10 Things You Should Never Put in the Dryer (And Why)
Laundry is often a chore we can’t avoid, but there are ways to make the process easier and ensure your clothes stay in good condition for longer. One of the biggest mistakes people make is tossing delicate or specialized fabrics into the dryer without thinking about the consequences. The heat and tumbling action can cause irreparable damage, leading to items that shrink, lose their shape, or even get ruined. To help you save time, energy, and avoid the hassle of ruined clothes, here are 10 things that should never go in the dryer.
1. Suede and Leather
Whether it’s real or faux leather, the dryer is a no-go for these materials. The heat can cause leather to dry out, crack, or lose its shape permanently. Even if your leather item gets soaked in rain, it’s best to hang it to dry in a shaded area, away from direct heat. Leather is a high-maintenance material, and excessive heat can shorten its lifespan significantly.
Tip: Always air dry leather in a well-ventilated space, and avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
2. Fur (Real or Fake)
For both real and synthetic fur, the dryer should be avoided at all costs. The heat can cause real fur to shed, and fake fur fibers can melt, tangle, or lose their texture. After washing, place fur items flat or hang them in a shaded area to dry naturally. You can gently comb through synthetic fur while it’s still damp to maintain its texture.
Tip: Air-dry fur items, and avoid wringing or twisting them to preserve their softness and shape.
3. Sweaters
Sweaters, whether made of wool or synthetic fibers, can lose their shape or shrink in the dryer. The intense heat can cause both natural and man-made fibers to warp, resulting in a piece of clothing that doesn’t fit the way it should. While synthetic sweaters may never return to their original size or shape, wool may be reshaped with some effort—but the results aren’t guaranteed.
Tip: Lay sweaters flat to dry or use a drying rack. Avoid hanging them to prevent stretching.
4. Clothing Made of Wool
Wool is particularly susceptible to shrinking when exposed to heat. If wool clothing is dried in the dryer, it may shrink beyond repair, leaving you with a piece that no longer fits properly. While reshaping wool garments after washing is possible, it requires patience and is rarely perfect.
Tip: Hand wash wool items in cold water and air dry them on a flat surface to maintain their shape.
5. Bras
Bras are made from delicate, stretchy materials that provide support. The heat from the dryer can weaken the elastic fibers and cause the bra to lose its shape and elasticity. It’s always best to wash bras by hand and air dry them to keep them in their best condition.
Tip: Hand wash bras and lay them flat to dry, or use a special bra drying hanger to maintain their shape.
6. Silk or Other Delicate Fabrics
Silk, lace, and other delicate fabrics should never go in the dryer. The high temperatures can cause wrinkles that are nearly impossible to remove, and delicate elements like buttons, beads, or lace can catch on the dryer drum and get torn. Silk also loses its smooth, lustrous appearance with excessive heat exposure.
Tip: Hand wash or use a gentle cycle, and always air dry delicate fabrics by laying them flat or hanging them on a padded hanger.
7. Underwear
Whether made of cotton, silk, lycra, or wool, underwear should be air-dried to preserve both fit and fabric integrity. Drying underwear in the machine can lead to shrinkage, pilling, or even stretching. Additionally, dryer heat can damage the elastic waistband, leading to a loss of support.
Tip: Hang your underwear to dry on a clothesline or drying rack to keep them in perfect shape.
8. Swimwear
After swimming, it’s important to wash your swimwear to remove chlorine, saltwater, sunscreen, and sand. However, the dryer can cause the stretchy fabric of swimsuits to lose its shape and elasticity. Heat breaks down the fibers over time, making them less supportive and more prone to sagging.
Tip: Always air dry your swimwear by laying it flat to prevent it from losing its shape and elasticity.
9. Sporting Goods (Activewear)
Activewear is designed to stretch and support your body during workouts, but excessive heat can damage the fabric and cause it to lose its stretch. Putting sports bras, leggings, or workout tops in the dryer can cause them to sag or lose their form, impacting performance.
Tip: Hang or lay your activewear flat to dry after washing to maintain its elasticity and support.
10. Tennis Shoes
Tennis shoes, sneakers, and running shoes shouldn’t be tossed in the dryer. The heat can cause the adhesive that holds the shoe together to weaken, potentially causing the soles to separate. The tumbling motion can also distort the shape of the shoes.
Tip: Let your shoes air dry naturally. You can stuff them with newspaper or use a shoe tree to help them retain their shape.
Conclusion: Proper Care for Long-Lasting Clothing
By taking extra care with these items, you can extend their lifespan and avoid the frustration of ruined clothes. Properly caring for delicate fabrics and specialized items helps prevent shrinkage, fading, and damage, saving you money on replacements and repairs. Next time you do laundry, remember to keep these 10 items out of the dryer, and your wardrobe will stay in top condition for longer.
Tip: Always read the care labels on your clothes for specific washing and drying instructions to ensure they stay looking their best.
