Introduction
One of the most frustrating laundry experiences is when your favorite shirt or pair of jeans shrinks after a trip through the dryer. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure that your clothes don’t get any smaller than intended. In this article, we’ll discuss why it’s important to read care labels, how to adjust your dryer settings, how to separate clothes by weight, how to avoid overloading the dryer, how to clear the lint trap, and how to take clothes out promptly.
Read the Care Labels
The first step in preventing clothes from shrinking in the dryer is to read the care labels. Manufacturers provide care instructions for each garment, so it’s important to follow them. The care label will tell you whether the item should be washed in cold water and dried on low heat or if it can be machine washed and tumble dried. Pay close attention to the temperature setting as some items may require air drying or line drying instead.
If the care label is missing or unreadable, it’s best to err on the side of caution and wash the item in cold water and dry on low heat. If the fabric is delicate or prone to shrinking, such as wool or cashmere, consider hand washing and line drying.
Use Low Heat Settings
When drying clothes, it’s important to use low heat settings. High heat can cause fabrics to shrink, so it’s best to opt for low or medium heat whenever possible. Some dryers may have different settings for different types of fabrics, such as “delicates” or “gentle”, which should be used for more fragile items. Additionally, many dryers now have a “no heat” setting, which is ideal for items that require air drying or line drying.
It’s also important to note that certain fabrics, such as polyester, nylon, and spandex, typically do not shrink in the dryer. If you’re unsure about an item, it’s best to err on the side of caution and use low heat.
Separate Clothes by Weight
Another way to prevent clothes from shrinking in the dryer is to separate them by weight. Heavy items, such as towels and jeans, should be dried separately from lighter items, such as t-shirts and underwear. This will help ensure that the heavier items don’t cause the lighter items to shrink due to the increased heat and agitation.
It’s also important to keep in mind that some fabrics, such as wool and cashmere, should never be placed in the dryer as they are prone to shrinking. These items should always be line dried or laid flat to dry.
Don’t Overload the Dryer
Overloading the dryer can lead to clothes shrinking as well. When loading the dryer, make sure that there is enough room for the clothes to move freely. If the dryer is too full, the clothes won’t be able to circulate properly, leading to uneven drying and potential shrinking.
Additionally, it’s important to note that large items, such as blankets or comforters, should never be dried alone as they can cause the dryer to become unbalanced. It’s best to add a few smaller items to the load to ensure that the dryer remains balanced.
Check the Lint Trap
It’s also important to check the lint trap before drying clothes. A clogged lint trap can cause the dryer to overheat, which can lead to clothes shrinking. To avoid this, make sure to clear the lint trap after every load.
To clean the lint trap, simply remove it from the dryer and shake it out into a trash can. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any stubborn lint. Make sure to reinsert the lint trap after cleaning to ensure that it functions properly.
Take Clothes Out Promptly
Finally, it’s important to take clothes out of the dryer promptly. Leaving clothes in the dryer for too long can cause them to wrinkle and potentially shrink. To avoid this, make sure to take clothes out shortly after the cycle has ended.
If you’re not able to take clothes out immediately, consider setting the dryer to a cool down cycle or fluff cycle. This will help reduce the chance of wrinkles and shrinking.
Conclusion
Shrinking clothes in the dryer can be an annoying and costly problem. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent it. Make sure to read the care labels, use low heat settings, separate clothes by weight, avoid overloading the dryer, clear the lint trap, and take clothes out promptly. By following these tips, you can keep your clothes looking their best for longer.
