A clothes dryer is a very convenient appliance for busy households but it does not work for all fabrics. While many garments can handle tumble drying, some may shrink, fade or be damaged when exposed to high heat. Therefore, knowing which are dryer-safe fabrics is important so that you take proper care of your clothes and preserve them for long.
Fabrics You Should Never Put in A Dryer
Wool
Wool is a fabric that gets destroyed easily when tumble drying. High heat makes the fabrics to shrink and felt together, making the sweaters and other garments shrink and uncomfortable to wear.
Silk
Being light and delicate, silk’s natural sheen can get reduced under heat and weaken its fibers. Air drying is the only safe option for this.
Cashmere
Cashmere needs gentle handling and tumble drying causes shrinkage, making the fabric lose its soft texture. Dry it on flat towels to preserve it longer.
Rayon and Viscose
Rayon and viscose are heat sensitive and putting them in a dryer may cause shrinkage, distortion or stretching. Air-dry them after checking the care label.
Linen
Linen is a durable fabric but they shrink when exposed to heat for long. They also wrinkle when tumble-dried. Air drying and ironing are the safer options.
Spandex and Elastane
Spandex and elastane may lose elasticity if exposed to heat. With time they may become loose and unfit for use. Air dry them to preserve their shape and stretch.
Understanding Proper Fabric Care
Understanding which fabrics are made for the dryer will allow you to preserve them longer, while preventing damage to your precious clothes. Get in touch with Diva Laundry and our specialists will carefully handle delicate fabrics using safe cleaning and drying methods safe for each and help preserve their quality for long.
FAQs
Wool, cashmere, silk, rayon, viscose, linen, other delicate and embellished garments should not be tumble dried.
Heat makes the fibres in wool contract and felt together, making it shrink.
No. High heat damages silk fibres and reduces the fabric’s natural sheen.
Certain linen clothes may handle low heat but it is not usually recommended to prevent shrinkage and wrinkles.
Most cotton garments are dryer-safe, but some may shrink in high heat. So read the label carefully before drying cotton garments.
High heat can damage the elasticity of elastane and spandex, so it is not recommended to use tumble dry for stretch fabrics.
See the garment’s care label to know the dryer instructions.
No. The heat and tumbling may damage embellishments and make them loose.
Mostly, delicate fabric should be air-dried, flat or on a hanger, depending on the garment.
Professional garment care is recommended for expensive, delicate, and embellished garments that need specialized handling.
