Tumble dryer tips for different fabric types

Autumn and winter days are usually rainier and on wet days households tend to use the tumble dryer more often. Yet, we need to be careful to tumble dry different fabric types on specific settings. Read our latest post to find out how.

Tumble-drying is an extremely practical way of drying our clothes. It saves time, and makes drying possible in colder months. Additionaly it doesn’t take up extra space as you can simply stack your tumble-dryer on top of your washing machine if you’re working with limited space in your home. Finding out how to dry specific fabric types is no doubt be a wise move, whether you’re a washing veteran or if it’s your first time at it.

This is what our experts have to say on the matter.

Acrylic

This lightweight synthetic fiber is often used as an alternative to wool or cashmere, mostly for scarves, gloves, and sweaters. Acrylic doesn’t like high temperatures and can wrinkle if exposed to them. Of course acrylic clothes can be tumbe dried, just make sure to use a low-temperature cycle and remove them from the dryer as soon as it finishes the cycle.

Cashmere

Being finer than wool, cashmere is often stronger, lighter, and softer, making it ideal for cooler weather. To preserve these qualities we suggest you only use the lowest temperature setting and the quickest cycle.

Cotton

Since cotton is a natural fiber, it makes for one of the more popular options for clothing materials. It can be found just about anywhere and is probably the most common fabric used for clothes. Most cotton items can be dried on a warm temperature setting, but if you’re not sure about a particular item, check the garment label.

Denim

Since denim is mainly made from cotton, see the above advice and don’t let the sturdy fabric look and feel fool you. Use low to medium heat and delicate cycle if you are pressed for time and need your jeans dry.

Leather

Genuine leather is made from animal skin. Due to the complexity of the production process, leather can be tough to clean, wash and also dry. Always check the label on the item for directions.

Linen

Linen is used for towels, bedding, and a variety of other clothing options. It is very absorbent, so it makes sense to use the tumble dryer to get the job done. Though most linen options are dryer safe, make sure your linen garments are pre-washed during the production process. Use a low heat cycle as excessive temperatures can damage the threads. Gorenje WaveActive tumble dryers have a special programme just for linen that ensures your bedding will come out of the dryer in perfect condition.

Silk

This soft clothing option is known for its delicate nature, but Gorenje WaveActive tumble dryers with heat pumps have a special silk programme that makes it safe for silk.

Wool

Wool is a popular wintertime choice, but can be delicate to wash and dry due to sensitivity to high temperatures. That being said, certain wool garments are perfectly safe to tumble dry. Just pay attention to the label and use the “Wool” or lowest temperature setting on your tumble dryer.

There are many more fabric types, so always follow the general rule of thumb to check the label first. Modern tumble dryers use heat pumps which enable them to safely and effectively dry a much more wider array of fabrics than the tumble dryers of the past. You’ll have perfectly dry clothes with minimum wrinkles.

New generation tumble dryers like our Gorenje WaveActive line also incorporate features that use steam at the end of the cycle – SteamTech – or as a standalone programme – SteamRefresh – to straighten out wrinkles and creases in your garments. If you don’t like ironing, you’ll absolutely love this.

Dry similar fabrics together, make sure to not overload the dryer and always let the machine complete the drying cycle before opening the dryer doors.