How to Use a Clothes Dryer Correctly

Using a clothes dryer properly is important to keep your clothes looking their best and avoiding damage. With the right techniques, you can optimize your drying cycles, reduce wrinkles, and make your clothes last longer. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about how to use a clothes dryer correctly.

Sorting the Laundry Before Drying

Before drying your clothes, take a few minutes to sort them properly. This will help ensure even drying and prevent damage to delicate items.

Separate by Fabric Type

Sort your wet laundry into piles by fabric type. The main categories are:

Delicates – silks, satins, lace, spandex, etc.
Knits – t-shirts, sweatshirts, socks, leggings, etc.
Denim – jeans, jackets, etc.
Sturdy Cottons – sheets, towels, etc.
Synthetics – polyester, nylon, rayon, etc.

Group Items by Size

Within each fabric type, organize clothes by their size and thickness. For example, dry bulky towels separately from thin t-shirts and lingerie.

Check Care Labels

Always check clothing care labels for any special drying instructions. Sort items that require air drying or a no/low heat setting into their own piles.

Properly sorting laundry takes a little extra time upfront but prevents headaches later. It allows you to set the best drying cycles for each fabric type.

Choosing the Right Dryer Setting

Modern dryers have a variety of cycle options and temperature modifiers. Choosing the right combinations is key for optimal drying without damage.

Drying Cycles

Most dryers offer at least 3-4 basic cycle options:

Regular: The default cycle for drying normal loads of sturdy cottons or synthetics. It alternates between tumbling and heating.
Delicate: A low-heat cycle with intermittent tumbling to dry delicates gently.
Perm Press/Wrinkle Control: Uses cool-down periods to reduce wrinkling on synthetics and cottons.
Air Fluff: Tumbles clothes without heat to refresh items or dry delicates.

Refer to clothing care labels and your drying guide to select cycles. The regular or perm press cycle works for most loads. Use delicate for lingerie, exercising clothing, etc. Air fluff is great for freshening clothes between washes.

Temperature Settings

Dryer heat settings are just as important as cycle selection. Most models have high, medium, low, and no heat options.

High: Appropriate for heavy cottons like jeans, towels, bedding.
Medium: Suitable for most cotton blends, synthetics, and lightweight fabrics.
Low/No Heat: For delicates, synthetics prone to heat damage, and items air drying.

Again, check fabric care labels for the manufacturer’s heat recommendations. When in doubt, err on the side of a lower temperature to avoid shrinkage or other heat damage.

Drying Times and Cycle Modifiers

The drying times on automatic cycles are merely estimates. Several factors can lengthen or shorten the time needed:

Load size – Smaller loads take less time to dry.
Fabric thickness – Sturdy cottons take longer than lightweight synthetics.
Moisture content – Items evenly saturated with water require longer.
Cycle settings – Low heat cycles take longer.
Airflow – Lint buildup reduces airflow and drying efficiency.

To account for these variables, most dryers let you customize cycle times and add options:

More/Less Time buttons – Allow you to adjust cycle length manually.
Wrinkle Prevent – Adds periodic tumbling after the cycle to prevent wrinkling.
Damp Dry – Stops the cycle while clothes still retain some moisture.

Use these as needed to achieve your ideal drying results. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect combo for each load.

Loading the Dryer Properly

There is a right way and a wrong way to load your clothes dryer! Follow these guidelines for best results:

Don’t overload. Overstuffing reduces airflow and causes uneven drying. Load clothes loosely so they can tumble freely.
Mix large and small items. Dry bulky towels and sheets with a few smaller items like socks. The smaller items will get tumbled into the center for even drying.
Leave space at the back. Avoid pushing clothes against the rear of the drum. Allow space for air to circulate.
Don’t knot items. Tie bra straps and drawstrings to prevent knotting and tangling.
Check pockets. Remove wallets, tissues, etc. from pockets before drying to prevent damage and debris buildup in the lint trap.
Zip and button. Close zippers, hooks, and buttons to avoid snagging on other clothes.

Proper loading improves airflow, reduces wrinkling, and prevents damage. Your clothes will dry faster and come out looking their best.

Using Dryer Balls and Fabric Softener Sheets

Adding dryer balls or fabric softener sheets can enhance your drying cycles in a few ways:

Dryer Balls

Separate clothes and fluff laundry as it tumbles
Shorten drying time by improving airflow
Soften fabrics by absorbing softeners from sheets
Available in wool, plastic, and rubber varieties

Fabric Softener Sheets

Release perfumes and anti-static agents
Soften fabrics by coating them with lubricants
Reduce static cling on synthetics and polyester
Add a fresh scent to laundry

Avoid using softener sheets on athletic performance fabrics which they may coat. Wool dryer balls are a natural option. Use both sparingly and skip them for laundry aiming to retain a “like-new” feel after drying.

Checking Laundry Mid-Cycle

For optimal drying, it’s a good idea to pause the dryer mid-cycle and check on progress, especially with new or mixed loads.

