Delicate fabrics
Some clothes just aren’t made for the rough and tumble of a dryer (such as silk or anything labelled ‘delicate’). These materials can lose their shape, texture, or even melt slightly under high heat. Air drying is the gentler option.
Bras and underwired lingerie
Throwing a bra into the dryer might seem harmless, but it’s a quick way to ruin it. Heat can warp the elastic, weaken the fabric, and damage underwires. Even worse, loose wires can poke through and damage your dryer drum.
Swimwear
Bathers are designed to stretch, and that’s exactly what they’ll do if you pop them in the dryer—but not in a good way. High heat can break down the elastic fibres, leading to saggy swimmers, so it’s best to put them out to dry in the shade.
Activewear
The heat of the tumble dryer can mess with moisture-wicking properties and stretchy fit. If you want your gym gear to last, hang it up to air dry instead.
Rubber-backed rugs or mats
You might be tempted to freshen up a bathmat by washing and popping it in the dryer, but rubber and high heat are not friends. The backing can crack, crumble, or melt, and even cause a fire. Best to let these air dry or check the care label for safe washing tips.
Anything with foam
That memory foam pillow or padded bra insert? Keep them well away from the dryer. The foam can melt or fall apart completely under heat, turning your laundry load into a fluffy mess.
Shoes (especially runners)
Some shoes can technically survive the dryer, but many can’t. The heat can warp soles, melt glue, or cause shrinkage, not to mention the loud thumping noise they’ll make. If you need to dry wet shoes, stuff them with newspaper and let them air out.
Bamboo fabric
- Often made from bamboo viscose or bamboo lyocell, which are soft but delicate.
- It can shrink, pill, or weaken if exposed to high heat in the dryer.
Micro modal
- It’s a semi-synthetic fabric made from beech tree pulp.
- Soft and breathable, but it can shrink or lose shape with high heat.
Items with sequins, glitter or embellishments
That bedazzled top might look fabulous now, but one spin in the dryer could turn it into a melted mess. Embellishments often can’t handle heat or tumbling, and they can come loose, damaging other clothes and your tumble dryer too. Air drying is the safest bet.
Anything with pet hair
Pet hair loves to cling to damp clothes and dryer lint traps. If your clothes are covered in fur, use a lint roller before washing—otherwise, you risk clogging the lint filter.
Oil- or solvent-stained clothes
Clothes with stains from cooking oil, petrol, or solvents should never go in the dryer. The heat can turn them into a fire risk. Wash them thoroughly and let them air dry to be safe.
A quick final tip
Always check the care labels before tossing things in the dryer. A little caution can go a long way!
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