8 Things You Should Always Hang Dry (Instead of Tossing in the Dryer)

Anything Labeled “Hang Dry”

This one might be obvious, but unfortunately, most people don’t look at the care tag! It’s rarely a mystery how a garment should be washed or dried—nearly everything you buy should have an interior label with instructions. If the label says “hang dry,” don’t question it. You risk ruining the clothing item if you do.

Alicia Sokolowski, president and CEO of AspenClean, says that hang drying not only extends the lifespan of your clothes, it reduces your dryer’s energy consumption. Both benefits can ultimately help you save money over time. “However, in humid environments, proper ventilation is essential to prevent mold and ensure effective drying,” she adds. So turn on your fan and open a window, if need be. 

Activewear

Activewear isn’t always cheap, and unlike some other garments, it needs to be functional, supporting your body and wicking away sweat. So, it’s crucial to keep it out of the dryer.

“The high temperature of the laundry dryer can significantly reduce the elasticity, compromise the moisture-wicking capacity, and distort the form of the materials,” explains Pete He, PhD, co-founder and chief scientist of Dirty Labs.

Swimwear

Like activewear, it’s not a great idea to put your bathing suit in the dryer. “Chlorine and salt water often weaken elastic—and dryer heat speeds up their deterioration,” says Sokolowski. Luckily, bathing suits are designed to air dry fairly quickly.

Lingerie and Bras

Good bras can be expensive, so if you want to extend their life and ensure they stay supportive for your body, it’s best to hand wash and line-dry them. “Lingerie’s elastic and lace can degrade quickly under high heat,” explains Sokolowski. “Hanging or laying flat lingerie preserves their elasticity.”

Delicate Fabrics

Delicate fabrics such as silk, lace, wool, and cashmere should be hung to dry, according to Sokolowski. “Heat can cause shrinkage, warping, or weakening of delicate fibers.” Keep in mind that you may want to lay wool flat to dry, depending on what the label states. A drying rack is ideal for this.

Sweaters and Knits

Whether it’s a sweater or that throw blanket your Aunt Mabel knit for you, Sokolowski advises allowing these items to air dry. “Heat can shrink and distort knits, so they should definitely be only laid flat or hung with care,” she says.

Denim

While denim is certainly durable enough for the washing machine, Sokolowski says putting this material in the dryer is a big no. “It can cause fading and loss of shape over time,” she explains. “Air drying helps maintain fit and color.”

Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

Those dirty microfiber cloths need to be machine-washed, but they should always be air-dried. “High heat can melt or damage microfiber, which reduces its effectiveness,” says Sokolowski.