Today, the best dryers don’t just tumble your clothes until they’re moisture-free — the modern appliance is a real workhorse, packed with advancements like the latest energy-saving technologies and all kinds of smart features like the ability to connect to your home’s Wi-Fi.
But not everything can take the heat. There are a handful of items that your machine can shrink, warp or even ruin. To save your most precious duds from this fate, we asked the experts from the Good Housekeeping Institute to share a list of items that are better off dried another way.
Bras
They’re called delicates for a reason, and these items should be laid flat to dry instead. The heat and agitation of a dryer can damage the bra’s elasticity and shape, not to mention hanging can cause these types of garments to stretch out.
Tights
Similarly, delicate hosiery can be damaged in the dryer — the mesh material can tangle or even shrink. Hand wash these items and then hang or lay flat to dry.
Swimsuits
Bathing suits are largely made of spandex, and the high temperature inside your dryer can compromise the integrity of the fabric. Wash your suit in cold water with mild, non-bleach detergent, then rinse, squeeze out excess water and let air dry.
Wool and cashmere sweaters
Accidentally toss your wool sweater in the dryer, and you could wind up with something more suitable for a doll. In general, these more delicate garments should be hand-washed with a gentle laundry detergent, rinse well and dried flat.
Rubber-backed rugs
When your bath or door mat gets wet or soiled, it may seem natural to toss it in the washer and dryer, but the high heat can damage the rubber backing, causing it to crumble. Wash these mats on a gentle cycle in warm water, then air dry.
Embellished clothing
When the dryer sends clothing with sequins or stones tumbling, it can damage the garment. It can also snag any other items inside the machine. It’s better to hang dry your fancier items, but if the material is exceptionally thin or delicate, you can lay them on a towel to air dry.
Running shoes
It’s best to clean shoes by hand — the washer and dryer can cause shoes to shrink or warp, plus can ruin your cushioning, and weaken adhesives. After brushing away dirt, scrubbing with soapy water and rinsing, stuff with paper towels to dry.
Backpacks and lunch bags
Depending on the material, some backpacks and lunch bags can go in the washing machine, but none of them should end up in your dryer. Instead, after cleaning your backpack, use a dry towel to blot the interior and exterior well, then hang the bag upside-down to air dry — ideally in a place with good air circulation.
Reusable grocery bags
While canvas bags can be laundered in the washer and dryer, other reusable bags — specifically recycled plastic and nylon bags — can not. Wash recycled plastic and nylon bags by hand in warm soapy water and line dry.
Activewear
It’s better to air dry your favorite workout gear like leggings and sports bras. Similar to swimsuits, the high heat of a dryer can compromise the fabric’s elasticity and can even affect its moisture-wicking properties. Some brands recommend a low-heat tumble dry, but better yet, lay these items flat to dry.
Leather, faux leather and suede
You may already know you shouldn’t attempt to launder leather, but faux leather and suede are also no-gos. Not only can wet cleaning be problematic, but the high heat of the dryer can cause these fabrics to melt or crack, causing irreparable damage. We recommend taking these items to a professional, particularly if they’re structured, more expensive items, like jackets or pants.
Silk
Some silk items may be suitable for handwashing, but they should always be air-dried. Never wring out the fabric or hang it to dry; instead, place the item on a clean towel, then gently roll it up to absorb excess water and lay flat to dry away from sunlight.
Faux fur
Don’t tumble dry faux-fur, as doing so can cause matting and clumping. Instead, remove excess water by wrapping the item in a towel and gently squeezing it out, then reshape and allow the item to air dry on a rack or hanger.
Anything else with a care tag that warns against dryers
Yes, it seems obvious, but we always recommend checking the care tag — particularly on an item you haven’t yet laundered. If air-drying or dry cleaning is recommended, it’s for a good reason, and following those directions will not only prevent shrinking, warping or other damage, but will also help keep your items looking like new for longer.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
