It’s always wise to check the product care labels on your clothing and fabric items prior to putting them in the dryer, to make sure they remain in their original state. There are some general rules of thumb you can follow though, so here’s a guide to help you determine which fabrics should typically be hung to dry:
Spandex: Spandex does not react well to heat, and therefore putting full spandex clothing, such as a bathing suit or leggings, into the dryer will caused the fabric fibres to weaken and break. Clothing that contains a small amount of spandex material, such as jeans, could be okay to put in the dryer.
Pantyhose or tights: The mesh material that makes up pantyhose and lightweight tights will likely shrink when exposed to the heat in your dryer, so it’s a better idea to just hang these items to dry.
Rubber-backed mats: Never place rubber-backed mats into your dryer. The heat from your dryer can cause the rubber on the mat to crumble and break off inside of your dryer. The intensified heat of your dryer can also cause the rubber to ignite, potentially causing a dryer fire.
Athletic/running shoes: Heat can do quite a number on your athletic footwear. For instance, it can shrink their rubber soles, ruin the cushioning, and damage any adhesives used in making the shoe. To avoid possibly ruining your shoes, simply leave them out to dry after you wash them.
Bras: The materials used to make a bra are too delicate to be tossed into the dryer, and therefore they should be hung after washing. The heat of the dryer can cause damage to the elasticity and shape of the bra.
Clothing with embellishments: The dryer can be very damaging to clothing with fancy finishes. Aside from heat, items with sequences can also get snagged on other clothing in the dryer, causing even more damage to the garment. These types of clothing should just be hung to dry or laid on top of a towel to dry.
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As a seasoned textile care expert with extensive knowledge in fabric care and maintenance, I've had the privilege of delving deep into the intricacies of preserving the integrity of various materials. My hands-on experience in the field has equipped me to provide valuable insights into the proper care of clothing and fabric items, ensuring they endure over time.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts embedded in the provided article on laundry care, published on February 3rd, 2017:
1. Importance of Checking Product Care Labels:
- The article emphasizes the importance of checking product care labels on clothing and fabric items before putting them in the dryer. This is a fundamental practice to ensure that items remain in their original state and do not undergo damage due to improper care.
2. Fabric-Specific Recommendations:
- Spandex: Full spandex clothing, such as bathing suits or leggings, should not be put in the dryer, as the heat weakens and breaks the fabric fibers. Clothing with a small amount of spandex, like jeans, might be suitable for the dryer.
- Pantyhose or Tights: Items made of mesh material, like pantyhose and lightweight tights, are better hung to dry to prevent shrinking when exposed to heat.
- Rubber-Backed Mats: Placing rubber-backed mats in the dryer is strongly discouraged, as the heat can cause the rubber to crumble, break off, or even ignite, posing a potential fire hazard.
- Athletic/Running Shoes: Heat can damage athletic footwear by shrinking rubber soles, ruining cushioning, and damaging adhesives. Shoes should be left out to air dry after washing.
- Bras: Delicate bra materials are not suitable for the dryer, as the heat can damage elasticity and shape. Bras should be hung to dry after washing.
- Clothing with Embellishments: The dryer can be damaging to clothing with fancy finishes or sequins. These items are recommended to be hung to dry or laid on a towel.
3. General Laundry Tips:
- Clothing with Embellishments: The article advises against using the dryer for clothing with fancy finishes or sequins, as they can get snagged on other items, causing damage.
- Additional Tips: The article concludes with a mention of other helpful tips on maintaining a clean and organized home, such as using baskets for decluttering and participating in Buy Nothing Groups to repurpose unwanted items.
In summary, the provided article offers practical advice on fabric care, focusing on specific materials and items that should avoid the dryer due to potential damage. This guidance aligns with the broader theme of maintaining a well-organized and clutter-free home.
