Can you put soaking wet clothes in the dryer?

Author: Dr. Elda Weimann IV  |  Last update: Friday, July 25, 2025

You should always avoid putting soaking wet clothes into a clothes dryer. Clothes that are soaking wet or dripping are heavy and this added weight in a standard dryer could damage it as it spins the load around.

What happens when you put soaking wet clothes in the dryer?

  • Potential Damage to the Dryer: Soaking wet clothes are heavy, and the added weight can strain the internal mechanisms of the dryer, potentially causing damage (1).
  • Increased Wear and Tear: Regularly drying soaking wet clothes can add excess strain on the ball bearings

What do you do if your clothes are soaking wet after washing?

If your clothes are still wet after a wash, it's essential to check the drainage system regularly. Start by inspecting the drain filter; cleaning it out every few months can prevent clogs that hinder water flow. Next, examine the drain hose for any kinks or blockages.

Is it okay to leave wet clothes in the dryer?

Wet clothing should not really be left in the dryer longer than overnight. Because a dryer is a dark and moist place with damp clothing in it, it is an invitation for bacteria to grow, and your clothes could quickly become moldy and smell. That's why you should not leave it in the dryer longer than 8 -- 12 hours.

Is it okay to put a soaking wet blanket in the dryer?

No, you should not put that into a dryer. The best possible outcome is that it will require several cycles to dry. Much less savory outcomes include damage to the machine, and potentially a fire. Dryers are not built to handle 'free water'.

Can I put something soaking wet in the dryer?

Will soaking wet clothes dry overnight?

Martha Stewart says leaving wet clothes overnight is “perfectly alright.” Martha's blog even says this can be a smart move if you're air drying the next morning—because sitting overnight helps get rid of excess water.

What to do if blanket is soaking wet after washing?

If you're persistent enough, you can try to reposition the blanket to better balance the load. If you can't balance the load, you'll need to ring out the blanket by hand, and then just line dry it.

What happens if you soak clothes for too long?

A good soaking is generally helpful for removing stubborn stains, but too long a soaking and your clothes will eventually fall apart. If you're using any kind of chemicals to wash clothes, follow the manufacturer's instructions for using them as incorrect use can cause a lot of damage.

Is it OK to dry wet clothes inside?

Clothes can dry indoors in winter, but it can affect air quality, humidity and lead to mould. Try avoiding drying laundry in the rooms where you spend the most time e.g., your living room and bedroom. Instead, place the drying rack in the bathroom, the kitchen or hallway where you spend less time.

How long does it take for mold to grow on wet clothes?

Leaving Wet Clothes in the Washer Can Cause Bacteria and Mildew to Grow. The biggest downside of leaving your clothes in the washing machine for more than eight to twelve hours is that, after this period, there's a greater chance that bacteria, mold, and mildew will grow.

How do you dry clothes after soaking?

Split your wet clothes in half, then add a dry towel to the load in the dryer. To dry clothes quickly without a dryer, wring them out by hand or with a towel. Use a salad spinner to spin out excess water, then hang your clothes to dry on a clothesline or drying rack.

What happens if clothes are wet for too long?

Leaving your clothes unattended for 24 hours is enough to build up mildew and moisture spots on your clothes. Mold is a white substance that develops on a garment sometime after it has mildew.

What to do after soaking clothes?

Things You Should Know
  1. Add a capful of detergent to a washing machine full of cold water, add in your clothing, and let the clothes soak for 20-30 minutes.
  2. Add about a capful of stain remover or detergent to a sink or bucket filled with cold water. ...
  3. After soaking your garments, rinse with plain water and wash as usual.

Can I put soaked clothes in the washer?

Dry Out Wet Clothes Before Washing Them

If you have damp clothes, like your gym clothes, for instance, you'll want to let them dry out a little bit before tossing them into your hamper.

How do you dry wet clothes faster in the dryer?

Tossing a towel in with your laundry may help absorb moisture and can possibly help speed up drying times. Adding dryer balls before the cycle may also help because they keep laundry from clumping together, increasing the airflow between items.

What happens if water gets in your dryer?

It's tempting to fire up the washer and dryer after a storm if you have wet clothes, linens or other washables, but don't do it. Water—even clean water—can damage the inner workings of the appliance, including the motor. Call a qualified service and repair expert to assess the damage.

Is it okay to put really wet clothes in the dryer?

Clothes that are soaking wet or dripping are heavy and this added weight in a standard dryer could damage it as it spins the load around. Always let your washer fully complete its spin cycle before removing the damp clothes and putting them in your dryer.

What happens if you dry clothes that are still wet?

Your dryer is made to dry clothing that has been run through the washer, finishing up with a spin cycle. If you put clothing in that is soaking wet, it will take forever to dry, possibly wear out your dryer motor faster (as it was not meant to handle such a load on it), and have a higher utility bill, as well.

How long does it take for really wet clothes to dry in the dryer?

A typical drying cycle takes about 45 minutes, but this time can vary depending on the cycle, heat setting and size of your load. Delicate cycles take roughly 15 minutes, while heavy cycles, like bedding, can take up to three hours to fully dry.

Can I leave clothes soaking in water overnight?

Soaking clothes overnight can work well for really tough stains, but you don't always need to do it, and it can be a bit risky. For most stains, soaking for 4 to 6 hours should be enough.

How long can clothes be wet before they are ruined?

While placing garments in the dryer or on the clothesline right after the cycle finishes is best practice, wet laundry should generally not stay in the washer for more than 8-12 hours. Mildew and mold thrive in warm, damp environments, and the washer provides an ideal setting if laundry is left too long.

What to do when clothes come out soaking wet?

If your washer isn't draining properly, it can be the reason your clothes are soaked after washing. This is because the water doesn't have anywhere to go and it just stays in the washer drum. To fix this, you'll need to make sure the drain filter isn't clogged.

Can I put a soaking wet blanket in a dryer?

Can You Put a Soaking Wet Blanket in the Dryer? Placing a soaking wet blanket in a dryer can indeed be risky and requires careful preparation to avoid any damage. Pre-drying Preparation: It's crucial to ensure the blanket is not excessively heavy from water retention.

Is it OK to leave wet laundry overnight?

How long can you leave wet washing for? If damp clothes or bedding have been left in the washing machine or a basket for more than 8-12 hours we recommend giving it another wash. If it's been over 12 hours it's a safe bet that they will need to be re-washed.

Can you put a soaking wet pillow in the dryer?

It's crucial to get the pillow completely dry—otherwise you risk mildew. Skip the auto-dry setting on your clothes dryer, because the sensors will detect only surface moisture, leaving you with a pillow that's still damp on the inside. Instead, many pillows can be dried for a good hour on low to moderate heat.

Previous article
What is the strongest concrete anchor?
Next article
What do you sprinkle on your doorstep to keep spirits away?