It’s a question many of us have asked: can you dry clothes with an iron instead of a dryer? The answer isn’t quite as straightforward as you might think.
Let’s start with the basics.
Yes an iron can help to dry clothes.
But it’s important to understand that this isn’t a replacement for a dryer – it’s more of a supplemental drying option.
The Science Behind It
It’s all about the science.
When you use an iron you’re harnessing the power of thermal energy.
As the iron heats up it helps to evaporate the water in the wet fabric.
The key is to keep the iron moving.
In general you don’t want to keep the iron in one spot for too long as this can cause the fabric to scorch or even burn.
You also want to make sure that the iron isn’t too hot – otherwise you could end up with permanent damage to the fabric.
The Pros of Using an Iron
The major benefit of using an iron is that it’s a much cheaper option than a dryer.
If you don’t have access to a dryer or if you’re trying to save money an iron can be a great solution.
Also if you’re trying to preserve delicate fabrics an iron is probably a better choice than a dryer.
When you dry clothes in a dryer the heat and tumbling can damage and stretch delicate fabrics.
An iron is gentler so delicate fabrics are less likely to be damaged.
The Cons of Using an Iron
The major downside of using an iron is that it’s incredibly time-consuming.
A load of laundry in a dryer can be done in around 30 minutes but using an iron could take several hours.
Also an iron can be dangerous if not used correctly.
Since you’re dealing with hot metal and wet fabrics there’s a risk of burns or even fires.
It’s important to be very careful if you’re ironing wet clothes.
When to Use an Iron
If you’re in a pinch and need to dry your clothes quickly and cheaply an iron can be a useful option.
Just make sure you’re doing it safely and carefully.
In general though it’s usually better to use a dryer.
It’s faster safer and more convenient so unless you’re in a bind and need to dry clothes quickly it’s probably the best option.
The Bottom Line
So can you dry clothes with an iron instead of a dryer? The answer is yes – but with certain caveats.
An iron can be used to help reduce the moisture in a fabric but it’s best used as a supplemental option to a dryer.
It’s also important to understand the science behind it as well as the pros and cons of using an iron to dry clothes.