Tumble drying on too high a heat and the damage it does

Short answer: High heat shrinks fabric, tires elastic and creates bobbles. Use the coolest setting and take the laundry out while it is slightly damp.

Three kinds of damage at once

Heat contracts the stitches, it burns the spring out of the elastane, and the tumbling motion lifts the fibres so they form bobbles. All three happen at once, which is why a hot tumbled garment looks old after only a few rounds.

What is safe

Bamboo viscose tolerates tumbling on low heat. What to avoid is the hot programme and a drum that keeps running after the laundry is dry. The last ten minutes with no moisture are the harshest on the fabric.

How to do it in practice

Choose the delicate setting or low heat, and set the time shorter than you think. Take the laundry out while it still feels slightly damp and let it finish on a hanger. That avoids both shrinkage and creasing. See bamboo t-shirts for women.

What you should never tumble hot

Underwear with elastic, socks, bras and anything with stretch belong on the line. See bamboo underwear for women and all bamboo socks for women.

Frequently asked questions

Is tumble drying always bad

No. Low heat and a short time are gentle and leave the fabric softer than line drying.

Why does line drying leave clothes stiff

Because the fibres are not moved. Ten minutes in the dryer afterwards softens them again.

What about dryer balls

They improve airflow and shorten drying time, but they do not replace low heat.