If you’re in a rush, it’s easy to just throw everything into the dryer and call it a day. However, getting used to this habit can have some consequences to both your dryer and your clothing. It’s important that you know how to properly do the laundry to ensure that you’re not causing any damage to anything.
For this instance, we have listed some of the common things that you usually put in your dryer, but you shouldn’t at all. At least you can be more aware the next time you do your laundry!
Bras
Bras use spandex and elastic to stretch and provide support. Unfortunately, high temperatures break down those materials and will quickly ruin the shape of bras. Wash them correctly and air-dry to help them maintain their shape.
Backpacks, lunch bags, and reusable shopping bags
If you think about all the things that end up in backpacks, lunch bags, and reusable shopping bags, it’s easy to see that they need to be washed and cleaned often. But none of these things should be placed in a clothes dryer unless they are made of 100 percent cotton.
The high heat of a dryer can cause the outer materials to melt, shrink, or warp and can destroy the inner structure of insulated bags.
Activewear
It’s better to air dry your favorite workout gear like leggings and sports bras. Similar to swimsuits, the high heat of a dryer can compromise the fabric’s elasticity and can even affect its moisture-wicking properties. Some brands recommend a low-heat tumble dry, but better yet, lay these items flat to dry.
Leather, faux leather and suede
You may already know you shouldn’t attempt to launder leather, but faux leather and suede are also no-gos. Not only can wet cleaning be problematic, but the high heat of the dryer can cause these fabrics to melt or crack, causing irreparable damage. We recommend taking these items to a professional, particularly if they’re structured, more expensive items, like jackets or pants.
Silk
Some silk items may be suitable for handwashing, but they should always be air-dried. Never wring out the fabric or hang it to dry; instead, place the item on a clean towel, then gently roll it up to absorb excess water and lay flat to dry away from sunlight.
Sweaters
In the world of laundry, nothing is more delicate than the knitted yarn of a favorite sweater. When washed improperly, knitted fabrics can permanently lose their shape due to shrinking, stretching, and pilling. To keep your sweater looking its best, it’s important to wash it gently (preferably by hand or on a delicate cycle in cold water). After washing, always air-dry your sweater on a flat surface to maintain its shape and texture.
Wool
Wool is a go-to fabric for cozy warmth during the colder months, but it’s also notorious for shrinking. To keep your woolen pieces in their original size, you should generally avoid the dryer. However, some heavy wool items, like blankets or coats, can take days to fully air dry, which can leave behind an unpleasant damp smell. For lighter wool garments, always opt for air-drying. But for those bulkier pieces, it’s okay to toss them in the dryer on a gentle cycle to speed things up without causing damage.
Leave a Reply