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When it comes to laundry day, the dryer seems like the obvious catch-all solution for quickly drying your clothes. Though it’s tempting to simply toss everything from the washer straight into the dryer, certain items should never make a trip through the drying machine. From delicate fabrics to fire hazards, some things just don’t belong in the dryer.

1. Sweaters

In the world of laundry, nothing is more delicate than the knitted yarn of a favorite sweater. When washed improperly, knitted fabrics can permanently lose their shape due to shrinking, stretching, and pilling. To keep your sweater looking its best, it’s important to wash it gently (preferably by hand or on a delicate cycle in cold water).

2. Wool

Wool is a go-to fabric for cozy warmth during the colder months, but it’s also notorious for shrinking. To keep your woolen pieces in their original size, you should generally avoid the dryer. However, for some bulkier pieces, like blankets or coats, it’s OK to toss them in the dryer on a gentle cycle to speed things up without causing damage.

3. Leather, Suede, and Faux Leather

Leather, suede, and faux leather are materials that should never be cleaned with water or put in the dryer. These fabrics are not meant for wet cleaning, as moisture can damage their texture and appearance. The high heat of a dryer can also cause them to crack, melt, or lose their shape.

4. Bras

Throwing your favorite bra in the dryer might seem like a time-saver, but the heat can wreak havoc on its delicate structure. The elastic in the bands and straps can lose its stretch, leaving you with a bra that no longer fits well. Even on a low setting, the dryer can cause the underwire to warp, leaving you with an uncomfortable bra that’s lost its shape.

5. Activewear

It may seem like activewear could withstand the trials of a dryer cycle. After all, it holds up against the wear and tear of the sun, your sweat, and endless levels of high-energy movements. However, the high heat can damage the fabric’s elasticity and also diminish its moisture-wicking properties.

6. Silk, Lingerie, and Lace

Delicate fabrics like silk, lingerie, and lace require special care while washing. These items should always be air-dried to avoid any damage, and you should never wring out the fabric or hang it to dry, as this can distort the shape and ruin the material.

7. Faux Fur

Faux fur is easily known for its soft texture and fluffy appearance, but only when properly cared for. When wet, faux fur can quickly become matted or clumpy, which can damage its texture.

8. Sequined and beaded clothes

Even if the material of a garment is safe for the dryer, items adorned with sequins or beads can create a lot of problems when exposed to high heat. Beads and sequins, whether glued on or delicately sewn, can detach, melt, or lose their shape.

9. Tights

Tights are made from a thin, stretchy material, making them an ideal accessory for layered fashion looks or athletic activities. However, this also means they’re much too delicate for a trip through the dryer, as the mesh material can easily tangle or even shrink.

(Better Homes and Gardens is a magazine and website devoted to ideas and improvement projects for your home and garden, plus recipes and entertaining ideas. Online at www.bhg.com.)

©2025 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.