The dirty clothes in your hampers can host all sorts of pathogens, but again, it is a bad idea to run your washing machine with only half a load.
As you wait to make the pile enough to run a cycle, you may want to toss your soiled clothes into the dryer to counter germs’ growth and spreading
In this regard, Is It OK To Put Dirty Clothes In The Dryer?
Well, unless the dirty clothes are muddy, putting them in a dryer will not harm the appliance or pose any serious risks. In fact, putting dirty clothes in a dryer on high can kill germs and eradicate foul odor, making them smell good without washing. However, the dryer might not kill all the germs as most dryers don’t get hot enough — Many dryers usually reach about 130°F, which is not high enough to disinfect dirty clothes.
If you have dirty clothes and are contemplating whether or not to put them in the dryer, it is imperative to understand the effects of putting them in the dryer before making your final decision.
This post will cover more on drying dirty clothes in a dryer.
Why Would You Ever Want To Put Dirty Clothes In The Dryer?
Dirty clothes create ideal conditions for pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi to grow and thrive.
If you are dealing with a pile of dirty clothes that is not enough to run a cycle and are thinking of getting rid of germs harboring them, you may consider putting them in your dryer.
Well, while this may seem inappropriate, the good news is that you can put dirty clothes in a dryer with no issues.
Whatever your situation, if you are putting dirty clothes in a dryer, you may be surprised to learn that these machines do more than just dry your clothes.
Along with drying, dryers do a great job removing wrinkles and freshening dirty clothes. You just need to follow simple steps and can start rocking a refreshed outfit.
Of significance, although pathogenic bacteria and viruses start dying at about 113 degrees Fahrenheit, putting your dirty clothes in a dryer won’t kill all pathogens.
This is especially true considering that total disinfection usually occurs when bacteria are subjected to 140°F or higher, and many dryers usually reach 135°F.
Depending on how dirty your clothes are, always make sure to wipe the drum down using a damp cloth so that there is nothing to stain the next load of clean clothes.
Alternatively, you can put a damp towel in the dryer and run a cycle in the sanitize function to clean the inside.
How To Refresh Dirty Clothes With A Dryer: 3 Step Process
There are many reasons anyone would want to refresh dirty clothes. For instance, your clothes may get soaked in the rain just after wearing them half the day.
Whatever your reason, if you are looking to make freshen dirty, odorous clothes without necessary washing them, here are steps to help you achieve just that:
1. Treat Stains
You don’t want to get the dirty clothes wet altogether. After all, you are not washing.
So, focus on spots that need attention.
Your favorite stain remover should work great.
2. Spritz Dirty Clothes With Fabric Freshener
Using a perfume designed for fabric, spray the dirty clothes to mask the odors and give them a fresh scent.
3. Toss The Clothes In The Dryer
With your dryer in the highest heat setting, throw the dirty clothes together with a fabric softener in the unit and allow them about 10 minutes.
Let the garment cool and rock your freshened outfit.
Of importance, make sure to wash your clothes next time.
Eight Items Never To Put In The Dryer
Dryers are incredibly useful home appliances.
Even so, you don’t have to put every piece of clothing in your dryer; otherwise, you might be damaging your favorite clothing.
No matter the temptations, resist the urge to put the following in a dryer:
1. Leather, Suede, Or Faux Leather Clothing
You might be accidentally caught by a downpour on the way when on your favorite leather or faux leather jacket.
While it can be tempting to toss it in the dryer once you are home so it dries in the shortest time possible, the bad news is that the high heat of your dryer can distort or crack the fabric.
Always let any type of wet leather air dry away from direct sunlight.
2. Silk And Delicate Fabrics
While silk, lace, sheer net, and other delicate fabrics will dry faster in a dryer, there are many reasons you don’t want to put such pieces in a cloth dryer.
The high heat can shrink these fabrics, causing wrinkles that are nearly impossible to remove.
Moreover, the tumbling motion can make the clothes get tangled, causing bigger issues.
3. Bras
Bras typically utilize spandex to offer much-needed support. Under high temperatures, the bra’s elasticity will ruin, and your bras will lose their shape.
For longevity and to ensure your bras feel comfortable and serve you well, wash them properly and let them dry naturally.
4. Rubber-Backed Rugs And Other Items With Rubber
There is much more to caring for rubber-backed items.
Although the fabric part can easily go into a dryer, the rubber part should never, which means the item should never.
The rubber part of mats is usually meant to keep you and others from slipping and sliding. And while the rugs can host pathogenic bacteria, you never succumb to the urge to put them into the dryer.
The intense and high heat in your can cause the rubber backing to crumble and even melt, which can be a fire hazard.
5. Swimsuits And Activewear
Like lingerie, swimsuits and activewear utilize high-tech synthetic fibers designed to support the body and endure abuse. To help preserve their functionality, it is best to allow them to air-dry.
Notably, both activewear and swimsuits should be washed after every wearing.
6. Wool Clothes
While wool clothes can go into the washing machine, you should never forget to put them in a dryer when subjected to high heat, wool interlocks and shrinks, which can cause your cool outfit to lose its original size and appeal.
You can age your pricey wool cloth by washing it properly and letting it air dry.
7. Clothes With Fur
Extreme heat can cause the hide of fur to break, consequently making the fur fall. For this reason, always avoid putting clothes with fur in the dryer.
8. Anything With A Care Tag That Warns Against Dryers
This is obvious but vitally important because even laundry enthusiasts can forget. To avoid putting clothing made using delicate materials in a dryer, always double-check the tag when loading the dryer.
Whatever clothing you have, the good news is that there is always an alternative — air cleaning. Putting whatever information on a cloth into consideration can help ensure its longevity and quality.
Conclusion
A dryer is unquestionably a life safer. If you have dirty clothes that you want to freshen without washing, a dryer can help you achieve that.
For those contemplating whether they can put dirty clothes in a dryer, hopefully, you will find this post useful.
Also, under no circumstances should you put the things listed above in your dryer; otherwise, you might be hurting the appliance.
Sources
https://www.insider.com/guides/health/does-the-dryer-kill-germs
