function properly for many years to come!