5 Things You Should Never Store on Top of Your Dryer (but Probably Are)

Everyone has limited storage space, whether you live in a spacious home or a studio apartment. While using your laundry room for extra storage isn’t necessarily a bad idea, you should avoid storing items on every surface—especially on top of your dryer.

Even if you don’t regularly store things there, you might be using this spot to keep items without even realizing it. This habit can lead to malfunctions, damage, or even more serious consequences. Here, experts share five items you should never store on top of your dryer.

Laundry Supplies

It’s best to store things where you use them. So, it only makes sense to keep laundry supplies like detergents, stain treatments, and dryer sheets in your laundry room. But these items should not be kept on top of your dryer. While this might not seem like a major problem, professional organizer Cori McDougald of Meat and Potatoes Organizing warns that detergents, dryer sheets, or anything flammable can be dangerous if the dryer overheats.

After all, you don’t want to accidentally cause a fire, especially when this is easily preventable. Shantae Duckworth, founder of Shantaeize Your Space, advises keeping supplies on a nearby shelf instead. “If space is really tight, consider adding a wall-mounted rack or a slim rolling cart to keep your laundry essentials organized and off the dryer,” Duckworth suggests. “I always like to say, surfaces are not storage spaces, especially when there is heat involved.”

Other Cleaning Products

While laundry rooms are convenient spots to stash cleaning supplies such as multi-purpose cleaning sprays and bleach (which you probably also use in your laundry), it’s crucial to keep these items away from the dryer. According to Heng Tong Pit, vice president of Hisense Home Appliances Research & Development, these products are also fire hazards. “Items such as cleaning products, cloths, or paper can increase the risk of fire, especially if exposed to heat from the dryer,” Pit says. 

Miscellaneous Clutter

Miscellaneous clutter often ends up in laundry rooms when we are sorting our clothes. “Loose items like coins, paper, or tools could fall behind the dryer or into the lint trap area, causing blockages or fire hazards,” explains McDougald.

Fortunately, there’s an easy way to keep these items at bay. McDougald suggests using a small organizer tray or box on a counter or shelf as a temporary holding spot. You don’t need to invest in anything fancy—a bowl from an old set of dishes, a mason jar, or that old food storage container you don’t use anymore can easily get the job done.

Heavy Objects

While the top of your dryer might seem like a good spot for your full laundry basket, McDougald warns against this. “Things like laundry baskets or folded clothes can cause vibrations during the dryer’s spin cycle, potentially damaging the appliance,” she says. “Use a dedicated laundry cart or shelving unit.”

Wet or Damp Clothing

You might place damp clothes on top of the dryer to make them dry faster. While a seemingly good idea in the short term, it can cause long-term issues with your appliance. “Placing wet items can trap moisture, contributing to rust and potentially causing electrical issues over time,” explains Pit. 

If you find you are constantly keeping wet items on top of your dryer, it might be wise to purchase a drying rack.