Most families have a tumble dryer in their homes or one that is readily accessible to them. Dryers are an incredibly convenient and efficient method of drying fabrics within minutes; however, it is important to be aware of what items and fabrics should never be tumble-dried.

Before purchasing items that will need to be washed eventually, be sure to take note of the care instructions on the tag and be sure to follow those instructions to avoid wasting money and ruining that item or fabric!

5 Items That Are Safe For The Dryer

1. Denim – It is no surprise that jeans and denim were made to withstand heat and are extremely durable in most conditions. This makes using a tumble dryer completely acceptable for your favorite pair of jeans! 
2. Cotton – While it is possible that your favorite t-shirt may come out of the dryer a size smaller than it went in, it is unlikely when dried on a lower temperature. Other cotton items such as hoodies, towels, and heavier cotton shirts are completely safe to dry on medium to high temperatures. 
3. Bedding – After checking the care label to ensure your specific bedding is safe to dry, toss it right in your dryer so you can get your freshly cleaned sheets back on the bed before bedtime. Drying your bedding is also beneficial in that the heat will help kill any dust mites that may be lingering behind! Check out more on bedding care from our blog here.
4. Polyester Blends – When dried at a low temperature, fabrics made of polyester blends are completely safe to use in your dryer. Polyester tends to dry quite quickly so it’s always best to choose a short drying time to avoid unnecessary heat exposure. 
5. Acrylic – Known for its use as a wool and cashmere alternative, acrylic fabrics can safely be used in the dryer. Be sure to use a low temperature setting since acrylic is known to permanently wrinkle when exposed to high temperatures.

5 Items to Avoid Putting in the Dryer

1. Wool/Cashmere – Although wool and cashmere are some of the most luxurious fabrics especially for their warmth in the winter, these two fabrics do require much care and attention for washing and drying. These items should be air-dried to avoid heat damage and shrinking. 
2. Spandex – Most athletic wear is made using spandex, and should never be put in the dryer. You may not notice any damage right away; however, when dried, spandex completely dries out and becomes brittle. This, in turn, will cause your spandex items to lose their stretch and ultimately become unusable. Thankfully, this fabric is known for its fast-drying capabilities so you shouldn’t have to wait too long to enjoy your favorite pair of leggings again! For more information on caring for your activewear, checkout our blog here.
3. Rubber – You may be tempted to toss your freshly washed sneakers or that clean bathroom rug into your dryer for convenience; however, if it contains rubber, you’ll want to steer clear of putting them in the dryer. When dried, rubber tends to shrink and will become deformed rendering these items essentially unusable. 
4. Silk – Pure silk is an extremely versatile and luxurious fabric that has become quite popular. You may be tempted to throw your silk pillowcase in the dryer with your other bedding, but it is important to refrain from doing so. Because of its delicate nature, silk is easy to burn when it is exposed to heat; therefore, it is best to air dry only! 
5. Dry- Cleaned Items – Items that have previously been dry-cleaned contain certain chemicals that can release toxic gas when exposed to the heat from your dryer. These fumes can cause severe damage to your dryer, so you’ll want to continue dry cleaning those particular items.

Now that you’re familiar with what can and can’t be put into your dryer, we hope you can be confident that you’re properly caring for items you spent hard-earned money on! For an extra softening boost and static-free cycle, try our fabric softening dryer sheets or our wool dryer balls!