You should avoid putting wet clothes in the dryer whenever possible.
While there are certain instances in which it can be beneficial there are far too many risks associated with this practice.
It’s best to opt for air-drying when you’re in a rush as this will ensure that your clothes are safe and stay looking their best.
Benefits of Drying Wet Clothes in the Dryer
The primary benefit of drying wet clothes in the dryer is obvious: it is faster than air-drying.
When you are in a hurry throwing wet clothes in the dryer will get the job done much faster.
Additionally the heat of the dryer can help kill bacteria on the clothes making them a bit more sanitary.
Risks of Drying Wet Clothes in the Dryer
Drying wet clothes in the dryer can potentially cause damage to the clothes if not done correctly.
For example if the clothes are too wet when they are put in the dryer the heat of the dryer can cause the clothes to shrink or become misshapen.
Additionally putting too many wet clothes in the dryer at once can cause them to not dry evenly resulting in uneven wear and tear over time.
How to Safely Put Wet Clothes in the Dryer
If you choose to put wet clothes in the dryer there are several steps you should take to ensure that the clothes stay in good condition.
First wring out the clothes as best as possible to remove as much water as possible.
This will help reduce the risk of shrinkage.
Then put the clothes in the dryer but do not overstuff it.
Ideally the clothes should be spread out as much as possible to ensure even drying.
Lastly set the dryer to the appropriate setting for the type of fabric being dried.
When You Should Avoid Putting Wet Clothes in the Dryer
It’s best to avoid putting wet clothes in the dryer whenever possible especially if they’re made of synthetic fabrics.
These materials don’t respond well to the high temperatures of the dryer and can end up shrinking melting or losing their shape.
Additionally it’s important to avoid putting clothes with prominent colors in the dryer as the dye may run from the wet fabric and stain other clothes.
Will Soaking Wet Clothes Ruin A Dryer?
Yes soaking wet clothes can ruin a dryer.
But in most cases it’s not because of the water itself.
It’s actually because of the extra strain it puts on the dryer’s motor.
When you put a load of sopping wet clothes in the dryer the motor has to work harder to spin the drum and dry the clothes.
This extra strain can cause the motor to overheat and burn out.
To avoid this you should always spin your clothes in the washer before putting them in the dryer.
This will get rid of some of the excess water and make it easier for the dryer to do its job.
You should also always make sure that you’re not overloading the dryer.
The more clothes you put in the harder the motor has to work and the more likely it is to overheat.
Finally if you do find yourself in a situation where you have a load of soaking wet clothes try to put them in the dryer on the lowest heat setting.
This will help the motor from working too hard and protect it from overheating.
Conclusion
While you can put wet clothes in the dryer it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with doing so.
By following the proper steps you can safely and effectively put wet clothes in the dryer and get your clothes dry much faster.
