Things You Should Never Put in the Dryer: 16 Items
Do you know which things you should never put in the dryer! Follow this guide and explore 16 things you should never put in the dryer or, which items should never go in a clothes dryer?
Putting the wrong items in the dryer can lead to safety hazards and damage to your clothes and the appliance. It’s essential to know what not to put in the dryer to ensure its proper functioning and to avoid accidents.
Let’s explore 16 things that should never go into the dryer, as well as the reasons behind these precautions. Understanding what not to put in the dryer can save you time and money in the long run.
Table of Contents:
Things You Should Never Put in The Dryer:
1. Clothing Items
1.1. Wool And Cashmere
Wool and cashmere are delicate and luxurious fabrics that require special care to maintain their quality. Putting these items in the dryer can lead to shrinkage, felting, and distortion of their shape. To preserve the integrity of your wool and cashmere garments, it’s best to air dry them. Lay the items flat on a clean towel and reshape them to their original dimensions to prevent any stretching or misshaping. Here are some other tips for caring for wool and cashmere:
- Hand wash with mild detergent
- Use cold water
- Avoid wringing or twisting
- Reshape while damp
2. Household Items
2.1. Pillows And Stuffed Toys
Pillows and stuffed toys may seem harmless, but they should never be put in the dryer. The heat from the dryer can cause the stuffing inside these items to clump together, resulting in an uneven and lumpy texture. Additionally, the heat can also cause the fabric to shrink and lose its shape.
Instead, it is best to air dry pillows and stuffed toys. Here are some tips on how to properly care for these items:
- Check the care label: Before washing or drying pillows and stuffed toys, always check the care label for specific instructions. Some items may be machine washable but should still be air dried.
- Spot clean when possible: If the pillow or stuffed toy only has a small stain, try spot cleaning it instead of washing the entire item. This can help prolong its lifespan and reduce the risk of damage.
- Use a gentle cycle: If you do decide to wash pillows and stuffed toys in the machine, make sure to use a gentle cycle and mild detergent. This can help prevent any unnecessary wear and tear.
3. Personal Items
3.1. Makeup Brushes
Makeup brushes are delicate tools that can easily be damaged by the heat of the dryer. Here are some reasons why you should never put your makeup brushes in the dryer:
- Damage: The heat can cause the bristles to become brittle and break, leading to ineffective application.
- Shape Distortion: The high heat can alter the shape of the brushes, affecting their functionality.
- Bacteria Growth: Damp brushes in a closed dryer environment can promote bacterial growth, risking skin health.
4. Electronics And Accessories
4.1. Headphones
Headphones are a common accessory that many people use on a daily basis. Whether you use them for listening to music, watching videos, or taking calls, it’s important to keep them away from the dryer. The heat and tumbling action of the dryer can cause the delicate wires inside the headphones to break or become frayed, rendering them useless. Here are some reasons why you should never put your headphones in the dryer:
- The heat can melt the plastic parts of the headphones, distorting their shape and compromising their functionality.
- The tumbling action can cause the headphones to get tangled and twisted, making them difficult to untangle and potentially damaging the wires.
- The moisture in the dryer can seep into the headphones, leading to water damage and corrosion of the internal components.
4.2. Cell Phone Cases
Cell phone cases are designed to protect your phone from scratches, drops, and other damage. However, they are not designed to withstand the heat and tumbling action of the dryer. Here’s why you should avoid putting your cell phone cases in the dryer:
- The heat can cause the plastic or silicone material of the case to warp or shrink, making it ineffective in protecting your phone.
- The tumbling action can cause the case to become misshapen or cracked, compromising its ability to provide proper protection.
- If your cell phone case has any metal components, such as decorative accents or magnetic closures, the heat of the dryer can cause these metal parts to become discolored or even melt.
5. Food And Kitchen Items
5.1. Nonstick Cookware
If you have any nonstick cookware, it’s important to avoid putting it in the dryer. The heat from the dryer can cause the nonstick coating to break down, which can make it less effective and even release harmful chemicals into the air. Additionally, the heat can warp the shape of the cookware, making it unusable. To properly care for your nonstick cookware, it’s best to hand wash it with a gentle detergent and dry it with a soft cloth or air dry it.
5.2. Rubber-backed Aprons
If you’re an avid cook or baker, you probably have an apron or two to protect your clothes from any spills or splatters. However, if your apron has a rubber backing, it’s important to avoid putting it in the dryer. The heat from the dryer can cause the rubber to melt or break down, which can ruin your apron and potentially damage your dryer. Instead, hang your apron up to air dry or lay it flat on a towel to dry. If you need to speed up the drying process, you can use a fan or blow dryer on a low setting.
Other food and kitchen items that should never be put in the dryer include anything made of wood or bamboo, such as cutting boards or utensils, as the heat can cause them to warp or crack. Additionally, any items with food stains or residue should be washed before being put in the dryer to avoid any potential stains or odors.
6. Special Care Items
6.1. Leather Items
Leather is a delicate material that requires special care to maintain its quality and appearance. Putting leather items in the dryer can cause them to shrink, crack, or lose their shape. Here are some tips for caring for leather items:
- Wipe off any dirt or stains with a damp cloth before cleaning.
- Use a leather cleaner or a mixture of water and mild soap to gently clean the surface.
- Avoid using hot water or harsh chemicals that can damage the leather.
