Putting the wrong items in your dryer can lead to damaged clothes, a damaged dryer, or even a fire hazard. Here are 16 things you should never put in the dryer:
Leather and Suede
The high heat of the dryer can cause leather and suede items to shrink, harden, or crack. Air drying is best for leather jackets, shoes, purses, etc. If you need to dry a leather item quickly, use the air fluff setting.
Rubber and Plastic
Items like rubber-backed rugs, plastic-coated clothes, and plastic toys can actually melt under the intense heat of a dryer. The rubber and plastic may get onto the walls of the dryer and cause damage. Let these items air dry.
Electronics
Never put any electronics in the dryer, like cell phones, headphones, and tablets. The dryer environment can damage circuit boards and melt plastics. Always allow these items to air dry.
Sports Shoes and Cleats
The adhesives used on sports shoes can soften and detach in high heat. Air dry athletic shoes to prevent damage. The intense tumbling action can also break apart cleats.
Foam Items
Memory foam pillows, foam toys, and sleeping pads with foam can warp in shape under high heat. Tumble drying can also cause the foam to crumble apart over time.
Wood
Wooden hangers, utensils, and toys should never enter a dryer. The movement and heat will likely cause them to warp, crack, or break.
Fiberglass Items
Fiberglass curtains and other items contain plastic fibers that can melt under high heat. The fibers may also get lodged in the dryer screen and vent. Air dry only.
Glittery and Sequin Fabrics
The intense heat and friction of a dryer can cause glitter, sequins, and other embellishments to fall off fabrics. Tumble drying can also cause damage to sheer fabrics.
Firestones
Rocks containing iron, such as lava rocks and flint, can spark when tumbled in a dryer. This poses a fire risk. Never dry firestones or clothing items containing them.
Aerosol Cans
Aerosol cans contain flammable compressed gas that can explode when exposed to heat. Never run any products with aerosol cans in them through the dryer.
Batteries
Batteries left in pockets can overheat, rupture, or catch fire in the dryer. Always remove batteries from clothing before drying.
Candles
Candles contain wax that can melt and coat the interior of your dryer when exposed to heat. Never tumble dry candles, even if they have been used.
Plants and Flowers
The heat and tumbling action can damage delicate plants and flowers. Let floral arrangements, wreaths, and potted plants air dry instead.
Handwashed Clothes
Delicate fabrics and lace often must be handwashed. The harsh tumbling of a dryer can still cause damage to items labeled “handwash only.” Lay flat to dry.
Items Labeled Dry Clean Only
Clothing marked “dry clean only” have finishes and fabrics that require special care beyond what a dryer can handle. Take these items to a professional cleaner.
Wet Shoes and Gloves
Leather shoes and gloves can harden and shrink when machine dried. Always allow wet leather items to air dry at room temperature.
Inspect pockets and zippers and read clothing labels before drying. When in doubt if an item is safe for the dryer, it’s best to air dry. Take proper care of your clothes and dryer by keeping these 16 items out of the dryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you put blankets in the dryer?
Most blankets are safe for the dryer if they do not contain rubber, plastic, or leather components. Fleece and cotton blankets can go in the dryer using a low or delicate setting. Wool blankets should be laid flat to dry.
Can you put silk in the dryer?
Never put silk items in the dryer, even on a delicate setting. The dryer’s heat and tumbling can cause silk fabric to shrink, deform, and develop holes. Lay silk flat on a drying rack or drying towel instead.
What happens if you put paper in the dryer?
Paper products like tissues, paper towels, and dryer sheets can overheat and ignite in the dryer. Small scraps may get stuck in the dryer vent. Never run paper through the dryer, even damp items like papier-mâché.
Can dryer sheets damage clothes?
Dryer sheets are generally safe for most fabrics. However, the perfumes and chemicals on dryer sheets can build up on athletic and microfiber clothing over time. This can affect breathability and function. Use dryer balls instead for athletic wear.
Should you wash shoes before drying?
Washing shoes before drying helps clean off dirt that could get lodged into the dryer. Avoid overloading the dryer with shoes. Let shoes air dry fully before wearing to prevent bacterial growth.
What happens if you dry clothes without cleaning them first?
Drying clothes without washing them first can set in stains and odors. The heat from the dryer can also fuse in oily residues. Always launder clothes properly before drying to prevent damage and odors.
Conclusion
Putting the wrong items in the dryer can ruin clothes, damage your appliance, and create safety issues. Inspect all clothing and fabrics for materials that can melt, shrink, or catch fire when exposed to heat and tumbling. When in doubt, allow items to air dry fully before wearing or storing them away. With proper care, your dryer can safely freshen your laundry and linens for years to come.