Tumble dryers are among the most convenient appliances for tackling a large pile of laundry, especially during cold and wet weather. However, it's essential to be careful when loading wet laundry into the machine, as not every fabric or item is built to withstand the heat and movement of a drying cycle.
Certain items can lose their shape, stretch or sustain damage when placed in a tumble dryer. Before you reach for the dryer this winter, it's worth checking which pieces are better off left to dry naturally.
Wool jumpers and bras
A wool jumper is one of the last things you'd want to find that has accidentally gone through a hot tumble-drying cycle. Which? advises against tumble-drying wool because the temperatures inside the drum can cause the fibres to interlock, making the garment tighter and smaller. Research has shown that even specialist dryers designed to gently dry wool are relatively uncommon, so air-drying remains the safest option.
Gently squeeze any excess water from a woollen garment without wringing or twisting it, then lay it flat to help it keep its shape. While it can be tempting to toss undergarments into the dryer, the heat and tumbling can be particularly damaging to items such as bras. Which? warns that heat can warp bras out of shape and reduce their elasticity, potentially shortening the garment's lifespan.
This is particularly worth keeping in mind with bras containing delicate lace, padding, underwiring or stretchy materials. The better option is to reshape them after washing and leave them to air-dry. It's also worth selecting a gentler wash cycle, particularly for silk, cashmere or lace items.
Swimwear, tights and embellished clothes
Swimming costumes may appear to be fairly robust garments, but the stretchy fibres that give them their close fit don't withstand tumble-dryer heat. According to Which?, the spandex in swimming costumes can distort and break when exposed to the heat of a dryer.
This means repeatedly tumble-drying your swimsuit could leave it stretched, misshapen, or less supportive over time. Instead, gently squeeze out the excess water and allow it to air-dry. Avoid wringing it out forcefully, as this can also place unnecessary strain on the fabric.
Tights are another item that can easily emerge from a tumble dryer looking considerably worse for wear. Which? warns that the delicate material can tear during tumble-drying, as heat and movement leave it more susceptible to damage. Rather than risking ladders, holes and stretched tights, leave them to dry naturally. This is also important for finer tights, though they shouldn't take too long to dry without the tumble dryer.
When washing tights, place them in a laundry bag to prevent them from getting tangled during the wash cycle. The experts warned that sequins are prone to snagging during drying, while metal stones or beads could be damaged by heat. Embellishments may also catch on other items in the drum, resulting in small tears or pulls.
For any garment adorned with sequins, beads or gems, air-drying is by far the most sensible choice. Lay the item flat or hang it according to the care label, ensuring the weight of the wet fabric doesn't strain the decorations.