- After cleaning, let the leather air dry at room temperature.
- Use a leather conditioner to keep the material soft and supple.
6.2. Vintage Or Antiques
Antique or vintage items are often made of delicate fabrics or materials that can be easily damaged by heat or agitation. Putting these items in the dryer can cause shrinkage, fading, or even tears. Here are some tips for caring for vintage or antique items:
- Read the care label carefully to determine the best cleaning method.
- If the item is delicate, hand washing or dry cleaning may be the best option.
- Avoid using hot water or harsh detergents that can damage the fabric.
- After washing, gently reshape the item and lay it flat to air dry.
- Do not hang or wring the item, as this can cause stretching or damage to the fabric.
16 Things You Should Never Put In The Dryer:
1. Bras
Bras are delicate undergarments that can lose their shape and elasticity when exposed to the high heat of a dryer. To preserve their structure, it’s best to air dry bras by laying them flat on a towel.
2. Backpacks, Lunch Bags, And Reusable Shopping Bags
These items often contain plastic or metal components that can be damaged by the heat of the dryer. Additionally, the heat can cause the fabric to warp or shrink. Instead, allow these items to air dry to maintain their integrity.
3. Leather, Suede, And Faux Leather
Putting leather, suede, or faux leather items in the dryer can cause them to become stiff, cracked, or misshapen. These materials should be air dried at room temperature to prevent damage.
4. Silk, Lingerie, And Delicate Fabrics
Silk, lingerie, and other delicate fabrics are prone to shrinking, wrinkling, or losing their softness in the dryer. It’s best to hand wash or use a delicate cycle and then air dry these items to maintain their quality.
5. Activewear
Activewear made of synthetic fibers can be damaged by the heat of the dryer, leading to pilling and loss of elasticity. To preserve the performance features of activewear, air drying is recommended.
6. Tennis Shoes
Drying tennis shoes in the dryer can cause damage to the shoe structure and the heat may affect the adhesives used in their construction. Instead, allow them to air dry naturally to avoid potential damage.
7. Sweaters
Sweaters, especially those made of wool or delicate knits, can shrink or lose their shape in the dryer. It’s best to lay them flat to dry to maintain their size and texture.
8. Natural And Faux Fur
Fur items can become matted or damaged in the dryer due to the heat and tumbling. It’s best to fluff and reshape fur items by hand and allow them to air dry to maintain their luxurious appearance.
9. Rubber-backed Rugs And Mats
The heat of the dryer can cause the rubber backing of rugs and mats to deteriorate, leading to cracking or melting. Instead, air dry these items to ensure the longevity of the rubber backing.
10. Swimwear
Swimwear containing elastic or spandex can lose their stretch and shape in the dryer. To maintain the fit and fabric integrity, it’s best to air dry swimwear away from direct sunlight.
11. Hosiery
Tights, stockings, and other hosiery can easily become stretched out, snagged, or damaged in the dryer. It’s recommended to air dry hosiery by laying them flat to preserve their quality.
12. Sequined And Beaded Clothes
The heat and tumbling action of the dryer can loosen or damage sequins and beads on clothing. To maintain the embellishments, it’s best to hand wash and lay these items flat to dry.
13. Bedroom Slippers
Putting bedroom slippers in the dryer can cause the materials to shrink or lose their shape. Air drying slippers will help maintain their comfort and fit.
14. Wool Clothes
Wool is prone to shrinking and becoming misshapen in the dryer due to the heat and agitation. It’s best to air dry wool garments to preserve their softness and structure.
15. Oily And Chemically Stained Fabrics
Fabrics stained with oil or chemicals can pose a fire hazard in the dryer. It’s essential to treat and remove stains before considering drying these items in the machine.
16. Lip Balm, Gum, And Other Pocket Items
Items such as lip balm, gum, and other small objects left in pockets can cause a mess in the dryer and damage the machine. Always check and empty pockets before placing clothes in the dryer to prevent mishaps.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Should You Never Put In A Dryer?
Never put flammable items like gasoline or oily rags in the dryer. Avoid rubber, foam, and plastic materials as they can melt and damage the dryer. Delicate fabrics, such as silk and wool, should be air-dried to prevent shrinking or damage.
Always check garment care labels for specific instructions.
What Is Not Allowed In The Dryer?
Avoid putting in the dryer anything made of rubber, foam, plastic or vinyl materials, as they may melt. Additionally, items with embellishments such as buttons, zippers, and hooks can damage the dryer’s drum, and fabrics with delicate fibers like silk or wool can shrink or get damaged.
Also, avoid drying items that have been exposed to flammable substances or chemicals.
What Clothes Cannot Be Put In The Dryer?
Certain clothes like delicate fabrics, wool, silk, and clothes with embellishments or prints should not be put in the dryer. These fabrics can shrink, fade, or become damaged. It’s best to air dry them instead or hang them on a clothesline.
Will Aluminum Foil Balls Ruin Your Dryer?
Aluminum foil balls won’t ruin your dryer. They can actually help remove static and soften clothes.
What Fabrics Should Not Go In The Dryer?
Avoid drying delicate fabrics like silk, wool, and lace to prevent damage.
Conclusion:
Be mindful of what you toss in the dryer. Protect your clothes and the machine by avoiding items like rubber, delicate fabrics, and flammable materials. Follow these tips to ensure a longer lifespan for your dryer and keep your laundry looking its best.
