7 Items You Should Never Put Through the Dryer

Laundry is a universal task that all of us have to do all the time. But, life is busy, and sometimes we make mistakes. We’ve all accidentally put a favorite shirt or pair of leggings in the dryer when it should've been hung to dry instead. But beyond just accidentally shrinking or wearing down our clothing, there are also unexpected items that shouldn't be put in the dryer because doing so could damage the appliance itself, which is a costly and inconvenient mistake to make.

Want to keep your appliance and wardrobe in tip-top shape? Here’s what you should never put in the dryer.

Rubber

Brian Jones, ASKO Product Expert and VP of Marketing, says that some items shouldn't be put through the dryer because it will shorten their lifespan. “This includes anything with rubber such as shoes with a rubber sole, bath mats, or rugs with a rubber backing because the rubber will melt and distort.”

Spandex

Jones also says it's best to avoid putting anything with Spandex through the dryer, including activewear, bras, and swimwear. “The Spandex material will stretch and lose its elasticity,” he explains.

Delicate Clothing

Delicate clothing made from silk, leather, or wool, and anything with embellishments (such as beaded items) should never be put in the dryer as the high heat can damage them beyond repair.

Sandy Items

Shrinking a t-shirt because you accidentally put it in the dryer is one thing, but damaging your dryer because you’re trying to dry something you shouldn’t is something else entirely. “For example, sandy clothes and towels should be air-dried rather than run through the dryer because the sand can damage the machine,” Jones says.

Pet-Hair-Covered Items

Items with an excess of pet hair, like your dog’s blanket, can also be detrimental to your appliance. These should be air-dried because pet hair can lead to excessive lint and potentially be a fire hazard.

Oil- or Gas-Stained Items

“Clothing and items with oil or gas stains can be a fire hazard in the dryer as well,” Jones says. It’s also a smart idea to clean out your lint trap between cycles or vacuum out your dryer for a deep clean a few times a year.

Canvas Sneakers

Did you wash your canvas sneakers in the washing machine? Jones tells me those shouldn’t be put in the dryer. “The heat will melt the glue holding them together and greatly decrease the lifespan of the shoe.”

Plus, One Item You Actually Can (and Should!) Put In the Dryer

Think you need to send that button-down shirt to the dry cleaner? Think again and save a few bucks. According to Jones, button-downs are an item of clothing that most people typically don’t put in the dryer to avoid wrinkles, but on the right settings, it should be totally fine. “Put the shirt in on a permanent press cycle and remove promptly once dried,” he says.