Your dryer is likely one of your most used household appliances, quickly drying your clothes while leaving them wrinkle-free and soft. Though you can put most of your clothes into the dryer, some articles should air-dry instead. Putting these items in for a cycle can damage them or the machine, potentially requiring dryer repair. To extend the life of your machine and clothing, the appliance repair team at Appliance Service Company in Fairbanks, AK, have outlined below a few of the most common items they see improperly put into dryers.

What Not to Put in the Dryer

1. Bras

Drying a bra in a machine is a quick way to ruin it. The rough motion inside the machine will stretch the fabric, while the heat will destroy its shape. This type of clothing is simply too delicate for the dryer. If you run them through the washing machine, put them into specialized bra bags and air dry them.

2. Shoes

Though it can be tempting to throw your tennis shoes in the dryer, it’s not good for the machine. Shoes are big and heavy, and you will be able to tell from the scary sound of them thumping around in the machine that they could do some damage that requires appliance repair. In addition, the heat can cause the shoe to lose its shape.

3. Bath Mats

Bath mats typically have a rubber backing that creates a slip-resistant grip on the bathroom floor. The heat combined with the motion of the dryer can make that rubber grip fall apart inside the machine and slip into the cracks. This may eventually cause a dryer fire.

4. Fake Leather

In most cases, fake leather—also called pleather—is not appropriate for the dryer. Even a low-heat setting can prove to be too hot for the material. Pleather has been known to melt in the dryer, which can destroy the appliance or produce a fire hazard.

5. Spandex

Anything with spandex in it will lose its elasticity from the heat and motion of the dryer. The result is a stretched piece of clothing that will have to be thrown away after just one cycle in the dryer. Most activewear and swimwear have spandex in them, so air dry those swimsuits and workout pants.

Knowing how to properly use your appliances will help extend their life while ensuring your own safety. If you do notice something wrong with your dryer, you’ll enjoy more efficient and safer drying by calling for immediate appliance repair. The team at Appliance Service Company provide this service with more than 55 years of combined experience. Contact them online or at (907) 452-1000 to request appliance parts or a professional repair.