We all want our favourite items to fit well and last a long time, so when our clothes shrink in the dryer, it can be a bit of nightmare. We’ve put together our top tips for how to not shrink clothes in the tumble dryer and make them last as long as possible.
Why do clothes shrink in the dryer?
If your tumble dryer's shrinking clothes, it's probably for one of two reasons:
- 1
Most textiles and fabrics shrink when exposed to high heat, and tumble dryers use heat to remove moisture and dry your clothes.
- 2
The other way tumble dryers work to dry your clothes is to rotate them. The tossing motion can cause fibres to constrict, thus shrinking your clothes.
Does cotton shrink in the dryer, and is it safe to tumble dry synthetics?
As a general rule, the fabrics you should avoid tumble drying are delicate materials like cashmere, lace and silk. It's also a good idea to be cautious with items that are made with all-natural fibres like wool, and materials like suede that you would avoid getting wet in the first place. Cotton, linen and denim are hardier natural fabrics that will fare better in the dryer.
Does polyester shrink in the dryer? Usually not — synthetics like polyester, nylon and acrylic are generally safe to tumble dry, although at high heat they will also be in danger of shrinking.
But whatever items you're drying, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Check out our tips below to keep your favourite garments in good shape.
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How to prevent clothes shrinking in the dryer
Does polyester shrink in the dryer? Do tumble dryers shrink clothes on a low heat? Clothes care can be confusing but we'll keep it simple: here are our best tips on how not to shrink clothes in the dryer:
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1
Always check the care label first.
Some fabrics should never be dried in a tumble dryer. Check the care label to see if your clothing is suitable for the dryer before you pop it in.
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2
Use a cold water setting on your washing machine
30ºC will be fine, so that the clothing is not hot when you put it in the dryer.
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3
Always dry your clothes on the lowest heat setting.
Exposure to high heat will only increase the chances of shrinking clothing items.
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4
Avoid long cycles.
These add to the time your clothing will be going through the tumble motion.
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5
Always try to only dry your clothing on one cycle.
Using the tumble dryer more than once will irritate the fibres more.
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6
Always empty your tumble dryer as soon as the cycle is finished.
Then, hang or fold your clothes to help them stay in shape.
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How to make clothes smell good in dryer cycles
To stop your tumble dryer shrinking your clothes, a gentler, colder wash is the best approach. If you are concerned that this might make your clothes smell damp, don't worry: there are lots of ways to keep your clothes smelling fresh. These include:
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1
Treating your clothes to a scented fabric conditioner during the wash cycle.
Comfort Deluxe fabric conditioners are scientifically developed with long-lasting fragrances to keep your clothes smelling gorgeous.
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2
Removing your clothes from the washing machine as soon as the cycle finishes.
Then, immediately moving them to the dryer.
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3
Adding dryer sheets to the drying cycle along with your clothes.
Dryer sheets also help to reduce static and creasing.
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4
Always ensuring that your clothes are fully dry after a drying cycle.
Never put damp clothes back into your wardrobe.
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5
Cleaning the lint tray after every cycle.
It's also important to empty the water drawer regularly.
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6
Regularly cleaning your tumble dryer.
This will avoid any damp or mildew odours being put into your clothes as they dry.
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Which clothes shrink the most in the tumble dryer?
Certain types of clothing are more prone to shrinking in the tumble dryer due to their fibre composition and construction. Natural fibers like cotton and wool have a higher tendency to shrink when exposed to heat and agitation. Cotton garments, such as t-shirts, jeans, and towels, are particularly susceptible to shrinkage. Delicate fabrics like silk or cashmere should be avoided in the dryer altogether as they can easily shrink or become misshapen. To prevent excessive shrinking, it is advisable to follow the care instructions on clothing labels, use low heat settings or air-dry delicate items, and remove clothes promptly from the dryer to minimise shrinkage.
Debunking Common Tumble Dryer Myths: What You Need to Know
Myth #1: Tumble Dryers are Bad for the Environment
One common misconception about tumble dryers is that they are bad for the environment. Many people believe that tumble dryers use a lot of energy and contribute to climate change. While it is true that tumble dryers use electricity and can, therefore, have a carbon footprint, the reality is that there are many energy-efficient tumble dryers available today. You can also reduce your energy consumption by making sure that your tumble dryer is properly maintained and that you only run it when necessary.
Myth #2: Tumble Dryers Damage Clothing
Another myth that needs to be debunked is the idea that tumble dryers are going to damage your clothes. While it is true that some fabrics should not be tumble dried (always check the label), as long as you are using the right settings and are not overloading your tumble dryer, you should not experience any problems. In fact, tumble dryers can be great for removing wrinkles and making your clothes feel softer.
Myth #3: Tumble Dryers are Noisy and Inconvenient
It is true that some older tumble dryers can be noisy and inconvenient, but modern tumble dryers are designed with sound-insulating materials and have features that make them quieter and more convenient than ever before. For example, many newer models have sensors that can detect when your clothes are dry and automatically shut off to save energy.
Myth #4: Tumble Dryers are Expensive to Run
Another common myth is that tumble dryers are expensive to run. While there is some truth to this statement (running any appliance will cost money), modern tumble dryers are more energy-efficient than ever before. Some models have sensors that can detect how much moisture is left in your clothes and automatically adjust the settings to use less energy. Additionally, you can reduce your energy bills by doing multiple loads of laundry at once and by properly maintaining your tumble dryer.
Myth #5: Tumble Dryers are a Fire Hazard
Finally, many people are concerned that tumble dryers are a fire hazard. While it is true that tumble dryers can pose a risk if they are not properly maintained, the risk of a fire can be greatly reduced by regularly cleaning your dryer's lint filter and making sure that the vent hose is not blocked or damaged. Additionally, it is important to remember not to overload your tumble dryer, as this can also increase the risk of fire.
Now we’ve answered all your top tumble dryer questions, such as “do tumble dryers shrink clothes?”, and how to avoid shrinking clothes in dryers, you're fully equipped with how to use tumble dryers the right way for clothes which fit perfectly every time!
