What happens if you put a wet comforter in the dryer?

Author: Dr. Sarah Lang  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Risk of Damage: Introducing a heavily soaked blanket into your dryer can significantly strain the appliance's mechanism. The additional weight increases the stress on the dryer's motor and can lead to mechanical failures or decreased efficiency over time.

Can you put a wet comforter in a dryer?

It is not recommended, and will put a strain on the machine. The excess water will also drain into the bottom of the dryer and cause damage, both to the dryer and the floor.

What if comforter is still damp after drying?

A: If your comforter is still slightly damp, try unraveling it and giving it another cycle in the dryer on low heat. Just make sure not to overdo it to avoid any potential damage. If possible, hang it up to air-dry in a well-ventilated area until completely dry.

Can you ruin a comforter in the dryer?

It's not likely to blow up. Whether it will be damaged depends upon the material. If you're unsure, it can go on the low setting but could take several hours to dry.

What to do if down comforter gets wet?

If it's a down comforter with a cover, I wash the cover and comforter separately, dry the cover until just slightly damp (delicates), then hang dry on my drying rack. The comforter gets dried on delicates but for a bit longer. Then I dry it out by draping it over my bed with the overhead fan on.

Can you put a down comforter in the dryer?

How do you fix a ruined comforter in the dryer?

Re-wash With Vinegar: Add one cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help break down detergent residue and restore softness to the fabric. Tennis Ball Technique: Place clean tennis balls or dryer balls in the dryer with your comforter to help break up clumps and restore fluffiness.

Can I put something soaking wet in the dryer?

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.

How long does it take for a comforter to dry?

Drying a Comforter in a Dryer

It's imperative to thoroughly dry a comforter. Expect the drying process to take around two to three hours for the comforter to get completely dry. Due to their large size and bulky fill, drying a comforter can take a few extra steps.

Can a dryer burn a comforter?

Looking at your favorite comforter only to discover unsightly dryer burns can be frustrating. Whether you're dealing with minor scorching or more noticeable damage, there are several effective methods to restore your comforter's appearance and extend its life.

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.

What do you do if your comforter is soaking wet in the washing machine?

If it is still sopping wet, put it back in the washing machine for another spin cycle to help reduce drying time. Continue by loading the comforter in the dryer with four to five wool dryer balls on a low heat setting (which can take up to a few hours).

Is it okay to sleep with a damp comforter?

Here's why it might be a bad idea: Temperature Regulation Issues: Wet blankets lose their ability to insulate properly, potentially leading to a drop in your body temperature. This can be particularly hazardous during colder months, increasing the risk of hypothermia.

Can mold grow inside a comforter?

December 20, 2024

This common issue occurs when comforters aren't dried thoroughly after washing or are stored in less-than-ideal conditions. Over time, that dampness can lead to unpleasant odors, a lumpy texture, or even mold and mildew growth—none of which make for a cozy night's sleep.

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.

How do you dry a comforter fast without a dryer?

To speed up the process, you can hang the comforter outside on a sunny day or use a fan to circulate air around it.

How long does a wet blanket take to air dry?

The time it takes to dry a blanket depends on the material it's made of. Most will take anywhere from one to three hours in the dryer on low heat, depending on how big the blanket is. For some blankets, like wool ones, you may need to air dry them, which (depending on the climate) can take up to 24 hours.

Is it bad to put a wet comforter in the dryer?

Risk of Damage: Introducing a heavily soaked blanket into your dryer can significantly strain the appliance's mechanism. The additional weight increases the stress on the dryer's motor and can lead to mechanical failures or decreased efficiency over time.

How to fix a burned comforter?

Remove Stains From Scorch, Burns
  1. For light scorch, wet the stain with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Let stand for several minutes. ...
  2. Wash using laundry detergent, hot water and chlorine bleach, if safe for fabric. Otherwise, soak in sodium perborate bleach and hot water, then launder.
  3. Sprinkle salt on the stain.

Can I throw my comforter in the dryer?

Follow the steps below to dry your comforter in a large capacity dryer. Step 1: Put your comforter in the dryer and spread it out as much as possible. Step 2: Add two to three tennis balls, or wool dryer balls, to help fluff the comforter while drying. Step 3: Set the dryer to a low-heat or no-heat setting.

Will soaking wet clothes ruin a dryer?

The answer is YES! You can put soaking wet clothes in the dryer. However, you need to be careful when doing this, as it can potentially damage your dryer or your clothes.

How do you dry a wet down comforter?

Dryer Settings and Techniques

If you choose to use a dryer, set it to a low heat setting to avoid damaging the down filling. You can add a few clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls to the dryer to help fluff up the comforter as it dries. The tumbling motion of the balls prevents them from clumping together.

How often should I wash a comforter?

Comforters. How often should you wash your comforter? Assuming no spills or excess dirt sully your comforter, and the comforter does not have a protective duvet, try to wash it every one to two months. If the comforter does have a duvet, you'll be okay to clean it a few times a year.

Can you tumble dry from wet?

Step 1: Make sure your clothes are dry enough to go into the tumble dryer – they should be wet, but not dripping. If your clothing is very wet, it can take a very long time for the dryer to do its job.

Why does the inside of my dryer smell burnt?

A clogged dryer vent can smell a few different ways depending on the operational state of the dryer. If the dryer is on, it can smell like something is on fire. This usually means that the lint is dry and starting to burn slightly. Other common smells include the concentrated smell of fabric softener or a musty odor.

Can I leave wet clothes in the dryer overnight?

Even house expert Martha Stewart states that there are no adverse effects if the clothes are left overnight in the washer or dryer. The best way to determine whether the clothes are okay is to smell them. If the clothes do not have an unpleasant odor, they are fine to put out to dry.

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