What Should and Should NOT Go in the Dryer?

3 minutes to read
What Should and Should NOT Go in the Dryer?

When it comes to doing laundry, knowing what should and shouldn’t go in the dryer is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your clothes and avoiding damage. While your dryer is a time-saver, certain fabrics and items can shrink, stretch, or get ruined by the heat and tumbling. In this guide, we’ll explore which clothes are safe to toss in the dryer and which ones require a little extra care. By understanding these simple rules, you can protect your wardrobe while saving time on laundry day.

If you have any doubts, always refer to the care label!

What should go in the dryer?

Most of your basic, everyday fabrics can go in the dryer. These include:

  • Cotton and Cotton Blend Fabrics: Towels, sheets, blankets, and most clothing made of cotton or cotton blends are safe for the dryer.

  • Polyester and Nylon: These synthetic materials are generally safe for machine drying without significant issues.

What clothes should NOT go in the dryer?

Certain fabrics and items should avoid the dryer to prevent damage. These include:

  • Delicates: Lace, silk, wool, and other fine fabrics may shrink, stretch, or degrade when exposed to the heat.

  • Items with Elastic: Underwear, bras, and tights with elastic bands can lose their stretch.

  • Heavily Embellished Clothing: Clothes with sequins, beads, or delicate adornments can get damaged or cause the dryer to malfunction.

  • Wet Shoes and Sneakers: These can be deformed or even break apart in the dryer.

What fabrics should I use dryer sheets on?

Dryer sheets are great for fighting static and wrinkles on most washable fabrics, including cotton, polyester, blends, and linens.

Can dryer sheets be used with all types of clothing?

Dryer sheets are safe for most washable fabrics. It is also perfectly safe to use dryer sheets with microfiber or activewear, however, some people report that the conditioners in dryer sheets can reduce moisture-wicking properties. If you experience this, don’t sweat! Simply wash the clothing again with detergent and the moisture-wicking property will return. Avoid using dryer sheets on flame-resistant clothing as it can reduce these properties.

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

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Bounce® Pet Hair and Lint Guard Mega Sheets

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