Different fabrics have different needs, and using the wrong dryer settings can lead to shrinking, damage, or clothes that wear out prematurely. This comprehensive guide covers the optimal drying approach for every type of fabric you're likely to encounter in your laundry, helping you achieve perfect results while extending the life of your garments.
Always Check the Care Label
While this guide provides general recommendations, always defer to the care label on your garments. Manufacturers know their products best, and specific items may have unique requirements.
Understanding Dryer Settings
Before diving into specific fabrics, it's helpful to understand what your dryer's programs actually do:
- High Heat / Cotton: Maximum temperature for durable fabrics
- Medium Heat / Synthetics: Moderate temperature for blended and synthetic fabrics
- Low Heat / Delicates: Gentle temperature for sensitive materials
- No Heat / Air Dry: Room temperature tumbling for refreshing or very delicate items
- Sensor Dry: Automatically stops when moisture target is reached
- Timed Dry: Runs for a set duration regardless of dryness
Heat pump dryers operate at lower temperatures than conventional dryers across all settings, making them inherently gentler on fabrics. However, proper program selection still matters significantly.
Cotton
Cotton is the most common fabric in most households and generally the easiest to dry. It's durable, heat-tolerant, and responds well to tumble drying.
Everyday Cotton (T-shirts, Underwear, Casual Wear)
- Program: Cotton or Normal
- Heat Level: Medium to High
- Dryness Setting: Cupboard Dry
Heavy Cotton (Towels, Jeans, Sweatshirts)
- Program: Cotton or Heavy Duty
- Heat Level: High
- Dryness Setting: Extra Dry for towels, Cupboard Dry for jeans
Tip for Softer Towels
Dry towels completely—residual moisture makes them stiff. Shake towels before loading to separate fibres and use dryer balls to fluff them during the cycle.
Synthetics
Polyester, nylon, acrylic, and other synthetic fabrics require lower heat to prevent melting, warping, or permanent creasing. The good news is they dry quickly due to their low moisture retention.
Recommended Settings
- Program: Synthetics or Easy Care
- Heat Level: Low to Medium
- Dryness Setting: Cupboard Dry or slightly less
Special Considerations
- Remove promptly to prevent wrinkles from setting
- Avoid over-drying—synthetics can become staticky
- Turn athletic wear inside out to protect prints and textures
- Check for any spandex/elastane content and use extra care
Wool and Cashmere
Wool requires special care due to its tendency to shrink and felt when exposed to heat and agitation. Many wool items should be air-dried flat, but some can handle gentle machine drying.
Check Before Drying
Only tumble dry wool items that specifically state "tumble dry low" on the care label. When in doubt, air dry.
Recommended Settings for Dryer-Safe Wool
- Program: Wool or Delicate
- Heat Level: Very Low or No Heat
- Duration: Short cycles only (10-15 minutes)
Tips for Wool Care
- Use the wool program if available—it has gentler tumbling action
- Consider using the air-only setting to fluff without heat
- Remove while slightly damp and lay flat to finish drying
- Never wring wool items before placing in dryer
Delicates and Lingerie
Silk, lace, sheer fabrics, and delicate lingerie require the gentlest treatment. Heat pump dryers' lower operating temperatures make them safer for delicates than traditional dryers, but caution is still needed.
Recommended Settings
- Program: Delicate or Extra Care
- Heat Level: Very Low or No Heat
- Protection: Always use a mesh laundry bag
Specific Fabric Notes
Silk
Many silk items are better air-dried. If the care label permits machine drying, use no heat and remove immediately. Silk can water-spot if left bunched up while damp.
Lace
Always use a mesh bag to prevent snagging. Very low heat, short duration. Reshape while slightly damp.
Bras
Ideally air dry, but if machine drying, always use a mesh bag, hook clasps to prevent tangling, and use no heat. Heat degrades elastic and underwire padding.
Bedding and Linens
Sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases are generally easy to dry but require attention to avoid tangling and ensure even drying.
Bed Sheets
- Program: Cotton or Bedding (if available)
- Heat Level: Medium to High
- Tips: Dry no more than one set at a time; shake and reposition mid-cycle if possible; remove while very slightly damp for easier ironing or to prevent over-drying
Duvets and Quilts
- Program: Bedding or Delicate (depending on filling)
- Heat Level: Low to Medium
- Duration: May require multiple cycles; check dryness throughout
- Tips: Use dryer balls to prevent filling from clumping; ensure item fits comfortably in drum
Feather and Down Items
Feather duvets and pillows need extended low-heat drying with tennis balls or dryer balls to break up clumps. They may feel dry outside while still damp inside—check thoroughly and run additional cycles if needed.
Athletic and Performance Wear
Modern athletic clothing contains technical fabrics designed for moisture-wicking, stretch, and breathability. These require special care to maintain their performance properties.
Recommended Settings
- Program: Sports or Synthetics
- Heat Level: Low
- Tips: Turn inside out; don't use fabric softener (it coats fibres and reduces wicking); remove promptly
Items to Air Dry Instead
- Compression garments
- Items with significant spandex content
- Technical outerwear with waterproof coatings
- Specialty sports equipment (yoga mats, etc.)
Fabric-Specific Quick Reference
| Fabric | Heat Level | Program |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | High | Cotton/Normal |
| Polyester | Low-Medium | Synthetics |
| Wool | Very Low | Wool/Delicate |
| Silk | No Heat | Delicate/Air |
| Linen | Medium | Cotton |
| Denim | Medium | Cotton |
General Best Practices
- Sort laundry by fabric type—similar fabrics dry at similar rates
- Don't overload the dryer—clothes need room to tumble
- Shake items before loading to prevent bunching
- Turn dark or printed items inside out to preserve appearance
- Remove items promptly to prevent wrinkles
- Use the sensor dry function when available for automatic shut-off
Taking a few extra moments to select the right settings for each load will pay dividends in clothing that looks better, lasts longer, and performs as intended. Your wardrobe—and your wallet—will thank you.