The tumble dryer is probably the most practical invention of the last century. It is capable of drying clothes faster while making them even softer… Provided it is used properly. The tumble dryer can be our best friend as well as our worst enemy. Misused, it can be responsible for the shrinkage of clothes, but it can also make them too rough. For example, jeans that are put in the dryer too often will have their fibers damaged. On the other hand, not all textiles can be put in the dryer. So, which clothes should never be put in a dryer?
Using the dryer: which program should you choose?
First and foremost, to avoid damaging clothes, it is important to choose the right program for your dryer. As with washing machines, too high a temperature can damage the fibers of the textiles, making them more fragile. To choose the right program for the washing machine and dryer, the label on the clothes has useful symbols. There is a number that corresponds to the maximum washing temperature. And if the label contains a circle in a square with a cross through it, it means that it should not be put in the dryer. Some textiles cannot withstand intense heat. The heat tightens the fibers and this is how a garment shrinks.
Can you put any kind of fabric in the dryer?
Depending on the type of fabric, you can’t put everything in the dryer. This is particularly the case for delicate fabrics that don’t mix well with the heat of the dryer. Delicate textiles include silk. In the dryer, silk clothing is likely to lose not only its texture but also its color. It is therefore preferable to let it air dry. The same goes for wool clothing. This textile shrinks under the effect of heat and appreciates being dried flat much more. Nylon and elastane are also textiles that should not be put in the dryer, as well as lace garments. These materials deform when subjected to excessive heat.
Jeans, sweaters, wool, polyester: what types of clothing should not be put in the dryer?
In addition to wool jumpers, underwear, including nylon tights, should not be put in the dryer. They are mainly made of elastane and lace. Also, shoes or trainers with rubber soles do not tolerate the dryer very well. In addition, the shock of the soles in the drum can damage the appliance and the shoes. Swimwear is also mainly made of elastane, which is why it does not like the tumble dryer. Finally, you should also avoid putting fur garments in the appliance, whether they are natural or synthetic.
