What Can't Go in the Dryer? Items to Keep Out

The dryer is one of the easiest ways to finish a load but it's also where a lot of clothes get ruined. Shrunken sweaters and warped shoes and leggings that lost their stretch all usually come from one cycle too many. So what can't go in the dryer? Here's a simple list of what to keep out and why.

Always Check the Care Label

Before anything else look for the little square symbol on the tag. A square with a circle inside means tumble drying is okay. If that symbol has an X through it the item shouldn't go in the dryer at all. Dots inside the circle tell you the heat level and one dot means low.

When in doubt air dry. It's slower but it's much safer.

Things That Shouldn't Go in the Dryer

Wool and Cashmere

Heat and tumbling make wool fibers tighten up and that's how a sweater ends up two sizes smaller. Lay wool and cashmere flat on a towel to dry and reshape them while they're damp.

Bras and Lingerie

The heat breaks down the elastic and the underwire can bend or poke through. Hooks can also snag other clothes. Hang bras or lay them flat instead.

Leggings and Activewear

Most leggings and gym clothes have spandex or elastane in them. High heat wears out that stretch so they get baggy and lose their shape over time. Hang them to dry and they'll last a lot longer.

Swimsuits

Same story as activewear. Chlorine and heat together wear down the stretchy fibers fast. Rinse swimsuits in cool water and let them air dry in the shade.

Shoes

Some sneakers can handle a low heat cycle but a lot of shoes can't. Glue can melt and soles can warp and leather can crack. Stuff them with paper and let them dry at room temperature.

Bath Mats With Rubber Backing

The rubber can break down and crumble in the heat and in some cases it can even be a fire risk. Hang them over a rail or a line instead.

Items With Oil or Grease Stains

Anything with leftover oil or grease on it should stay out of the dryer. Heat sets the stain for good and oil soaked fabrics can be a fire hazard. Clean them fully first and air dry to be safe. Our stain removal guide walks through how to get oil and grease out first.

Clothes With Sequins or Beads or Embellishments

Glued on details can melt or fall off and sequins can scratch the drum and other clothes. Turn these items inside out when washing and always hang them to dry.

Silk and Delicate Fabrics

Silk can lose its shine and get water spots or shrink with heat. Roll it in a towel to get extra water out and hang it to dry.

Faux Leather and Vinyl

Heat can make these materials crack or peel. Wipe them clean if you can or air dry them after washing.

Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam breaks down in high heat and tumbling. Spot clean these and let them air dry fully before using them again. Down bedding is a different story and you can see how to wash a down comforter the right way.

Tips for Using the Dryer the Right Way

• Clean the lint filter after every load
• Don't overload the drum so air can move around
• Use low heat for anything you're unsure about
• Take clothes out while they're still a bit warm to cut down on wrinkles
• Separate heavy items like towels from lighter clothes so everything dries evenly

Why It Matters

Drying things the wrong way doesn't just shrink a sweater. Over time heat wears out elastic and fades colors and weakens fibers so your clothes look old a lot sooner than they should. A bit of extra care goes a long way.