How to Dry Clothes in a Dryer: Top Useful Tips.

3 minutes to read
How to Dry Clothes in a Dryer: Top Useful Tips

As anyone who’s done laundry can tell you, washing the load is only half the battle. Understanding how to use a dryer with your damp clothes once they’re clean is just as important. If you’re someone who tends to lump all your clothes together into a single load, packing your dryer drum as full as it can get, then this article’s for you!

In this article, we’ll be taking a look specifically at how to use a dryer in your laundry routine, highlighting some tips to keep in mind as well as habits to steer clear of.

Clean the Dryer Lint Filter

Cleaning the dryer filter of lint should be something that happens with every load of laundry you put through your machine. Whether you’re washing T-shirts, slacks, or bathroom towels, lint will be generated by your fabrics and caught in your dryer’s lint trap.

Some laundry loads will leave your trap fuller than others, but taking the time to clear it between loads will ensure your dryer is always operating efficiently with unclogged airflow and that lint is building up in a clean filter, not on the clean garments tumbling around inside the drum.

Don't Overload the Dryer

While it may seem that consolidating laundry into single, larger loads will save you time, in the long run you’ll be doing far more harm than good. Not only are larger loads heavier to turn when they’re damp, but they have less space for air to flow between tumbling garments, meaning your load will take longer to dry and will be prone to wrinkles. To maximize efficiency and dry clothes that come out fresh and soft, be sure to leave plenty of space for air and a dryer sheet to move around during the drying cycle as well.

Use a Dryer Sheet

Bounce Dryer Sheets are the perfect finishing touch to every load of laundry. They provide a range of benefits when it comes time to dry your clothes– 5-in-1 benefits! You're likely familiar with removing static, but they also soften fabrics, reduce wrinkles, lint, pet hair, and add amazing fresh scent. For more information on Bounce Dryer Sheets and how they can up your laundry game, read our article on how to use dryer sheets.

Choose the right product

Discover all the ways Bounce dryer sheets help fight static, pet hair, wrinkles and lint, so your clothes can look and feel their freshest.

Bounce® Outdoor Fresh Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets

Dryer Sheets

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Bounce® Pet Hair and Lint Guard Mega Sheets

Mega Sheets

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Choose the Right Dryer Cycle

Choosing the correct dryer setting can feel intimidating, depending on the machine you’re using. The best way to start is by consulting your garment’s care label. This will help you determine if it’s safe to machine wash or dry your garment as well as indicate the water temperature, wash cycle, and drying instructions recommended by the manufacturer. For more information on how to choose the right dryer cycle, read our article on dryer settings.

No Soaking Wet Clothes

You should always avoid putting soaking wet clothes into a clothes dryer. Clothes that are soaking wet or dripping are heavy and this added weight in a standard dryer could damage it as it spins the load around. Always let your washer fully complete its spin cycle before removing the damp clothes and putting them in your dryer.

For Large Items Dry Separately

Always wash and dry your larger items separately. Things like comforters, large blankets, or sheets are best washed alone to prevent them from bunching together with smaller items.

Check the Dryer Ventilation

It’s just a fact that dryers generate lint. This lint gets caught in your lint trap as well as the hose that filters hot dryer air out of your home. Keeping these areas free and clear of debris allows that air to ventilate more efficiently. This, in turn, allows your clothes to dry more quickly and thoroughly in your dryer.

Remove Dry Clothes from the Dryer Immediately

One of the best ways to keep your clothes looking their best is to take them out of the dryer as soon as the cycle completes and either fold or hang them in a closet. This will ensure your favorite blouse is ready to go as soon as you’re ready to wear it!