Are you the type who tosses everything straight into the dryer without a second thought? After all, it’s the last step and you probably are in a rush to finish this chore. But this habit might be damaging the machine and ruining your clothes. Take note of these common items that should never be inside a dryer.
Bras
The dryer is no place for your bra. The heat will damage the elastic and stretch out your bra. Underwire bras shouldn’t even go near the washing machine. The wire can bend or break and this will not only ruin your bra but also your appliance. Hand washing is best for bras and when it comes to drying, let them air-dry. This helps maintain the bra’s shape, comfort, and durability.
Metallic Prints
If you have clothes with shiny metallic prints, skip the dryer. These flashy clothes should be treated with care. The heat can ruin the print and design, making them lose their luster. They might even start to crack or peel! To keep these clothes looking fresh, just hang them up to air-dry. Hang them in a shaded spot since direct sunlight can also cause the print’s colors to fade.
Tights and Pantyhose
These delicate items should never go in the dryer! The heat will weaken the fabric. Your tights and pantyhose will be more prone to runs the next time you use them. Instead, remove the excess water by rolling them up in a clean towel. Make sure that you don’t twist or wring them because this can also make the fabric vulnerable. After, hang the damp pantyhose or tights to dry.
Wool Sweaters
Wool sweaters are a little high-maintenance come laundry time. Tossing these delicate items in the dryer is a big mistake. They will shrink or lose their shape because of the heat. Instead, lay them flat on a towel in a breezy spot. Gently arrange the sweater in shape while it is still damp and leave it to air-dry. This trick will keep your favorite wool sweater looking great for a longer time.
Embellished Clothing
Embellishments like sequins, beads, and embroidery add personality and flair to your clothes. But these embellishments can easily get ruined once they go in the dryer. The heat can make the threads weak, and any adhesives used on the embellishments can melt. The tumbling can ruin delicate embroidery designs and even rip them off. Skip the dryer and air-dry them to maintain their delicate beauty.
Velvet
Velvet exudes luxury and sophistication. You should give it the VIP treatment during laundry time! After washing, gently squeeze out excess water by pressing on the fabric softly. Never hang velvet clothes because the weight of the water will cause them to sag. To avoid deformation, just lay them out on a clean towel and leave them to dry. Pick a spot away from direct sunlight to keep the vibrant color.
Leather Jackets
Never toss your leather jacket in the dryer. The heat will suck out the natural oils that keep the leather soft and smooth. When this happens, the leather dries out and cracks will start appearing. Plus, leather jackets are an investment—they’re not cheap! You should handle them with care. Instead of washing them, do spot cleaning as needed.
Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtains should never be in the dryer. These soft, breezy fabrics can’t handle the heat. All that tumbling around will cause snags and stubborn wrinkles. Instead, keep it simple—just hang the curtains on a line while they are still damp. Let the air do the work—you’ll see there’s no need to iron them afterward.
Swimsuits
The excessive heat from the dryer won’t be kind to spandex and Lycra materials. It will weaken the fabric and cause your swimwear to lose its shape. The heat can also do damage to the fun and vibrant colors of your swimsuits, leaving them looking faded and old. Keep your swimsuits fresh and colorful by air-drying them instead.
Sneakers
Never place your sneakers in the dryer. The glue holding your shoes together can melt, and the rubber soles might crack. The fabric and mesh material of your shoes can also fray or shrink during the tumbling. Dry them out by stuffing them with newspaper or paper towels and leaving them to air-dry in a shaded, well-ventilated spot.
The next time you do your laundry, don’t rush. Take a minute to pause and give your clothes a quick assessment before tossing them in the dryer. Set aside the ones that need gentler drying methods. A few extra minutes to sort out air-dry items can save your clothes and keep your dryer running longer.
