What Not to Put in the Tumble Dryer: 5 Mistakes to Avoid to Save Your Laundry

Remember that jumper you loved so much, the one that came out of the tumble dryer small enough to fit into a child's wardrobe? Or that swimsuit that suddenly decided to lose its shape?

The tumble dryer is one of the handiest appliances to have at home: it cuts down the time you spend on laundry, puts an end to clothes hanging out to dry for days, and becomes a particularly valuable ally in winter. But however efficient it may be, it can't work miracles. And it certainly doesn't get along with every material!

Knowing what not to put in the tumble dryer is essential if you want to avoid shrinking, misshapen clothes and nasty surprises when the cycle ends. Some fabrics don't respond well to heat, others to the movement of the drum, while certain materials can even pose a safety risk.

How can you recognise them? Your first clue is always the care label. We've put together a super-handy guide for you just above.

But which garments and items need extra care? Let's discover the 5 most common mistakes to avoid when using a tumble dryer, with a few practical tips to protect your laundry without giving up the convenience!

1. Wool, silk and delicate fabrics: when heat isn't your friend

Let's start with the garments that need a little extra attention. Wool, cashmere, silk and viscose are materials that, depending on how they're made and the characteristics of the fabric, may not react well to the heat and mechanical action of the tumble dryer.

The risk? Ending up with a felted jumper, a misshapen blouse or a garment that's noticeably smaller than when you bought it. And unfortunately, there's not always a way to fix it!

That doesn't mean, however, that every delicate fabric has to be air-dried. Modern heat pump tumble dryers may offer specific programmes for wool, silk and other sensitive materials, designed to control the temperature and drum movement. Some models even offer Woolmark-certified wool cycles, developed to treat this fibre with particular care.

So what should you do? First of all, check that both the garment's care label and the tumble dryer's instructions allow it. If they're compatible, choose the dedicated programme, respect the maximum load and remove the clothes as soon as the cycle ends.

Otherwise, it's best to let them dry naturally, following the fabric manufacturer's instructions. Many wool jumpers, for example, should be dried flat to help prevent them from losing their shape under the weight of the wet fabric.

2. Swimwear, tights and stretchy clothes: watch out for the fit!

Swimsuits, bras, tights and sportswear may contain elastane and other stretch fibres which, if exposed to unsuitable temperatures, can gradually lose their properties.

The result can be fabric that fits less snugly, becomes distorted or can no longer spring back into its original shape. With underwear, you also need to consider underwires, padding and other particularly delicate components that could be damaged during the cycle.

For swimsuits and particularly delicate underwear, air-drying is often the safest choice. After washing, gently remove excess water, without vigorously wringing the fabric, and let the garments dry according to the instructions on the label.

But be careful not to generalise: not every synthetic material is unsuitable for the tumble dryer. Some polyester sportswear, for example, can be tumble-dried, provided the manufacturer allows it and you select the appropriate programme.

Waterproof or breathable technical garments deserve special mention: some require specific care and, in certain cases, controlled drying can help maintain the properties of their coating. That's why it's essential to follow the instructions for the individual item.

So before sentencing all your leggings to life on the drying rack, it's worth taking a peek at the label!

3. Prints, sequins and embellishments: not everything that sparkles loves the tumble dryer

A T-shirt with a special print, a dress decorated with beads or a sweatshirt finished with heat-bonded details may seem perfectly harmless. And yet, once inside the drum, they could become the stars of a minor household disaster.

During drying, heat and friction can weaken adhesives, cause decorations to come off or damage more delicate prints. Some rigid or metal embellishments could also catch on other clothes.

Particular care is also needed with garments featuring leather, faux-leather or plastic-coated inserts, materials that can warp, crack or deteriorate when exposed to unsuitable temperatures.

The golden rule is always the same: read your garments' care labels and check your tumble dryer's programmes. Simple and painless.

Also, turning a garment inside out, when recommended, can help reduce friction on embellishments, but it won't eliminate the risks posed by heat. Likewise, choosing a gentle programme doesn't automatically make a garment suitable for tumble-drying if its label says otherwise.

4. Shoes, bath mats and pillows: the drum isn't made for everything

The tumble dryer is mainly designed for fabrics, but it's easy to understand the temptation to use it for other things too. Wet trainers, bath mats and pillows... I know, life is too short and full of surprises to wait for everything to dry on its own.

