Dryers are a common household appliance that most people use on a regular basis. They are often used to quickly dry clothes and sheets. However, there are some things you should never put in a dryer, even if they are wet. This post will take a look at some of the different items you should avoid putting in a dryer, as well as some of the dangers they may cause if you do! So before you toss your next load of laundry in, make sure to check this list first!
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How Does A Dryer Work?
Few appliances are as ubiquitous as the clothes dryer. Whether you live in a hot, humid climate or a cold, dry one, chances are you have a dryer in your home. But how does this handy appliance work? Clothes dryers operate by circulating hot air through the wet laundry. This hot air helps to evaporate the water from the clothes, and then the dryer transports the evaporated air out of the dryer via a vent.
In order to generate hot air, clothes dryers rely on either an electrical heating element or a gas burner. First, the heating element or burner heats up the air; then, a fan circulates the air. To prevent fires, most clothes dryers also have a built-in lint trap that catches any lint or other debris that might be circulating with the hot air.
By understanding how clothes dryers work, you can troubleshoot any problems that might arise and keep your appliance running smoothly for years to come.
Things You Should Never Put In The Dryer
Regardless of which type of dryer you have, there are some items that you should never put in there, as they can be dangerous and/or destroy the item. Here are a few things you should avoid putting in your dryer:
Bras
Many people assume that the best way to care for their bras is to toss them in the washing machine and then put them in the dryer. However, this is one of the worst things that you can do for your bras. The dryer’s high heat can cause the elastic bands to loosen, causing the bra to lose its shape and become stretched out. In addition, the heat can also damage the fabric and cause the color to fade.
If you must use a dryer, always use the lowest setting possible and remove your bras as soon as they are dry. For best results, however, it is always best to air dry your bras. Simply hang them up on a drying rack or clothesline, allowing them to air dry naturally. This will help to prolong their lifespan and keep them looking their best.
Silk Bed Sheets
Any garment made with silk is delicate and requires special care when cleaning. Silk is a protein fiber from the cocoons of silkworms. Unlike other fibers, such as cotton and wool, silk is sensitive to high temperatures, and heat can severely damage it. When exposed to heat, silk fibers will shrink, wrinkle, and break. Additionally, the bright colors of silk garments can fade when exposed to high temperatures.
For these reasons, it is important to never put silk bead sheets in the dryer. Instead, silk should be air-dried on a flat surface away from direct sunlight. Then, with proper care, your silk bead sheets will stay looking beautiful for years to come.
Tennis Shoes
If you’ve ever put your tennis shoes in the dryer, you may have noticed that they come out looking a bit different than when they went in. The material may be stiffer, the color may have faded, and the soles may be coming unglued. This is because although they make tennis shoes to withstand a lot of wear and tear, they don’t make them to withstand the high heat of a clothes dryer. The extreme heat can cause the material to break down, leading to premature aging of your shoes.
Furthermore, tennis shoes can wreak some serious havoc on your dryer. The small, hard objects can damage the blades of the dryer, causing them to break or bend. In addition, the shoes can become tangled in the dryer’s drum, causing the appliance to overheat and potentially catch fire. For these reasons, it is always best to air dry your tennis shoes.
Wool Sweaters
If you’ve ever shrunk a wool sweater in the dryer, you know how disappointing it can be. Not only does the sweater lose its shape, but it can also become scratchy and uncomfortable to wear. The good news is that there’s a simple way to avoid this problem: never put wool sweaters in the dryer. Instead, lay them flat to dry. This will help the sweater retain its shape and prevent shrinkage.
Additionally, wool is a natural fiber that breathes well, so it won’t take long for your sweater to dry if you lay it out in a warm room. With a bit of care, you can keep your wool sweaters looking new for years to come. Just be sure to follow the care instructions on the label.
Leather Jackets
Leather jackets are a wardrobe staple for many people. They are durable and stylish, and you can wear them in a variety of ways. However, leather jackets require special care to keep them looking their best. One mistake that many people make is putting their leather jackets in the dryer. The heat from the dryer can cause the leather to shrink, warp, and become brittle. In addition, the dryer will remove any lubricating oils from the jacket, making it more susceptible to damage.
If you need to remove wrinkles from your leather jacket, Hang it in the bathroom while you run a hot shower. The steam will help to loosen the fibers and relax the fabric. Once you’ve removed the wrinkles, let the jacket air dry completely before wearing it again. By taking care not to put your leather jacket in the dryer, you can extend its lifespan and ensure that it always looks its best.
Avoid Putting These Things In Your Dryer!
There are a few things that you should never put in your clothes dryer. And while this list doesn’t cover absolutely everything, it’s a good place to start. So next time you’re doing laundry, remember to take your delicate items out of the dryer and hang them up to dry. If you are ever unsure about whether or not an item can go in the dryer, be sure to check the care label. Following those guidelines, you can keep your clothes looking like new.
