How to use a dryer — a step-by-step guide

1. Sort your laundry

To sort laundry for the dryer, first separate items by fabric type: heavy fabrics like towels and jeans should be dried together, while lightweight items like T-shirts and delicates need lower heat settings. Group clothes by color to prevent color transfer, with darks, lights, and brights each dried separately.

Next, sort based on heat sensitivity: high-heat items include cotton and denim, while synthetic fabrics and knits need low heat. Delicates should be air-dried. Also, consider the moisture level of clothes—heavier, soaked items may take longer to dry, so group similar items for even drying.

Finally, separate by size: larger items like blankets or comforters may need longer drying time, while small items like socks and underwear will dry faster. Sorting by these categories ensures efficient drying, prevents damage, and reduces energy use.

2. Clean the lint filter

To clean your dryer’s lint trap, first locate it - usually on top, inside, or beneath the dryer door. If you're unsure, check your manual. Next, remove the lint trap carefully to avoid dust and lint flying into the air, which can irritate your eyes or throat.  Tyler Kungl stresses: “A lint-clogged dryer takes longer to dry clothes, using more electricity in the process. This buildup can even damage components, affecting the dryer's performance and longevity.” 

Once removed, clear the bulk of the lint using your hands or a soft brush, and dispose of it safely, as lint is highly flammable. For a more thorough clean, you can either vacuum it or even wash the lint trap with warm, soapy water to remove detergent residue. After washing, let the trap air dry to prevent mold or mildew. Finally, reinstall the lint trap to ensure it functions properly.

3. Load the machine

Once sorted, load your clothes into the dryer drum, but Ken Doty warns, “Don’t overload the dryer. Leave some space to allow air to circulate freely, which helps prevent wrinkling and ensures efficient drying.” Overloading can also lead to uneven drying and prolong the cycle time. 

4. Add dryer sheets and dryer ball (optional)

You can toss in a dryer sheet to reduce static and add softness. Kungl adds, "Dryer sheets can help with static reduction and provide a fresh scent, but avoid using them with moisture-wicking fabrics or athletic wear, as they may affect performance."

For an eco-friendly alternative, consider reusable dryer balls to prevent clumping and reduce wrinkles.

Dryer balls, available in wool or plastic, can help improve your dryer's efficiency by separating laundry to allow better airflow. Wool balls, made from biodegradable material, are more eco-friendly and absorb moisture, while plastic balls often have spikes for better fabric separation. Both types reduce drying time by preventing clothes from clumping together, allowing hot air to circulate more effectively. Dyer balls also help reduce static by minimizing friction between clothes, and they can soften fabrics by loosening fibers.

5. Select the drying cycle

Selecting the right drying setting is crucial for ensuring your clothes are properly cared for and dried efficiently. Most dryers offer a variety of settings tailored to different fabric types and drying needs, so again, it's worth reading your dryer's manual to fully understand what it offers. 

Many modern dryers also include steam cycles, which can reduce wrinkles and refresh clothes without requiring a full wash beforehand.

6. Select the drying temperature

Selecting the right heat setting ensures your clothes dry efficiently without damage.  Doty suggests, “Try varying the heat levels depending on the type of garment you're drying. Not all fabrics are meant to be dried on a hot setting, as excessive heat will cause shrinkage and potentially damage the clothing itself."

You can help prevent prevent damage such as shrinking, fading, or fabric wear. For instance, delicate fabrics like silk, lace, or lightweight synthetics are sensitive to heat and can easily become damaged if dried on a high setting. Choosing a delicate cycle, with lower heat and gentler tumbling, will help preserve these fabrics.

Meanwhile, heavier items like towels, comforters, and denim need more heat and a longer drying time to dry completely, which is where the Heavy-Duty cycle comes in handy if you have one. Always consult your clothing care labels to guide your cycle selection, ensuring your clothes, bedding and other laundry last longer and keep their quality.

7. Start the dryer

Once the cycle and heat setting are selected, close the dryer door securely and press Start.  

Most dryers will signal the end of the cycle with a beep or chime.

8. Remove laundry promptly

When the drying cycle finishes, remove clothes promptly.  

When clothes remain in a closed environment like a dryer, moisture can linger, potentially leading to musty odors or mildew, especially if there’s any residual dampness. By shaking out each item as you remove it, you can also help to minimise wrinkles and allow any remaining moisture to escape.