But the problem here isn't just the outer fabric: it's also the presence of rubber, latex, foam, plastic or glued components that could deteriorate during the cycle.

Take shoes, for example. Heat can warp the soles (trust me, I'm speaking from experience...), weaken adhesives and damage some upper materials. And as they tumble around inside the drum, they can create bumps and noises that are anything but reassuring.

Bath mats with rubber backing are another item to approach with caution: heat and mechanical action can cause the backing to peel away or deteriorate. Even greater care is needed with pillows containing foam rubber or latex, which many tumble dryer manufacturers explicitly exclude for safety reasons, including the risk of fire.

That doesn't mean every pillow or pair of shoes is off-limits. Some appliances offer special programmes and accessories, such as dedicated shoe-drying racks, which should only be used with compatible items.

Now scroll back up and read the golden rule again!

5. Oils, solvents and flammable substances: mistakes you must never make

While the main risk in the previous cases was damage to your clothes, we're now moving on to something far more important: safety.

Never put clothes contaminated with flammable substances in the tumble dryer, including petrol, solvents, paint thinners, stain removers and other potentially dangerous chemicals.

Garments soaked with oils and grease, including cooking oils, also deserve particular attention. These substances can leave residues trapped in the fibres even after washing and, under certain conditions, lead to self-heating and fire.

Think, for instance, of tea towels used to soak up large quantities of cooking oil, or work clothes that have come into contact with lubricants and chemicals.

The right treatment depends on the substance and the manufacturer's instructions: some manuals require a thorough pre-wash with hot water and detergent for certain types of contamination, while others impose stricter restrictions.

That's why you should never assume that an ordinary wash automatically makes contaminated clothes safe. If hazardous residues remain or the manual prohibits tumble-drying, keep those items out of the drum.

One more precaution concerns the final part of the programme: many tumble dryers include a cooling phase, which is important for lowering the laundry's temperature. You should therefore allow the cycle to finish.

The 7 Best-Selling Tumble Dryers at Vieffetrade

Now that we've discovered what not to put in the tumble dryer and which precautions to take, a question naturally comes to mind: how do you choose a model that looks after your clothes without making life more complicated?

Modern tumble dryers offer increasingly advanced solutions for different types of laundry, with moisture sensors, dedicated programmes and technologies that help control drying conditions.

Heat pump tumble dryers, for example, generally work at lower temperatures than traditional resistance-heater models. Moisture sensors, meanwhile, can automatically adjust the cycle duration, helping prevent clothes from drying longer than necessary.

If you often wash special-care items, it's worth looking for programmes designed for wool, synthetics, sportswear or duvets, always remembering that no technology can override the restrictions on a care label.

Of course, load capacity, energy consumption and appliance dimensions are also important factors to consider.

To help you find the option that best suits your needs, we've selected the 7 best-selling tumble dryers.

1. Bosch WQG243DRII Series 6 Tumble Dryer

Spacious, efficient and designed to take good care of your fabrics, the Bosch WQG243DRII Series 6 is a 9 kg heat pump tumble dryer in energy class C, ideal for making everyday laundry easier. Thanks to AutoDry technology, sensors monitor moisture and automatically adjust the drying process, so clothes aren't exposed to heat unnecessarily. The Sensitive Drying system ensures gentle, even drying, while the Super40 programme can dry small loads in just 40 minutes.

There are also functions designed for duvets, wool, sportswear and delicate fabrics, along with the Hygiene Plus programme, the Half Load option and bi-directional drum rotation to help prevent bed sheets from tangling. Completing the package are an inverter motor, EasyClean filter, Anti-Crease function, LED drum lighting and an elegant anthracite-grey finish.

2. Candy CSOE H10A2DE-S Smart Pro Tumble Dryer

Designed for anyone with mountains of laundry and no time to waste, the Candy CSOE H10A2DE-S Smart Pro is a 10 kg heat pump tumble dryer combining generous capacity, convenience and smart features. Its highlight is its 7 quick cycles, including programmes such as Daily Perfect 59', Quotidiano 45' and Risparmio 30', ideal even for the busiest days. The Woolmark-certified Wool programme takes care of delicate garments, while Sport Plus is designed for technical fabrics and Refresh helps freshen up clothes.

