Oh No... Not in the Dryer

Oh No...

It’s easy to just throw everything in the dryer from the washer and call it a day, but there can be some major consequences for some of your clothing if you do that. Here are some dryer no-no's:

Activewear: Since most activewear is coated to protect from the sun’s rays, it’s definitely not dryer-friendly. The heat can also wear away on any elastic properties and weaken the material, leading to tears, holes, and runs.Try hanging or laying flat to dry. Dryer Sheets: Yes, you read that right. While dryer sheets might be intended to be used, well, in the dryer, that doesn’t mean they’re good for your health. They are bad for your respiratory system, your skin, and moreover, the environment. Try scented wool balls using essential oils. Lingerie: As anyone who has tossed lingerie in the dryer might know, this greatly reduces its lifespan. Treat your undergarments gently. Put bras in special lingerie bags or better yet hand wash and hang dry. Sandy Towels and Beachwear: Sand can get trapped between gaps in the drum. This adds an irritating sound when drying and can actually damage the dryer over time. Pet Hair: If the hair builds up over time, it could begin combining with lint and debris around it, especially if the lint screen isn’t emptied before every load. Excess dryer lint is a major fire hazard, it can cause your dryer to become damaged, and also reduces its efficiency.

Not in by Margaret De Stefano the Dryer!

Chewing Gum: Unfortunately, by the time you notice, the damage has probably already been done. Gum can have lasting damage if left in the pockets of your clothes. It can either permanently stick itself to clothes or fall out of the pocket and stretch all over the wall of your dryer. Spandex: If you toss them in the dryer, they probably won’t ruin your machine itself, but there’s a good chance they’ll shrink a bit, which could be costly to replace. Hang dry to avoid shrinking. Suede: While some faux leather is actually washable, it should never be put in the dryer. Heat melts plastic, ruining your garment and possibly your dryer. Air drying your suede garments is best. Tights or Pantyhose: You probably know how easy it is for them to rip and tear. Try rolling your freshly laundered tights into a dry towel and let them dry overnight. Lace: Lay your lace garment flat to dry so it doesn’t lose its natural shape or damage the fabric. Anything Embellished: Sequins, gems, stones, or whatever other items that are embellished onto your garments can hook onto other items in the dryer, or even the dryer itself. This can damage the garment itself and its surroundings. Lay on a towel to air out. Silk: Avoid both washer and dryer when it comes to silk garments. Try laying it flat to dry on a towel, then rolling it up inside of it to squeeze out excess moisture and repeat this process with a second towel. Rubber-Backed Bath Mats: The rubber can crumble and get caught in the dryer, causing a fire hazard.