5 Types of Clothing You Should Never Put in the Dryer

Clothes dryers are one of those modern conveniences that are hard to live without, but the cost of owning one can be high. Electric dryers use a lot of energy to reach temperatures high enough to dry clothes, and the more you use one, the more energy it consumes.

They also shorten the life of your clothing. So, overall, the situation isn’t great for either your wallet or the planet. So, what can you do? The good—or bad—news is that many of us are doing our laundry wrong. Not everything needs to go in the dryer. In fact, there are five types of clothing you should never put in the dryer.

Athletic wear

Anything made from stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric should be kept away from the dryer. These items contain spandex and other fabrics that shrink up in hot temperatures, so don’t put them in the dryer unless you want them destroyed. Do yourself a favor and use a drying rack or clothesline for these types of quick-drying garments.

Wool sweaters

Natural fibers like wool and cotton tend to shrink more than synthetic ones. If you want your cozy fall sweaters to last a long time, don’t put them anywhere near a dryer. Not only will they shrink, but the spinning motion of the dryer will cause pilling. Always dry your sweaters lying flat. This method is especially important for preserving the quality of delicate knits like those from Aran, which are crafted to last with proper care.

Anything with embroidery

If you own any clothing with embroidery or patches, it’s best not to put these in the dryer. Patches and embroidered designs are often made from different kinds of fiber than the rest of the garment, so they shrink under different conditions. Putting them in the dryer means you’ll end up with bunching in weird places.

Lingerie and bras

Bras and undergarments are too delicate to go in the dryer. The same is true for other types of intimate items that often contain lace, silk, and other fragile textiles that could tear, shrink, or fray in the dryer. In fact, most of these items really shouldn’t go anywhere near a washing machine either. You’re much better off caring for them by hand.

Swim trunks and bathing suits

Like athletic wear, swim wear is one of the five types of clothing you should never put in the dryer. It’s made from fabric that dries very quickly, meaning it doesn’t really need all that high heat.

Using less energy

Knowing the difference between types of clothing can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint. By using your dryer less often, you’ll not only keep your clothing longer; you'll also maximize your dryer’s efficiency. With proper care, your dryer could last up to a decade, making it much greener investment.