No dryers do not shrink clothes.
While the heat in a dryer can cause some types of fabrics to shrink this is not the primary cause of clothes shrinking.
When you put clothes in the dryer the heat from the dryer can cause some fabrics to shrink.
This is because the heat causes the fabric fibers to contract making the fabric shorter and tighter.
However this shrinking is usually not significant and will not be the primary cause of clothes shrinking.
The primary cause of clothes shrinking is usually the way they are washed.
If clothes are washed in hot water and/or dried on high heat they will almost certainly shrink.
This is because the heat causes the fibers of the fabric to contract resulting in a shorter and tighter garment.
It is also important to note that some fabrics are more likely to shrink than others.
For example natural fibers like cotton and wool are much more likely to shrink than synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon.
In order to minimize the risk of clothes shrinking it is important to read the care instructions on the clothing label and follow them.
If the care instructions indicate that the item should be washed in cold water and dried on low heat it is best to follow these instructions.
How Does a Dryer Shrink Clothes?
The answer to this question is simple.
A dryer shrinks clothes by applying heat and tumbling in a rotating drum.
The combination of these two things removes moisture from your clothing and causes the fabric to contract.
This contracting of fabric is what causes clothes to shrink when placed in a dryer.
What Types of Clothes are Prone to Shrinking in the Dryer?
Unfortunately not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to dryer shrinking.
Clothes made of natural materials like cotton and wool are most vulnerable to shrinking in the dryer because they contain more moisture than synthetic fabrics.
How Can You Minimize the Chance of Shrinking Clothes in the Dryer?
If you want to minimize the chance of shrinking your clothes in the dryer there are a few things you can do.
First make sure to read the label on your clothes and read the manufacturer’s instructions.
It’s important to know if your clothes are machine washable and if they should be dried in the dryer.
Second select the lowest heat setting on your dryer and use the ‘delicate’ or ‘permanent press’ cycle.
For particularly vulnerable items you may want to air dry them or use a clothesline.
Finally make sure to remove your clothes from the dryer as soon as they are done.
This will help prevent them from getting overly dried out and shrinking.
Final Thoughts
So do dryers shrink clothes? The answer is yes but with a few precautions you can minimize the chances of shrinking your clothes in the dryer.
By following the manufacturer’s instructions selecting the right settings and removing your clothes from the dryer as soon as they are done you can avoid the dreaded dryer shrinkage.