5 Fabrics You Should Never Put In The Dryer And How To Dry Them

A washer dryer is always a worthwhile investment, as eventually everyone needs to dry items regularly like bedding and clothes.

Although designed to make drying clothes faster and more convenient, dryers can sometimes cause unwanted problems. This is a typical case.

From your favorite sweaters to your work clothes to your bedding , discover four fabrics you should never put in the dryer – and the best ways to dry them.

1. Knitted fabric

From sweaters to hats to even pillowcases, many items are made from knitted fabrics. Throwing them in a hot dryer can cause them to lose their shape. The heat and vigorous spinning not only shrinks and stretches your garments, but also increases the likelihood of them becoming tangled together.

2. Leather/Faux Leather

Never tumble dry anything made of leather, faux or not. High temperatures will cause the fabric to dry out and crack. The ideal way to dry leather is to hang it to dry in the shade.

3. Silk

The best way to dry silk is to hang it in the shade and avoid direct sunlight as Ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the silk fibres, causing further fading. When drying, avoid tying it to a laundry rack or bamboo pole as this can leave indentations in the silk. Try hanging it on a hanger or laying it flat on a surface to dry.

4. Spandex/Lycra

If your workout clothes feel a little uncomfortable after washing, the dryer may be to blame. Spandex/Lycra react badly to heat and will damage the fabric if you put them in the dryer. These materials dry quickly and may not need to be tumble dried.

5. Cotton fabric - cotton sateen
Whether your cotton sateen sheets , duvets or clothes are made from 100% cotton or a premium cotton blend, it is important to understand that any garment containing cotton can shrink when exposed to high temperatures. To avoid shrinkage, you need to follow the proper procedures, i.e. cold water washing, gentle cycle and preferably air drying, in case of absolute necessity you should only set the dryer to the lowest possible setting.

See the summary of Interior Design Guide - 30 typical interior styles here

Source: translated and compiled by LVER – LaVieEnRose from Kok Fabric USA