The synthetic cycle is gentler than the cotton cycle to prevent wrinkling, and is usually at a lower temperature as synthetic material isn't as heat-tolerant as cotton. The only problem with using the synthetic cycle with your cotton items is that you won't get them as clean as if you used the correct cycle.
Choosing the right drying cycle
The cotton cycle uses high heat and is perfect for towels, bedding, and sturdy cotton items. For polyester and mixed fabrics, use the synthetics cycle, which operates at medium heat. Delicate items benefit from the low heat of the delicates cycle.
Usually, a setting called “cottons” would typically mean a high temperature. Air fluff probably means no heat is added to the drying cycle. A setting called “casuals” could mean something in between high heat and no heat.
Next, we have the acrylic synthetic button. This feature is for reducing the heat level whenever you're drying synthetics, acrylics or any other delicate items you don't want to suffer heat damage. When you press this button, the red light above will light up to show that the tumble dryer is in a low-heat setting.
Cotton Dry: For general drying. Synthetic Dry: Low temperature drying cycle for heat sensitive garments. Wash + Dry: A 40 °C or 60 °C wash for cleaning cotton garments followed by drying to a cupboard dry level.
The Delicate cycle is typically a tumble dry cycle that uses low heat. Depending on the make and model of your dryer, the cycle may be labeled Delicate, Gentle or Tumble Dry Low.
Cotton has similar insulating properties to fiberglass, which is somewhat better for cooler temperatures, but not so great for summer's heat. Linen flax fibers are hollow, making them very cool during the hot, humid summer months. Cotton is very breathable, and absorbs moisture a bit better than linen.
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.
It has been shown that bed bugs in all stages of life die at a minimum dryer temperature of 113 degrees Fahrenheit — as long as that temperature is consistent for at least 30 minutes.
According to the Spruce, the gentle cycle is best for materials like rayon or silk, permanent press is ideal for your everyday clothes, while the normal setting should be reserved for items like towels, sheets, and jeans.
Regular, Automatic, or Timed Dry
When you see “regular cycle,” “automatic,” or “timed dry,” keep one thing in mind — this setting uses the highest heat of all the dryer temperatures.
The appliance's outer housing might feel unusually hot when this happens. Be sure to check the flat surface on top of the equipment. Depending on the cause of the problem, your clothes may or may not seem excessively hot. Many dryers will shut off automatically when they overheat.
The most heavy duty and hot of setting, the regular/heavy mode on your dryer will get things dry the quickest, but should be used sparingly as it is rough on fabrics, will raise your utilities bill, and set in any stains not caught on the shift from washer to dryer.
As a bonus, if your skin is sensitive or sometimes gets irritated when you sweat, synthetics reduce this effect. The rubbing of soaked cotton against the skin is pretty irritating. Researchers have shown that in longer workout sessions synthetic shirts keep body temperature lower than cotton shirts.
Cotton tends to absorb moisture without releasing it into the atmosphere. However, this can be problematic for regulating body temperature. Synthetic textiles are more effective in this regard.
Heat is the main culprit when it comes to shrinking and warping the lovely natural fibers in your 100% cotton clothing. Instead, use a clothing rack (they come in many sizes and configurations) or hang items outside away from direct sunlight. If you must use the dryer, pick a cycle without heat.
Cotton. Cotton is one of the coolest fabrics for summer and hot weather. Not only is it cheap and hugely available, but it is also great for the heat. Cotton is soft, lightweight, breathable, and soaks up sweat, allowing heat to escape the body and for you to stay cool.
Linen stands out as a top choice for hot weather, boasting some of the best qualities for summer comfort. Known for its exceptional breathability, linen fabric allows air to circulate freely, keeping you cool as temperatures rise. This natural fiber is not only lightweight but also excels in heat regulation.
Polyester is much more sizzling than cotton in cold atmosphere, cotton should not be worn close to the body, particularly in underwear. cotton doesn't hold heat well when it is dry and when it is sticky or has acclimatized body clamminess, it will allow warmth to move straightforwardly through.
Black coloured fabrics are a better radiator of heat – meaning they absorb heat emanating from the body – so this can also play a role in cooling your body down. The Bedouin's secret is wearing loose-fitting black clothing, especially if it's windy.
Hot/high heat
The dryer symbol with three dots in a circle indicates that you can and should dry your item at the highest temperature.
Delicate: around 125°F
Use this setting when drying lightweight items, synthetics or athleticwear. Since this setting runs at a lower heat, drying times may be longer depending on the size and type of materials in your laundry load.
Delicate or Gentle
On the other hand, delicate settings use the lowest amount of heat and tumbling action, explains Pozniak. This cycle is best for fragile fabrics or laundry pieces that may start to melt, fray, stretch, or fade in high-heat conditions.