12 Items Laundry Experts Say You Should NEVER Hang Dry—Here’s Why!
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Drying is one of the most straightforward and critical aspects of caring for your wardrobe to ensure it lasts long. According to Philips, the average American family does 8 to 10 loads of laundry a week, and most families use a drying machine to dry their clothes. Only 21.2% of all families use a clothesline for garment drying.
However, as much as air drying may be considered gentle, some fabrics and clothes need special care in the drying process. Improper drying may lead to unnecessary wear and tear, which diminishes function and appearance. Changes you make in your drying may be all that is required to preserve the integrity of fabrics and save money and effort in the long run.
Wool Sweaters
Gravity can cause wool fibers to stretch unevenly in their wet state when a sweater is hung up to dry. With time, this distortion can spoil the fit and structure of a garment. To prevent this, lay the wool sweater flat on a clean towel to dry to retain its original form. This method also prevents shoulder bumps or sagging caused by hangers.
Evaporating wool can take quite a while, especially in thick knits. Hanging extends this drying time, making the fabric stiff or heavy. Flat drying allows even air circulation around the fabric, hastening the process.
Delicate Lingerie
Hanging delicate lingerie, such as bras and lace undergarments, can weaken their elastic fibers. The weight of wet fabric pulls on the straps and bands, reducing elasticity and overall support. Drying them flat helps retain the shape of such items and thereby ensures longer wear.
If the delicate lingerie stays wet for too long, the humidity in the air may cause mildew to develop. Hanging them might also expose these frail fabrics to environmental dust or sunlight, which may cause fading or discoloration. To protect the intricate material, lay them on a clean towel or a padded drying rack.
Heavy Denim Jeans
Hanging heavy denim jeans can cause them to dry unevenly, particularly around thick seams or pockets. The weight of waterlogged fabric can also stretch the waistband or knees, distorting the fit. Drying jeans either flat or by machine ensures even moisture removal without straining the material unnecessarily.
Hanging denim may cause undesirable lines from the creases or marks from the hangers. Air drying makes the fabric hard or coarse because it picks up environmental impurities. Proper drying methods keep jeans comfortable and wearable while preserving their unique texture.
Silk Garments
Silk garments are highly prone to water stains and streaks if not hung correctly to dry. As it dries, the moisture gathers unevenly in the fabric, leaving behind unsightly marks that are hard to remove. Laying silk pieces flat to dry is the best way to avoid this problem. Flat drying on a clean surface will ensure the garment retains its luxurious texture and sheen.
Hanging silk can also cause distortion or stretching of the fabric, especially where the garment is heavier. Thin straps or seams may bear too much tension, affecting the overall fit. Sunlight exposure while hanging will fade the vibrant colors of silk and weaken the delicate fibers. Gentle handling during drying is important to keep silk garments in pristine condition.
Knitted Blankets
Knitted blankets should not be hung to dry because their loose weave stretches under the weight of water. Hanging causes tautness that stretches the fibers, which in turn causes permanent misshapen fibers. Laying these blankets to dry evenly supports their structure without causing any unnecessary strain. Flat drying also minimizes the occurrence of unraveling or the development of holes.
This could cause uneven drying patterns when air-drying a knitted blanket on a hanger. The moisture will collect in folds and could increase the risk of mildew or odor. Laying it out to dry on a flat drying rack or towel avoids these problems and helps the blanket retain warmth and softness.
Leather Jackets
Hanging drying could stiffen and crack leather jackets. When wet, the weight can pull on the seams, eventually causing sagging or misshaping. Drying leather flat in a well-ventilated area prevents these problems and suppresses the material. Keeping it out of the direct sun or heat sources also avoids shrinkage or discoloration.
If not appropriately treated, moisture accumulated in the folds of a leather jacket can cause mildew. Hanging can also stretch the shoulders and may cause ugly hanger marks. Excess water should be blotted with a soft cloth and let air dry naturally.
Beaded Dresses
Hanging beaded dresses to dry can stress the stitching holding the beads in place. The weight of the beads, along with the moisture in the fabric, can cause threads to snap or stretch. Laying these dresses flat eliminates tension, ensuring the beads stay secure. This approach also helps maintain the garment’s intricate design.
Sun exposure and air currents while hanging may cause some beads to fade or become dim. Flat drying does not result in these problems. Besides, the beads might snag on hangers and similar things. Proper care of beaded dresses will preserve their beauty and extend their use.
Cashmere Scarves
Cashmere scarves lose their softness when hung to dry because tension from the weight of water can cause fiber separation, which leads to coarse texture and loss of the scarf’s natural warmth over time—rolling a cashmere scarf in a towel to remove excess water before laying it flat to dry. This method keeps the delicate fibers intact and prevents stretching.
Hanging cashmere can result in uneven drying, leaving the fabric to retain odors in damp areas. Flat drying further prevents any possible snagging or deformities due to the hangers. Drying is a vital care technique to ensure cashmere scarves remain a piece of luxury for years to come.
Sequin-Embellished Clothing
Hanging sequin-embellished clothing can weaken the adhesive or stitching, holding the sequins in place. The weight of the wet garment increases the likelihood of sequins falling off or shifting. Flat drying prevents this damage and keeps the embellishments securely attached. Protecting the garment during the drying process helps maintain its intended design.
Sunlight or heat during hanging can eventually dull the sparkle of sequins. Laying flat allows even drying without compromising the integrity of the fabric. Gentle handling will ensure these garments remain glamorous and functional for future events.
Athletic Shoes
When athletic shoes hang to dry, they tend to lose shape because gravity causes either the soles to detach or the material to warp. This deformation will affect both comfort and performance. The better approach is to stuff the shoes with newspaper and let them air-dry in a well-ventilated area. The newspaper absorbs the moisture, helping the shoe maintain its original structure.
Hanging shoes to dry can also make them smell longer since the interiors take a while to dry completely. Proper air circulation and careful positioning hasten the drying while preventing mildew. Shoes, especially athletic shoes, are smellless and last longer without hanging.
Down Jackets
No wet down jacket should be allowed to hang dry, as wet feathers clump together under gravity. Such clumping reduces insulating properties and makes the padding uneven. Tumble drying with low heat and a few clean tennis balls can redistribute the feathers. This keeps the jacket fluffy and very effective against cold weather.
A down jacket also poses a risk of mildew if moisture is retained in pockets or folds. Flat or machine drying ensures even moisture removal, hence maintaining the garment’s structure. Proper care for a down jacket during drying extends its performance and appearance.
Velvet Clothing
Velvet clothes can lose their pile and sheen by simply hanging them to dry, as the weight of the water in the wet fabric stretches and otherwise distorts the fabric. Velvet should be dried flat to retain softness and avoid permanent creasing. Smoothing it while air-drying reinforces this to maintain its original look.
Velvet may also result in hanger marks or impressions, which are hardly removable. The rich velvet colors may fade out under direct sunlight or heat exposure while it is being hung. Drying in the shade keeps the fabric intact while it remains comfortable and appealing to the eye.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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