Leaving clothes in the dryer after the cycle is finished is not recommended for a few reasons:
- Wrinkling: Clothes that are left in the dryer after the cycle is finished will become wrinkle, making them harder to iron or fold.
- Mildew: If clothes are left in the dryer for a long period of time, they can develop mildew or a musty smell. This is especially true if the clothes are damp or humid.
- Damage: Leaving clothes in the dryer for a long period of time can cause damage to the clothes. The heat and agitation of the dryer can cause fabric to shrink, fade, or become misshapen.
- Fire hazard: If clothes are left in the dryer for a long period of time, they can become a fire hazard if the dryer is not properly maintained or if the lint filter is not cleaned regularly.
It’s best to remove clothes from the dryer as soon as the cycle is finished and fold or hang them up. If you can’t remove clothes from the dryer immediately, it’s a good idea to fluff them up and let them cool down for a few minutes before folding or hanging them up.
It’s also important to check the dryer every time you use it and clean the lint filter and venting system regularly to reduce the risk of a fire hazard.
How to dry clothes quicker in the dryer
There are a few ways to dry clothes quicker in a dryer:
- Use the highest heat setting allowed for the type of fabric. Having said that, you can also lower the heat and increase the time if you’re concerned about energy usage.
- Clean the lint filter before each use, as a clogged filter can slow down the drying process and can also become a fire hazard.
- Use wool dryer balls, which can help reduce static and speed up drying time.
- Use the “fluff” or “no heat” setting on your dryer to fluff up clothes and remove wrinkles before they are fully dry.
- Dry similar items together, as this allows the dryer to evenly distribute heat.
- Dry larger items, such as comforters or blankets, alone to ensure they dry thoroughly.
- Use the time dry option instead of the automatic dry option.
- Use the moisture sensor: Modern dryers have a moisture sensor which will shut the machine off when clothes are dry rather than continuing to tumble. This saves energy and time since you can more quickly change loads.
If possible, dry clothes outside on a clothesline or drying rack. It’ll save money and in the case of delicates, it might help to extend their lifespan.
Final thoughts
One thing you may not know about your clothes dryer is that it can be more energy efficient if you use it with a clothesline or drying rack. Air-drying clothes can save a significant amount of energy compared to using a dryer, especially if you have a large family and do a lot of laundry.
Another thing you may not know is that dryers, especially older models, can be a fire hazard if not properly maintained. The lint filter should be cleaned before every use, and the vent and exhaust duct should be cleaned regularly to prevent a buildup of lint.
Additionally, many modern dryers come with a moisture sensor, which helps to prevent over-drying by sensing when clothes are dry and shutting off the machine. This can save energy and can also help to prevent shrinkage and damage to your clothes.
Also, if you have a gas dryer, make sure to have it serviced by a professional to ensure it is working safely and efficiently.