5 Fabrics You Should Never Put in a Dryer and What to Do Instead
By WeDoLaundry •We all love the dryer. It’s quick, convenient, and let’s be honest, it saves us from hanging clothes all over the house like our grandmothers did. But here’s the catch: not everything belongs in there. I learned this the hard way when one of my favorite sweaters came out looking like it was made for a toddler. It was heartbreaking… and a little funny, but mostly heartbreaking.
The truth is, some fabrics and dryers just don’t get along. They’re like oil and water put together, and disaster follows. And once that damage is done? You can’t reverse it. But the good news is, you can avoid it once you know which fabrics need special treatment.
Here are five types of fabric you should never throw into a dryer, plus what you should be doing instead.
1. Wool – Cozy Until the Dryer Gets Involved
If you’ve ever shrunk a wool sweater, you know the pain. One wash, one trip through the dryer, and suddenly it’s half the size it used to be. That’s because wool fibers tighten and lock together when exposed to heat and movement. It’s literally called “felting.” And no, there’s no real fix once that happens.
What you should do instead:
Wool loves gentle handling. After washing, press out the water gently — never twist it. Then lay the sweater flat on a towel, reshape it to its original size, and let it air dry. Yes, it takes longer. But it’s worth every second if it means keeping your cozy knits wearable.
Little trick I use: put the towel and sweater on a mesh rack near a fan. It speeds things up without the heat damage.
2. Silk – Too Fancy for the Dryer Life
Silk is basically the diva of the fabric world. Gorgeous, expensive, and… very sensitive. Put it in a dryer and you risk losing its shine, shape, and strength. I once ruined a silk blouse that way — it came out dull, slightly stiff, and just sad.
What to do instead:
Silk loves the air. Hang it up somewhere cool and shaded, or lay it flat on a towel. If it’s dripping wet, roll it gently in a dry towel first. And if it wrinkles, don’t panic — a little steam works wonders.
Pro tip: never hang silk in direct sunlight. It fades faster than you think.
3. Lace – Delicate Means Delicate
If lace could talk, it would probably beg you not to toss it in a dryer. The tumbling and heat are just too much for those fragile little threads. You risk stretching it out, snagging it, or tearing it altogether.
Here’s a better way:
Lay lace pieces flat on a towel and let them air dry. For dresses or lingerie, a mesh drying rack keeps them in shape. And before drying, always wash lace inside a mesh laundry bag — it’s a simple trick that prevents most accidents before they happen.
4. Activewear & Spandex – Stretchy Doesn’t Mean Indestructible
Here’s a sneaky one: your leggings, sports bras, and stretchy tops. They seem durable, but high heat is their enemy. It breaks down the elastic fibers, which means your gear starts sagging and losing its shape.
Better approach:
Air dry activewear flat or hang it up somewhere airy. If you’re in a rush, the “no-heat” or “air fluff” setting is okay, but avoid regular heat. And here’s something most people don’t know — heat also damages the sweat-wicking finish, which means your gym clothes stop doing their job properly.
5. Rayon – The Shape-Shifter That Loses Its Way
Rayon is sneaky. It’s soft and flowy, but it’s also very sensitive to heat. Toss it in a dryer and it might shrink, stretch, or morph into a shape you don’t recognize. Once it’s misshapen, there’s not much you can do to fix it.
What to do instead:
Lay rayon garments flat on a towel and reshape them gently. If you prefer hanging, support the fabric well to avoid stretching. And if it’s wrinkled afterward, use a cool iron from the inside out, never hot.
Quick PSA: blends with rayon sometimes survive the dryer, but always check the label. When in doubt, air dry it.
An Extra Piece of Advice: Be Aware of Prints and Accents
Details like sequins, patterns, or glued embellishments may not be dryer-safe, even if the fabric is. Adhesives can melt or designs can break when heated. It's a terrible way to part with a cherished garment.
Made a Mistake Already? Try This.
If you’ve already shrunk something (don’t worry, it happens to all of us), there’s a small trick you can try. Soak the item in lukewarm water with a bit of baby shampoo or conditioner. Gently stretch it back into shape while it’s damp. It doesn’t always work — but sometimes, it’s just enough to save the day.
Final Thought: When in Doubt, Skip the Dryer
The dryer is a convenience, not a catch-all solution. A few extra minutes of care can keep your clothes looking new for years. Always check the care label, and if it says “air dry only” — trust it. Your wardrobe (and your wallet) will thank you.
Or… Let Us Handle the Hard Part
Or... Let's take care of the difficult part. We can help if you find it difficult to recall all of these fabric guidelines. WeDo Laundry does laundry the proper way, which means no stretching, shrinking, or guesswork. We know just how to give every fabric the attention it needs, whether it's silks, wool, sportswear, or delicates. Leave your laundry at the door, schedule a pickup, and let us handle the rest.
