A tumble dryer isn't just press-start-and-walk-away. Do that and you'll end up with shrunken shirts, rough towels, and a higher energy bill. These 19 tips will help you get consistently good results while protecting your clothes and keeping running costs down.
Dryers have become a household essential. The ability to wash, dry, and wear something within a couple of hours is now a practical need, not a luxury. But you need to use the machine correctly to make it work for you.
Used carelessly, a dryer causes more problems than it solves.
Dryer tips: how to get the best results from your laundry
1. Read the manual
Most people assume they know how to use a dryer. Most people are wrong, especially when it comes to protecting delicate fabrics. Start by reading the instruction manual carefully. It covers every available function and programme for your specific model.
2. Match the heat setting to the fabric
Not everything should be dried on high heat. Excessive temperature causes shrinkage and fabric damage. Follow the manual and select the programme that suits the type of fabric you're drying.
3. Never overload the dryer
Clothes need room to dry properly. Even if your dryer has a large capacity, don't fill it completely. Laundry needs to tumble freely in the drum so heat can circulate evenly through every item.
4. Shake and sort items before loading
After washing, shake each item individually and separate heavy pieces from light ones, like thick towels and thin pyjamas, drying them in separate loads.
5. Lower the spin speed on your washing machine
One of the dryer's biggest advantages is reducing ironing. To make the most of that, use a lower spin speed so clothes come out of the wash wetter but less wrinkled. If you remove items slightly before the drying cycle ends and hang them up, you can often skip ironing altogether.
6. Check the care labels
Before putting anything in the dryer, check the care label. Some fabrics can't handle dryer heat at all. In other cases, using a laundry bag is the safer option.
7. Check for stains before drying
Never put a stained item in the dryer. Heat sets stains permanently into the fabric, making them far harder to remove afterwards. Check each piece carefully before loading.
8. Be careful with down items
Duvets and down jackets are delicate. Most dryers have dedicated programmes for them, but always check the label first and inspect progress every 15 to 20 minutes throughout the cycle.
9. Add essential oils for fresh-scented laundry
A simple extra tip: use essential oils or dryer-specific scent products, or add a few drops to wool dryer balls before tossing them in the drum. Your laundry will come out dry and pleasantly scented.
10. Clean the drum regularly
Frequent cycles create residual moisture that builds up and eventually causes unpleasant smells. Clean the drum once a month with a suitable cleaner or a solution of water and white vinegar.
Dryer tips: how to cut your electricity consumption
- When loading, separate light fabrics from heavy ones;
- Where possible, dry full loads to use energy efficiently;
- Running consecutive loads saves energy because the dryer doesn't need to heat up from cold each time;
- Don't add wet items to a partially dry load;
- Don't open the door unnecessarily during a cycle;
- Clean the moisture sensor at least once a month;
- Remove lint and fluff from the filter after every cycle;
- If possible, install the dryer in a warmer room;
- Clean the ventilation vents at least once a year.
Thinking about buying a new tumble dryer? Browse our current offers. Click here.