Did you know most British households use their tumble dryer two to three times a week? 

Tumble dryers are quickly becoming a staple in most UK homes, but one of the biggest concerns about using this appliance is wondering if it will shrink your clothes.

In this article, we answer this important question by explaining the science behind shrinkage and discussing how to prevent it.

Does a tumble dryer shrink clothes?

Shrinking in tumble dryers primarily occurs due to heat application, so the greater the heat, the more likely clothes are to shrink, depending on the fabric. 

All clothing responds differently to heat, so the question ‘Does a tumble dryer shrink clothes?’ can only be answered by comparing different fabrics.

Natural fibres, such as cotton and wool, are incredibly sensitive to high temperatures, so when exposed to high dryer heat, these materials tighten. This is what causes them to become smaller in the dryer.

Conversely, polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics are more heat-resistant and, therefore, less likely to shrink. 

Aside from the temperature, the other key factor that can contribute to shrinkage in tumble dryers is the mechanical action of the dryer. 

As clothes are tossed around the dryer, the movement can result in the fibres contracting, which leads to clothes appearing smaller and tighter. 

How to avoid shrinking clothes in the tumble dryer

Now that we’ve explained the science behind shrinkage and how it affects different fabrics, we can begin to explore some practical steps you can take to avoid clothes shrinking in the tumble dryer.

Low heat settings

One of the best ways to prevent shrinking is to use lower heat settings. More delicate fabrics are susceptible to shrinkage from heat, so applying lower temperatures can reduce this risk.

If you check your user manual, there will be information on low heat or delicate dryer settings for sensitive fabrics. 

Use dryer balls

Dryer balls are specially designed to improve airflow in the drum and reduce drying time by stopping clothes from clumping together. Adding a few balls to your load can reduce the risk of mechanical shrinkage.

Read vare labels

Care labels will always contain information about temperature guidelines and special instructions for your garments. By following these guidelines, you can protect your clothes and reduce the risk of shrinkage.

Remove clothes

Once your tumble dryer has completed the drying cycle, you can reduce the risk of shrinkage by immediately removing the clothes. By leaving them inside, they are exposed to excess heat, which can cause damage.

Air dry

For some clothing items, you may want to consider air drying them or laying them flat to dry. This ensures more delicate fabrics are protected from heat-related shrinkage and can be reshaped as they dry.

Need to upgrade your tumble dryer?

While tumble dryers can pose a small risk of shrinking garments, by understanding how shrinkage happens and implementing preventative measures, you can begin to use your dryer without fear of ruining your clothes!

If you are looking to upgrade your current model, why not explore Home Feeling’s range of tumble dryers?

If you have any questions or would like more information, don’t hesitate to contact our team today by sending an email to support@homefeeling.co.uk or by calling us on 01543 228622.