Life secrets for dryer magic
People like to see machines working instead of them. Save time drying clothes and use a tumble dryer. With the right machine, you will find it easier to take care of clean and well-groomed clothes in your household. When washing textiles and laundry, consider which clothes fit in the dryer and which can or even should be air-dried.
Even a straightforward machine like a dryer needs some attention if you want it to perform at its best. How you ask? Here are some tips from Gorenje masters.
Find a suitable spot for the dryer
As per just about every instruction manual, the tumble dryer should be kept in a well-ventilated area, where the temperature ranges between 10 and 30° C. Running the dryer at a lower ambient temperature is not advisable, as condensation may form inside the machine, which may damage the dryer. Also, place the dryer on a level and stable solid (preferably concrete) base. Since the dryer is heating up a bit, remember not to block its air exhaust. Placing the dryer on a carpet with long fibers is not a good idea as this may impede air circulation as well. Another thing to keep in mind is to install the dryer in such a way that the door can always be freely opened.
Full, but not overloaded
If possible, always fill the dryer to the top, as this will reduce energy (and time) consumption per kilogram of dried clothes and textiles. That said, you should always keep in mind not to exceed the allowable weight as it may overwork and damage the machine. This common mistake, a jam-packed dryer, is best avoided by not filling the dryer with clothes so wet that they still drip. Only tumble dry clothes that are well wrung out. The higher the spin cycle speed in the washing machine, the sooner the clothes will dry and the dryer will use less energy to dry them. Another thing, worth paying attention to, is to take a few moments to untangle and shake the washed clothes before loading up the dryer. Tangled items may not dry completely.
Know your clothes and drying preferences
It is good to remember to check whether a certain garment fits in the dryer or not – certain garments are too sensitive to be machine dried. You’ve been warned, please follow the drying care instructions/tags on the inside label of the clothes. Also, remember to only dry clothes that have been washed beforehand and have been washed with water and/or special detergents. Do not try to dry clothes that have been cleaned or washed with oil, dry cleaners, or other flammable substances. Before filling, make sure you have removed all metal parts, coins, lighters, and the like from the pockets.
Is anything else on the “do not dry” list? Sure. It is not recommended to dry pieces of textile or linen containing latex, rubber parts, bath caps, linen, and foam rubber covers. Quite some exceptions, huh? Putting the wrong things in the dryer may lead to some very sad and unfortunate consequences.
Mix & match? Yes, it’s possible.
To keep it simple, anything that is not on the “do not dry” list goes. You can even dry together textiles of similar materials. Keep in mind that lightweight synthetic clothing dries faster than textiles and clothing made from natural materials.
You can always opt to store delicate items in mesh bags before putting them in the dryer. Such bags are inexpensive and will help keep the items from getting tangled or damaged while tumbling in the dryer.
Keep it tight
Before running the dryer tie any apron straps and belts, also fasten covers for blankets and pillows. It is a good idea to check the seams and edges on the laundry, which must be undamaged – as this will prevent the filler from falling out.
Choice of drying program
Dryers allow you to select the drying program according to the type of fabric and the desired dry level. Surely your dryer model has several functions so checking out the user manual might come in handy if the icons and buttons are not self-explanatory. The programs are usually tailored to cotton, insensitive linen, wool, jeans, and other materials. Detailed descriptions of your tumble dryer programs are included in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Dryer sheets? Yes, please.
A most welcome addition to any drying cycle is a dryer sheet. Its role is to reduce static cling, therefore place it into the dryer with the wet clothes. Use only one sheet per cycle and discard it immediately after. If you use too many sheets at one time, the chemicals in them that are designed to soften fabric might leave a residue or worse – even clog the dryer.
Don’t forget to clean the filters
Dryers have a special filter that acts like a lint trap. This should be cleaned after each use, as a clogged filter prevents efficient air circulation, increases energy consumption, and prolongs the drying time. Many people figure they’ll get around to cleaning out their lint trap at some point which often means never. Make it a habit to always check the filters before using the dryer.
A dryer is not to be taken for granted. As long as you take good care of it, your career-wardrobe and other clothes will come out just right. Just pay some attention to the discussed details and remember to set the drying time based on the type and quantity of items in the dryer. Want to learn more about tumble dryers? Read: Everything you need to know about tumble dryers?