Adding a dry, clean towel to the tumble dryer alongside bed sheets can help prevent them from tangling and drying unevenly, according to experts at appliance company Whirlpool.
Why sheets tangle in the dryer
Large bedding items such as sheets, duvet covers, and blankets can easily twist around themselves in the dryer, forming a ball that traps moisture and blocks warm air from reaching all parts of the fabric. As a result, the bedding may still be damp when the cycle ends, forcing another run that adds time and cost to laundry routines.
How a towel helps
One expert explained: “Adding a dry, clean towel to the dryer along with your sheets can help prevent tangling. It works by creating additional space and increasing airflow. The towel can be effective as it absorbs moisture and helps separate the sheets during the tumbling process.”
Towels are made of highly absorbent fabric with a looped texture, giving them a large surface area. They can soak up moisture from the bedding, helping it dry faster, and they move between layers to break up any bundles, improving movement and air circulation.
Using towels effectively
To use this method, place washed bed sheets in the dryer without overpacking the drum, add a dry, clean towel, and select a medium heat cycle. Once the cycle finishes, remove the bedding, shake it well, and fold it. The sheets should be completely dry and free of tangles.
