There’s no worse feeling than pulling a clean load of laundry out of the dryer and finding your clothes shrunken or laden with snags. 

While there unfortunately isn’t too much to do to fix these damaged items, you can get ahead of it. The next time you do laundry, make sure these items aren’t in your basket.

1. Spandex 

Swimwear, exercise clothing, and some bras are typically made of stretchy spandex materials. By placing them in the dryer, you're subjecting these often-pricey pieces to harsh spins and heat that can damage the elasticity in the fabric. 

2. Bras

Desperate for your bra to dry quickly before you leave the house? We've been there, too. Unfortunately, the dryer isn't the best place to do the job. Dryers can warp and stretch virtually all parts of a bra—the underwire, straps, and overall shape of the item. You're better off laying it flat and waiting out the air dry.

3. Silk 

Silk—whether in the form of a blouse or pillow case—is a delicate fabric. Heat from the dryer can damage the silk fibres or cause the item to shrink.

4. Wool 

This one depends. Some wool materials can be placed in the dryer on a low tumble cycle, while others will be quick to shrink in the heated space. Check the care label of the item to be sure. 

5. Lace

Generally, it’s not recommended to place lace in the dryer. This delicate fabric can easily snag, rip, or burn during a drying cycle.

6. Faux Fur

Unfortunately, you shouldn’t put faux fur in the dryer. The heat can melt or damage the synthetic fibres.

7. Tights or Pantyhose

Similar to lace, the thin material of tights can easily get snagged in the dryer. It’s best to lay them flat to air dry. 

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