How to Dry Delicate Clothing

You can't just toss everything willy-nilly into the clothes dryer. Delicates require special attention. Here's how to take care of your finer garments.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Clothes Dryers
• Clothes Drying Screens
• Clotheslines
• Clothespins
• Laundry Baskets
• Fabric Softener Sheets

1. Read care tags to determine if your delicates require line drying or flat drying, or if they can withstand being in the dryer.
2. Flat dry clothes using a screen made for that purpose. If you don't have a drying screen, you can use clean towels spread on a table. Lay clothes on the screen or towel and leave until dry.
3. Line dry clothes over a sturdy, taut line stretched between two points. Use clothespins to attach clothes to the line, spreading them out for faster drying. You can also hang clothes over shower curtain rods for line drying.
4. Set dryer setting to "Delicates" if your delicates can be put in the dryer.

Tips & Warnings

• Sweaters and other clothing that will stretch out of shape when hung wet should be dried flat.
• It's best to line dry clothes outdoors on sunny warm days if possible.
• Good air circulation is a necessity for avoiding musty odors and mold.
• Dripping clothes can ruin wood floors and linoleum.
• The dryer can damage delicate clothes. Read labels before using the dryer.