Usually not — synthetics like polyester, nylon and acrylic are generally safe to tumble dry, although at high heat they will also be in danger of shrinking. But whatever items you're drying, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Check out our tips below to keep your favourite garments in good shape.
Condenser dryers and heat pump condenser dryers take a little longer to dry a typical load of laundry because they use lower temperatures than a vented dryer, but this means they're gentler on your clothes.
Clothes are much more likely to shrink when exposed to hot water or high dryer settings. Washing clothes in cold water goes a long way toward preserving the “off-the-rack” size. Avoiding heavy duty cycles, fast spins and high-heat drying can also prevent shrinkage.
Heated airers can dry a light load of delicates in anything from 1 to 3 hours but if you're drying a heavy load of towels, woolly jumpers or jeans, it could take up to 10 hours. Whilst these times are long, it's a more gentle dry and you don't run the risk of shrinking which can happen when using the tumble dryer.
On the other hand, condenser dryers are more likely to shrink or wear out your clothes due to their higher drying temperatures. Heat pump dryers are much better at preserving your clothes, since they avoid putting your laundry in close contact with high temperatures.
In general, most synthetic and plant-based materials will resist shrinkage, while natural ones from animals will not. In short, fabrics that will not shrink include: Cotton: This natural plant fiber includes denim as well as everyday clothing.
Can you leave it turned on overnight? Yes, it's is safe to use overnight.
Right off the bat, radiator airers are undeniably cheaper than a heated airer, but you will have to factor in the cost of having your heating on in order to dry your clothes.
It's estimated that heated clothes airers cost between 10p to 20p an hour to run, making them cheaper to use than a tumble dryer. Plus, they're far less expensive to buy in the first place.
Natural fabrics that are made from plants or animal coats are highly susceptible to shrinkage, while synthetic fabrics do not shrink at all.
In most scenarios, all you need is a container full of warm water with a capful of liquid detergent. Next, make sure to add in your clothes and stir them into the solution until they are completely soaked. Gently wring out the clothing to expel excess liquid and gently stretch the clothing back to its original size.
Natural alternative to chemical-laden dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners, which can cause shrinkage over time. Expertly softens fabrics by separating clothes and allowing efficient airflow, reducing heat exposure and agitation. Reduces drying time by efficiently circulating air, minimizing shrink-risking heat.
TUMBLE DRY MEDIUM
Medium heat is ideal for permanent press or wrinkle-prone fabrics like professional clothing made of synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon. Light, thin cotton clothes like t-shirts can also benefit from moderate heat to help reduce shrinkage.
When compared to a heat pump dryer, a condenser dryer can be costly and is less energy efficient. Using a closed-loop heat exchange system, heat pump tumble dryers dry clothes at a lower temperature, keeping energy usage low and providing better protection for your laundry.
Choose the “Air Fluff” or “Tumble” Setting
For example, some dryers come with a “Tumble,” “Spin,” or “Air Dry” setting, which uses motion instead of heat to dry your clothes, helping to prevent the fiber damage that leads to shrinkage.
A vented tumble dryer will be more cost effective than a condenser in both the purchase and running stages, if you are able to find somewhere to run the hose externally. It will also dry your clothes more quickly than a condenser dryer, as it is not required to spend time converting the hot air into water.
A tumble dryer takes 1 hour to dry a typical 8kg load, costing 69p. A dehumidifier takes 6 hours to dry a typical 8kg load, but only costing 27p. These prices are calculated based on electricity costing 29p per Kw (based on the standard variable tariff as of January 2024).
How much does it cost to run a tumble dryer for an hour? According to Heatable, a 2500W tumble dryer costs about 85p to use for an hour. However, the tumble dryer cost per hour depends on the energy efficiency rating of your tumble dryer and the cost of energy at the time.
Covered airers cut drying times by almost half, but you can achieve a similar result by throwing a fitted sheet over the top, as long as there's a gap for moist air to escape. Whatever cover you use, I'd recommend removing it as soon as your clothes are dry.
Dunelm Heated Ladder Airer
I've set this up in my bathroom and use it for towels and to dry any excess laundry which can't fit on my main dryer – usually underwear. It doesn't get as warm as options higher up but it's great for drying damp towels in spring and autumn when it's not cold enough to turn on the radiator.
Without a cover, your heated airer will heat your clothes at around 60℃. With a cover, it will create an environment that's much warmer (typically around 70℃).
Choose Your Cycle Carefully
“A good general rule of thumb is to stick to cold and delicate cycles,” says LaLonde. “Cold cycles are the way to go to prevent shrinking. Most fabrics are much more susceptible to shrinking when exposed to high heats.”
Most sock materials can be washed in a washing machine and then dried in the tumble dryer. If you're ever in doubt, check the manufacturer's care instructions or dry them naturally. When washing and drying your socks, you should use a mesh wash bag to separate them from other clothes.