8 Clothes You Should Never Put in the Dryer

We’ve all been there – you toss your favorite sweater in the dryer, only to pull it out and find it has mysteriously shrunk down to toddler size. Total laundry fail, right? The truth is, while the dryer is super convenient, some fabrics and clothes just can’t handle the heat. 

Luckily, avoiding a wardrobe disaster is pretty easy if you know what to keep far away from your dryer. 

Let’s dive into 8 clothes you should never put in the dryer and what you should be doing instead!

Delicate Fabrics – Handle with Care!

Silk:
This elegant fabric might feel like a dream, but toss it in the dryer, and you’re looking at a wrinkle-filled nightmare. Heat damages silk fibers, causing those beautiful, sleek blouses to look more like crinkled wrapping paper. 

If you're in LA, the dry weather is perfect for air-drying your silk pieces, and you’ll want to hang-dry or lay them flat on a towel. 

For more info on how to dry silk clothes in Los Angeles, think about leveraging the sunny skies and skipping the dryer altogether.

Lace:
Lace can be super fragile. Heat can cause shrinkage, and those intricate patterns could fray or even break apart. If you’ve got a beautiful lace top or dress, keep it away from the dryer! Let it air-dry on a hanger or flat on a clean surface.

Items with Elastic – Don’t Let Them Snap!

Bras:
We all know a well-fitted bra can make or break your day. But if you throw it in the dryer, the elastic could get weak and stretch out, meaning it won’t offer the same support. 

Instead, air-dry your bras by hanging them or laying them flat. This is an especially good laundry tip for LA residents since the dry climate helps speed up the air-drying process.

Swimwear:
Between the chlorine from pools and the salty ocean, swimwear already goes through a lot. Tossing your bikini or trunks in the dryer just makes things worse! 

The heat will damage the elastic, and no one wants a saggy swimsuit. 

Rinse it after each wear and let it air-dry to keep everything snug and stretchy.

Wool & Cashmere – The Shrink Monsters

Wool Sweaters:
You know that adorable “my sweater shrank into a doll-sized top” problem? Yeah, that’s wool in the dryer. 

Wool fibers naturally contract when exposed to heat, and your oversized sweater can turn into something laughably small.

Instead, lay wool sweaters flat to dry and reshape them while they’re damp to keep their original fit.

Cashmere:
Oh, cashmere – soft, luxurious, and a total disaster in the dryer. The heat will ruin the delicate fibers and make your cashmere feel rough and stiff. 

For laundry tips for cashmere in Los Angeles, avoid the dryer at all costs! 

Gently roll the item in a towel to absorb excess water, then lay it flat to dry.

Embellished Clothes – Protect the Bling!

Sequined or Beaded Items:
You spent forever picking out the perfect outfit with all that sparkle, so why let the dryer ruin it? 

High heat can loosen or even melt embellishments, making your favorite party dress look dull and lifeless. 

Keep those sequins shining by air-drying your items on a hanger.

Anything with Adhesive – Stick to Air-Drying

Clothes with Decals or Iron-On Patches:
Whether it’s a trendy decal or your favorite logo shirt, heat is not your friend. 

The dryer can cause the adhesive to melt, making the designs crack, peel, or fall off. 

Want to keep your awesome designs looking fresh? Hang dry those items and skip the dryer altogether!

The Wrap-Up – Let’s Save Those Clothes!

Avoiding the dryer might seem like a hassle, but it’s a small price to pay for keeping your clothes looking brand new. Whether it’s your delicate silk top, your beloved wool sweater, or your sequined dress, air drying is the way to go. Especially in Los Angeles, where the weather is ideal for letting your clothes dry naturally.

And if you need a helping hand with all these no-dryer items? Look no further. Our Los Angeles laundry service has got your back, whether you’re looking for a residential laundry service in LA or need laundry for hotels in LA. We also provide laundry care for small businesses in LA, making sure every piece of fabric, from linens to luxury clothing, gets the treatment it deserves.

Ready to give your clothes the love they need? We’ve got pros who specialize in delicate fabric laundry care and can offer tips on how to dry clothes in Los Angeles weather. Whether you're dealing with tricky silk, sensitive cashmere, or just looking for solid laundry tips for LA residents, we’re here to help.

Need that extra TLC for your wardrobe? Sign up for our services today and say goodbye to laundry mishaps!