How do dryers know when clothes are dry

Whether you air-dry clothes from a clothesline inside or outside, each type of item should be hung in a particular way so it ends up looking its best. If you're wondering what temperature to dry clothes, check the clothing care label to make sure you're doing what's best for the fabric. Some clothes may need a lower heat setting or even require line drying. If no care label exists, follow these suggestions.

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Save Pin FB More. Credit: Greg Scheidemann. Credit: Jay Wilde. Consider the benefits of air-drying clothing rather than using a clothes dryer. Air-drying clothes uses less energy, which saves money and makes less of an impact on the environment. Air-drying prevents static cling on fabrics. Air-drying outside on a clothesline gives garments a fresh, clean smell.

Air-drying extends the lifetime of clothing by reducing wear and tear in the dryer. Hang clothes from a rod or lay them flat on a drying rack when air-drying garments inside the home. Keep garments separated to allow air circulation and faster drying. Place clothes near a fan or a heat vent to air-dry more quickly. Lay sweaters and other stretchy garments flat on a drying rack to help retain their shapes. Turn them at least once to help them dry evenly.

Hang fleece garments from a rod to dry. Reshape any foam or batting in bra cups before draping bras over a clothing rack to air-dry. Air-dry camisoles on hangers; use clothespins if the garments seem in danger of slipping off.

Pin panties and slips to hangers by the waistbands, or hang them over a drying rack to air-dry. Pants: Match the inner leg seams of pants, and clothespin the hems of the legs to the line, with the waist hanging down. Shirts and tops: Shirts and tops should be pinned to the line from the bottom hem at the side seams. Socks: Hang socks in pairs, pinning by the toes and letting the top opening hang down. Bed linens: Fold sheets or blankets in half and pin each end to the line.

Leave room between the items, if possible, for maximum drying. Care Tip Throw a clean dry towel in with your just-washed load to help soak up excess water and cut down drying time. Tips for tumble drying. Undergarments and delicates should be dried separately. Washed clothes should be wet but not dripping. Lightly shake out items from the washer and fill the dryer about halfway for permanent press loads and three-quarters of the way for normal loads.

Tightly balled up clothes or an overflowing drum leads to slower dry times and wrinkled results. Use just a quarter or half of a dryer sheet because it creates a waxy build up on the lint screen. Clean the screen after every load to maintain good air circulation for fast dry times. Smart Top Load Electric Dryer. More laundry tips and tricks.

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