Here’s how to check laundry during the drying cycle:

Stop the dryer and feel items on the top and interior of the load.
Reach into the center where smaller items collect. Check for dryness.
Shake out thick items like towels or blankets. Are they fully dry inside?
Look for signs of over-drying like excessive wrinkles or stiffness.
Re-start the cycle if needed items are still damp or the timer remaining seems excessive.
Pull out individual pieces that are fully dry to avoid over-drying.

Checking laundry periodically eliminates guesswork and prevents over-drying. It only adds a minute or two and can really optimize the process.

Cleaning the Lint Filter

Cleaning the lint filter is one of the most important dryer maintenance tasks. Lint buildup blocks airflow, increases drying times, and creates a fire hazard.

Follow this process regularly:

After each load – Open the lint filter drawer and remove lint.
Check the filter – Ensure lint is removed from screen mesh. Rinse or scrape if needed.
Replace securely – Insert the filter all the way and close the drawer completely.
Clean the chute – Use a vacuum hose attachment to remove lint in the chute interior.
Wipe the gasket – Remove lint from the filter drawer gasket using a dry cloth.

Take a minute after each load to clean the filter and prevent lint accumulation. Also check the vent ductwork seasonal for blockages which can hinder drying.

Tips for Faster Drying Times

It’s frustrating when laundry takes forever to dry. Here are some handy tips to help your clothes dry more quickly and efficiently:

Shake items out thoroughly before drying to remove excess moisture.
Use lower heat settings to avoid over-drying. High heat doesn’t remove moisture faster.
Clean the lint filter before every load. Lint buildup reduces airflow.
Keep the dryer area clean and uncluttered. Blocked vents and full lint trays slow the process.
Periodically wash the lint filter with soap and water to remove residue.
Limit loads to 3-4 cubic feet of laundry for better airflow.
Upgrade to a moisture sensor dryer. These automatically end the cycle when clothes are dry.
During summer, use a dehumidifier in the laundry area to reduce ambient moisture.

With a few adjustments and proper maintenance, you can get clothes dried quickly and move onto folding faster!

Preventing Static Cling

Few things are more annoying than clothes clinging together or sticking to your body with static cling. Luckily, there are some easy solutions:

Use dryer balls or wool fabric softener sheets which help reduce static.
Toss in a damp washcloth or spritz items lightly with water before drying to add moisture.
Take clothes out of the dryer immediately after the cycle ends and hang or fold.
For items prone to static like skirts, apply a minute amount of liquid fabric softener or mild hair conditioner to edges.
Opt for liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets without excessive chemicals and fragrances.
Try a natural preventative like white vinegar – add 1⁄4 cup to the rinse cycle or spritz on dried clothes.
Soft natural fabrics like cotton and wool hold less static charge than synthetic blends.

With the right drying techniques and a few static-fighting products, you can keep cling at bay.

Avoiding Shrinkage in Clothes

Nothing is more disappointing than pulling your favorite shirt or pants out of the dryer several sizes smaller. Shrinkage is caused by heat damage to fibers and fabric. Follow these tips to help prevent it:

Always check and follow garment care labels. Look for ones indicating machine dry low, tumble dry low, or dry flat instructions.
When in doubt about an item’s shrinkage potential, opt for air drying over the dryer. Hang-dry knits and delicates.
Wash items on a cold water setting and avoid hot washes which compound heat damage.
Take garments out of the dryer immediately after cycles end to limit over-drying.
Invest in a dryer with moisture sensor technology that shuts off when clothes are dry.
Use lower heat settings and redo cycles for anything still slightly damp.
Fold or hang sweaters and knits while still slightly damp to retain shape and stretch.
Consider using a clothesline or drying rack to air dry exercise wear and delicate fabrics prone to shrinkage.

With care, you can keep your garments looking and fitting their best for many cycles. Handle delicates gently and leverage newer dryer technologies.

Minimizing Wrinkles

Few things look worse than pulling rumpled laundry out of the dryer. However, there are ways to keep clothes looking crisp:

During the Drying Cycle

Use the perm press or wrinkle control cycle. This tumbles without heat to relax fibers.
Toss in a damp cloth or wool dryer balls which help separate clothes.
Take clothes out immediately when the cycle ends and hang or fold right away.

After Drying

Hang blouses, shirts, and dresses on hanger hooks while warm to retain shape.
For wrinkle-prone fabrics, hang in the bathroom while showering for the steam.
Fold synthetics like polyester gently on a flat surface. Avoid tugging which can wrinkle.
Roll up knits and fleece items tightly to avoid creases rather than folding.
Lightly spritz severe wrinkles with water and use a hot iron or steamer.

With the right drying methods and immediate care, you can keep your clothes looking crisp and wrinkle-free.

Drying Tricky Items

Certain fabrics and garments require extra attention in the dryer to avoid damage.

Athletic Shoes – Stuff shoes with newspaper or dryer balls to retain shape. Air dry for 30 minutes first. Use air or no heat cycles only.

