8 Things You Should Never Put in the Dryer

Dryers are a convenient staple in most modern homes for a good reason: They make drying our clothes and household linens easy. But not all items can handle the heat and tumbling of a dryer cycle. Delicate fabrics can get damaged, rubber can melt, and structured items like bras and swimwear can warp or shrink. Instead, always air-dry these types of items using an indoor drying rack or a traditional outdoor clothesline.

Air-drying might take longer than using a dryer, but when it comes to clothes you cherish, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Keep reading to learn about fabrics, materials, and items you should never put in the dryer.

Silk is a delicate fiber that should never go in the dryer. Instead, air-dry silk items after removing them from the washing machine or hand-washing them. To speed up drying, lay the silk garment on a white cotton towel and gently roll it up to remove excess moisture. Remove the silk item from the towel and hang it on a hanger or clothesline. Use hanger straps if you are hanging a shirt or blouse to prevent stretching the shoulders.

Just like silk, lace and other delicate fabrics, such as sheer netting or tulle, can be easily damaged in the dryer. Hang these fabrics to dry instead.

Generally, you should avoid putting wool items in the dryer. Wool is prone to shrinking, and you don’t want to ruin an expensive wool sweater. However, some heavy wool items may need the dryer’s heat to dry thoroughly, as they might take days to dry entirely otherwise (and could develop a damp smell during that time). For heavy wool coats or blankets, use the gentle cycle in the dryer—but always check the care label first. Lighter wool items should always be air-dried.

Garments made from spandex or Lycra, such as athletic wear, hosiery, swimwear, and undergarments, should always be air-dried instead of using the dryer. These materials are prone to shrinking, and the high heat of conventional tumble-dry settings can cause them to wear and break down over time. Remove these items from the wash and hang them to dry.

The high heat of a dryer can cause beads or sequins that are glued or delicately sewn onto fabrics to detach or melt. Even if the rest of the garment is dryer-safe, it’s best to air-dry any item with sequins, beads, or other appliques to prevent damage.

Items made from leather, suede, and faux leather might dry out and crack if placed in a conventional dryer. If you’re dealing with wet suede, leather, or faux leather, it’s usually due to an accident like getting caught in the rain. To properly dry the item, use a cloth to dab off any excess moisture and then place it somewhere warm and dry. Hang jackets, vests, and pants on hangers and stuff shoes, boots, and purses with tightly packed newspaper or towels to help them keep their shape while they dry.

Bras are delicate and highly structured, making them easily damaged in dryers. The combination of underwires (when present) and delicate fabrics can spell disaster for your essential undergarments. However, bras can stretch out if hung to dry by the straps due to the heavy weight of the wet fabric. To properly air dry a bra, lay it flat on a dry towel or hang it upside down using clothespins on the bottom instead of the straps.

While most fabric shoes can safely go in the washing machine, you should always skip the dryer. The high heat can cause the rubber soles to melt or detach. Instead of using the dryer, try hanging the shoes or placing them above an air vent indoors to dry.