With Kilo Detector, the dryer adapts the cycle to the load, while Super Easy Iron helps reduce creases and tangles, making ironing easier. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, through the hOn app, gives you access to additional features and programmes. The practical EasyCase water collection tank, built into the door, and a delay start of up to 24 hours complete the package.

3. Samsung DV90DG6845LKU3 AI Control Tumble Dryer

Smart technology, low energy consumption and maximum attention to fabrics: the Samsung DV90DG6845LKU3 AI Control is a 9 kg heat pump tumble dryer in energy class A, using just 79 kWh per 100 cycles. The AI Dry+ programme recognises different fabric types and automatically adjusts drying conditions, while OptimalDry technology monitors moisture to help prevent overdrying.

Thanks to AI Control and Wi-Fi connectivity with SmartThings, the appliance suggests programmes suited to your habits, while AI Energy mode helps monitor and reduce consumption. Its many cycles include Quick Dry 35', Wool, Delicates, Outdoor, Bedding and Hygiene Care, as well as Air Refresh to freshen up garments. Rounding off the features are the Digital Inverter motor, Anti-Crease function, Diamond Drum, reversible door and convenient interior LED lighting.

4. Electrolux EW9H41AY PerfectCare 900 Tumble Dryer

Large loads, low energy consumption and fabric care that leaves nothing to chance: the Electrolux EW9H41AY PerfectCare 900 is a 10 kg heat pump tumble dryer in energy class A, equipped with an Inverter motor and CycloneCare technology, which distributes warm air evenly throughout the drum. The innovative 3DSense system detects moisture even deep inside thicker fabrics, providing thorough drying for jackets and duvets, while DelicateCare adjusts the temperature and drum movements to protect wool and silk, with Woolmark Green certification.

With SmartSave, you can save up to 50 minutes or 20% of energy, according to the manufacturer's test conditions. Available programmes include Mix 5 kg 69 min, Hygiene, Wool, Silk, Outdoor, Duvets and Bed Linen XL. Completing the features are Wi-Fi connectivity with the Electrolux app, the EasyClean filter, Anti-Crease function, delay start and a low noise level of 61 dB.

5. Whirlpool C WD 96M WBS IT Tumble Dryer

Quiet, smart and designed to care for even the most delicate garments, the Whirlpool C WD 96M WBS IT is a 9 kg heat pump tumble dryer in an elegant white finish with a Piano Black door. Rated energy class A, it consumes just 79 kWh per 100 cycles. 6th SENSE technology, together with Precision Dry, monitors moisture and temperature to automatically adjust drying conditions, while Silent Spin reduces the noise made by buttons and zips as the drum rotates. The IronTouch system uses steam to relax fibres and reduce creases, making ironing easier.

Thanks to Adaptive Dry and Wi-Fi connectivity with the HomeWhiz app, you can personalise drying cycles to suit your preferences. Programmes include Wool, Jeans, Synthetics, Eco Cotton, Delicates, Sport, Quick, Refresh and Duvets. Completing the features are an Inverter motor, bi-directional drum rotation, interior lighting, delay start of up to 24 hours and a low noise level of just 60 dB.

6. Samsung DV16DG8600BVU3 AI Control 16 kg Tumble Dryer

Extraordinary capacity, smart technology and programmes for every need: the Samsung DV16DG600BVU3 AI Control is a remarkable 16 kg tumble dryer in energy class C, ideal for large families and drying big loads, including duvets and bulky bed linen. Its innovative Hybrid Heat Pump technology combines a heat pump with an electric heating element to speed up heating, while AI Dry monitors temperature and moisture, automatically adjusting the drying process.

The AI Control system, with Wi-Fi and the SmartThings app, personalises your experience and lets you activate AI Energy mode, which can reduce energy consumption by up to 20%, according to the manufacturer's tests. Standout programmes include Pet Care, which removes up to 96.3% of pet hair under the stated test conditions, Hygiene Care+ for hygienic care, Air Bedding Care, Wool, Delicates, Outdoor, Jeans, Bedding and Sportswear. Other features include the Diamond Drum, three-layer filtration system, dedicated rack for shoes and wool, interior LED lighting and Anti-Crease function.

