Heres how to correctly use the heat prefs on your dryer to avoid damaging clothes and linens.
Is it ever a good idea to dry clothes on high heat?
These are great questions with less-than-straightforward answers.
Credit: Adam Albright
Each has a different temperature and cycle time.
Heres how to use the heat options to your laundrys advantage.
What Can Dry on High Heat?
Depending on the appliance’s make and model, high heat temperatures can range from 140F to 150F.
Towels and heavy work clothes are usually safe to dry in the dryer at high temperatures.
However, some items shouldnt be dried on high heat orput in the dryerat all.
Delicate or heat-sensitive fabrics, like lace,leather, and wool, can be damaged by high heat.
For example, sequins or clothing with iron-on decals should air-dry.
What Can Dry on Medium Heat?
Medium heat usually corresponds to the permanent press option, with temperatures ranging from 130F to 135F.
Permanent press is ideal forwrinkle-prone itemsbecause drying them at slightly lower temperatures prevents creases from setting in.
Medium heat works well for synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon.
What Can Dry on Low Heat?
Low-heat temperatures can range from 120F to 125F, which correspond to delicate or gentle dryer controls.
Remember, lower temperatures also mean longer drying times.
Many dryers also have no-heat options, such as air dry or air fluff cycles.
These options can fluff up textiles like blankets or area rugs or remove dust and lint from garments.
These low-to-no heat controls prevent damage from high temperatures in the drying process.
Theyre ideal for delicate, dryer-safe items and high-performance materials like waterproof or fireproof clothing.
For those protecting their denim,jeanscan also be dried at low temperatures to stay durable.
When Should You Change the Heat controls?
To sanitize items, set the dryer to a high temperature to kill germs and bacteria.
Newer dryers might have a sanitize or steam sanitize setting.
A permanent press setting wont completelyremove wrinkles from fabrics, but it may reduce wrinkles and pilling.
Hot dryer temperatures can cause dark clothing to transfer color to light or white items.
This can be beneficial if you want to dye clothing.
However, if whites and colors are mixed in the laundry, dry them on low or no heat.
Remember that the dryer temperature should mainly be based on the fabric or material.
