Opting for a lower heat setting, such as “delicate” or “low heat,” can help reduce the likelihood of shrinkage. Partial Drying: Instead of fully drying your clothes in the tumble dryer, you can remove them slightly damp and allow them to air dry the rest of the way.
One of the best ways to prevent shrinking is to use lower heat settings. More delicate fabrics are susceptible to shrinkage from heat, so applying lower temperatures can reduce this risk. If you check your user manual, there will be information on low heat or delicate dryer settings for sensitive fabrics.
They really aren't that bad on most clothes. As long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions on care and drying, and don't overload the dryer, the damage to most clothing is minimal.
- Use a low heat or delicate setting. High heat can cause shrinkage, especially for cotton and other natural fibers. - Choose the delicate or gentle cycle if your dryer has this option. This cycle uses lower temperatures and is more gentle on fabrics. - Avoid over-drying.
The heat and agitation of the dryer can prove to be too much for certain materials like wool, silk, and pure cotton, as the fibers change properties when exposed to these conditions, shrinking as a result.
5. Use the Lowest Heat Setting. Not all dryers have a tumble or air dry option, but that doesn't mean you don't have options. Simply turn your dryer's temperature knob to “low heat.” If you can't find that setting, select “delicate” or “gentle” instead.
The less heat, the less shrinkage. If you forget to change this setting, and leave the temperature on medium or high, there is a chance you may shrink your clothes. Some dryers even have the option to air dry. This setting doesn't use heat at all, and instead works to dry clothes by tumbling only.
What does “do not tumble dry” mean? Certain garments shouldn't go in the dryer at all. Subjected to high temperatures, silk may shrink, wool and knitwear may pill and undergarments may shrink or lose their shape. Learn more about how to prevent pilling on your clothes.
Cotton is a natural, breathable fibre and so can shrink when it is heated as the tension that is applied to the fabric during construction is released by heat from the washing machine, tumble dryer and even sunlight (yep!) which causes the fabric to shrink to its natural size.
“Tumble dry low” means to dry your item in the dryer on a low heat setting or Delicate cycle. Low heat is usually around 125 degrees Fahrenheit and is designed for delicate items like knitwear or sheer fabrics, as well as workout clothes made of high-performance fabric like spandex and lycra.
Disadvantages of tumble drying
One significant disadvantage is its high energy consumption, which can contribute to increased electricity bills. Also, it is essential to be mindful of potential fabric damage, as the heat can cause shrinkage or damage to delicate fabrics if not used correctly.
2. Tumble Dry Low (Delicates) Tumble dry low uses minimal heat during the dry cycle—usually around 125 degrees Fahrenheit. This setting is ideal for delicate items or workout clothes made from sweat-wicking fabrics such as spandex or lycra.
Line drying or clothes rack drying will always be the more sustainable and cost-effective way of drying your clothes. Energy Saving Trust says that avoiding the use of your tumble dryer could potentially save you money each year.
Avoiding heavy duty cycles, fast spins and high-heat drying can also prevent shrinkage. Use delicate cycles instead, and place delicate clothes in a mesh laundry bag for added protection. When drying, consider a low-heat or air dry setting. When in doubt, always follow the instructions on your garment's care tag.
Say goodbye to shrinking clothes
Heat pump tumble dryers significantly reduce the risk of this happening.
Hang them out to dry – for minimal risk of shrinking, you should air dry your cotton fabrics. If you can machine dry them, use a low-to-moderate heat. Banish the wrinkles – one issue with cotton is that it can crease and wrinkle easily. If you choose to iron it, you should iron it while the fabric is somewhat damp.
Cotton clothes can generally survive being machine-dried, but pay close attention to their size and blend. Those made of 100% cotton may shrink in a dryer so it's better to air-dry them. Heavy items like beddings and towels can be tumble dried at medium to high heat to ease the process.
Using high temperatures for washing or drying clothes significantly increases the chances of shrinkage for certain fabrics. Conversely, opting for low or no heat during washing and drying helps protect delicate fabrics and may help prevent shrinkage.
Most textiles and fabrics shrink when exposed to high heat, and tumble dryers use heat to remove moisture and dry your clothes. 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.
A typical cycle can take about 45 minutes and the length of a dryer cycle can vary depending on the selected setting, size of the load, and the types of clothing you're drying. For example, drying a small load of light fabrics on a Delicate or Low setting can take as little as 15 minutes.
The constant tumbling and exposure to high heat can cause your fabrics to wear out faster. Your favorite T-shirts might fade, and the elasticity in your undergarments could deteriorate. Over time, this can lead to a shorter lifespan for your clothing items, meaning you'll need to replace them more frequently.
Cotton typically starts to shrink at temperatures above 90°F (32°C) in the dryer. However, the shrinking process can begin at lower temperatures too. To play it safe, wash your cotton in cold to cool water (below 80°F or 27°C). And when it comes to drying, think "cool breeze" rather than "desert heat."
If you are looking for extra softening effects and added fragrance, dryer sheets may be the better option; however, if you have allergies, dryer balls may help to spare irritations. For moisture-wicking fabrics such as activewear, microfiber and absorbent towels, dryer balls may work better than dryer sheets.