7. Beko BMGT4122SBI Tumble Dryer

Generous capacity and versatile programmes to care for all sorts of laundry: the Beko BMGT4122SBI is a 12 kg heat pump tumble dryer in energy class E, designed for large families and anyone dealing with particularly big loads. The ProSmart Inverter motor delivers efficient, reliable operation, while the OptiSense sensor detects moisture levels to automatically adjust drying.

EcoGentle technology helps preserve fabric colours, while the AquaWave drum, with its distinctive wave-like motion, is designed to treat clothes more gently. Among the 15 available programmes you'll find Wool, Delicates, Jeans, Outdoor/Sport, Duvets, Gentle Care for shirts and Xpress Super Short, which gets two shirts ready for ironing in around 30 minutes. There are also Hygienic Drying and Hygienic Refresh for hygienic fabric care, plus the Silent programme to help keep noise down. Completing the package are the Fusion filter, bi-directional drum rotation, interior LED lighting and the option to connect a direct condensate drain.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About What Not to Put in the Tumble Dryer

How can you tell whether a garment can go in the tumble dryer?

Check its care label. The tumble-drying symbol is a square with a circle inside. If it's crossed out, tumble-drying is not allowed; one dot indicates low heat, while two dots indicate normal heat. Remember that having a delicate programme on your appliance doesn't mean you can tumble-dry garments that are explicitly labelled as unsuitable.

Can you put jeans in the tumble dryer?

Yes, many jeans can be tumble-dried, provided the care label allows it. However, it's important to choose a suitable programme, as excessive heat can cause shrinkage and changes in the fabric, especially in styles containing stretch fibres. To minimise these problems, it's best to avoid overly intensive cycles and prolonged drying.

Does cotton shrink in the tumble dryer?

It can, especially with certain untreated cotton garments and at high temperatures. T-shirts, sweatshirts and other items may change size. To reduce the risk, follow the care label, select the right programme and avoid overdrying your clothes.

Can you tumble-dry down jackets and duvets?

It depends on the item. Many padded jackets and some duvets can be tumble-dried using specific programmes, as long as the care label allows it. It's important to choose a dryer with adequate capacity and make sure the filling is completely dry before putting the item away. Incomplete drying can lead to unpleasant smells and trapped moisture.

Can you put trainers in the tumble dryer?

Not all of them. Heat and drum movement can damage soles, adhesives and synthetic materials. Some tumble dryers have dedicated programmes or accessories for shoes, but it's essential to check that the footwear is suitable for this treatment. Otherwise, it's best to let it air-dry, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Can polyester go in the tumble dryer?

Yes, many polyester garments are suitable for tumble-drying. However, because polyester is a synthetic fibre, it's important not to exceed the temperatures allowed on the care label. Synthetic or delicate programmes may be suitable, depending on the garment. Pay particular attention to elastic inserts, prints and embellishments too.

Are heat pump tumble dryers gentler on clothes?

Heat pump tumble dryers generally operate at lower temperatures than traditional resistance-heater models, potentially offering gentler fabric care. This can help limit heat damage, especially when they include dedicated programmes and moisture sensors. However, that doesn't automatically make every garment suitable for tumble-drying: care label instructions are still essential.

What happens if you tumble-dry something that shouldn't go in the dryer?

The consequences depend on the material. The fabric may shrink, lose its shape, become felted or lose elasticity; prints and embellishments may come off, while rubber or foam components may deteriorate. Incompatible materials or substances can also create safety risks. That's why it's always important to follow both the garment's care label and the tumble dryer's manual.

Contact Details and Useful Links

And once again today, we've helped save a lovely little blouse covered in sequins.

Looking for the truly perfect tumble dryer for you? Explore our catalogue! You can filter by the best brands, load capacity and energy class: save time and find exactly what you're looking for. If you have any questions, our consultants are always happy to help: don't hesitate to get in touch!

And if other household dilemmas have been on your mind, here's a selection of articles you might enjoy:

• How Many kW Are Needed to Heat 100 sqm? The Correct Calculation and 8 Essential Tips
• How Much Electricity Does a Tumble Dryer Use? Complete Guide + 5 Models to Know
• How to Clean the Washing Machine: 7 Steps to Get Rid of Dirt and Bad Odours

Until the next dilemma!

Your Vieffetrade Team