Bras – Place bras in protective mesh bags. Hook together straps to prevent twisting. Use a delicate cycle and low heat.

Dress Shirts – Hang cotton dress shirts immediately after drying to avoid wrinkles. Or lay flat and reshape seams while warm.

Plastic Buttons – Dry on low heat only as high heat can warp plastic and resin buttons. Air drying thick button-up coats is safest.

Leather and Faux Leather – Always allow leather and pleather to air dry as heat can harden and shrink the material.

Swimsuits and Exercise Wear – Opt for air drying after rinsing suits and spandex fabrics which can easily stretch out of shape in the dryer’s heat and tumbling.

With special handling, you can safely dry all types of garments and fabrics. Delicates simply require more attention to temperature settings and post-drying care.

Maximizing Energy Efficiency

Dryers require significant electricity to generate heat and run motors. There are ways to improve efficiency and reduce energy usage:

Clean the lint filter – Prevent blockages that reduce airflow and elongate drying time.
Limit loads – Only dry full loads and use the moisture sensor option to shut off when dry.
Reduce heat settings – Use medium or low heat for most loads. High heat is rarely needed.
Utilize cycles efficiently – Choose timed drying for small loads. Opt for moisture sensor cycles on larger loads.
Check the vent ductwork – Ensure ducting is tightly connected and unobstructed.
Use a timer – Set a reminder to check clothes mid-cycle rather than over-drying.
Clean the exhaust duct – Vacuum lint buildup from the ductwork annually.
Upgrade older models – Buy an ENERGY STAR certified dryer which operates much more efficiently.

With the right use habits and regular maintenance, you can optimize energy efficiency while still getting clothes dried effectively.

Troubleshooting Common Dryer Issues

If you notice your dryer isn’t operating properly, there are some quick troubleshooting steps to try:

Clothes Taking Too Long to Dry

Clean the lint filter and exhaust duct. Lint buildup reduces airflow.
Ensure the exterior vent hood opens when dryer runs.
Check that your dryer vent hose is tightly connected.
Verify the dryer is on a dedicated circuit. Overloaded circuits can drop power.
Make sure loads aren’t overstuffed. Clothes need room to tumble freely.

Clothes Are Over-Dried

Select a lower heat setting like delicate or low.
Use auto moisture sensor cycles whenever possible.
Remove items from the dryer immediately when cycles finish.

Lint on Clothes

Clean the lint filter before each load. Rinse screens if needed.
Use a lint brush or sticky roller on clothes before wearing.
Avoid overloading the dryer which can trap lint on clothes.

With some quick adjustments, you can typically resolve common dryer issues yourself without a costly service call. However, if problems persist, don’t hesitate to contact an appliance repair technician.

Best Practices for Fabrics

From wardrobe staples like cotton and synthetics to delicate silks and wool, here are the top drying tips for different fabric varieties:

Cotton

Cotton is durable and can withstand high heat. But utilize medium or low settings to avoid over-drying. Use wrinkle control cycles and remove items promptly to limit creases.

Polyester and Synthetic Blends

Synthetics dry quickly. Medium heat is ideal and prevents static cling and heat damage. Take clothes out immediately and fold flat to avoid wrinkles setting in fabric memory.

Wool Sweaters and Knits

Check labels, as heat can shrink wool. Use no heat or dry flat settings. Lay sweaters flat to air dry final bit of moisture to prevent stretch and distortion of the knit.

Silk

Never use high heat and avoid drying silk entirely. Silks are prone to shrinkage, discoloration and water marks from heat. Lay flat or line dry. Lightly iron while still damp if needed.

Denim Jeans

Jeans can withstand high heat tumbling but may shrink slightly. Use medium heat for the best results. Hang jeans immediately out of the dryer while still warm to prevent extreme wrinkling.

Towels

Dry towels on a high heat, auto moisture sensor cycle. Remove promptly from the dryer and avoid stuffing into closets when warm, as this retains creases.

Maintaining Your Dryer

With regular maintenance, you can extend the life of your clothes dryer and ensure optimal performance.

Vent ductwork – Detach the ducting and rinse year to build up that can hinder airflow.
Exhaust hood – Clean the outdoor hood of any accumulated lint around the edges.
Drum glides – Apply silicone lubricant to the rear drum glides biannually to maintain smooth turning.
Dryer interior – Remove lint buildup inside the dryer cabinet with a vacuum hose. Avoid touching heating elements.
Drive belt – Inspect the drive belt that turns the drum for signs of wear. Replace if cracked or loose.
Gaskets – Wipe dust and lint from the door and lint filter gaskets to avoid leaks.

Refer to your owner’s manual for brand-specific maintenance recommendations. Catching minor issues early makes repairs less costly.

Clothes Drying Safety Tips

While convenient, clothes dryers can pose hazards if used improperly. Keep these safety guidelines in mind:

Clean the lint filter – Prevent lint buildup that creates fire risks and ventilation issues.
No flammables – Never dry items soaked in gas, alcohol, paints or other