How to tumble dry clothes properly: a guide for beginners 

Using a tumble dryer can save time and effort, especially when drying clothes quickly or in damp conditions. Understanding how to use a dryer properly not only ensures that your laundry dries efficiently but also helps maintain the quality and longevity of your clothes. By selecting the correct clothes dryer settings, you can avoid shrinking, fading, or damaging fabrics. 

Here’s a brief summary of the steps to follow when using a dryer: 

• Prepare the clothes: Check the care labels and separate clothes by fabric type. 

• Load the tumble dryer: Ensure you don't overload it to allow proper air circulation. 
• Select the cycle, time, and temperature: Choose the right settings for your fabric. 
• Start the dryer: Press start and monitor progress. 
• Unload the dryer: Remove clothes promptly to avoid wrinkles. 

In this guide, we’ll go beyond these basic steps, offering tips and detailed advice to help you tumble dry clothes efficiently and protect your garments, making them last longer. 

Step 1: Preparing your laundry for the dryer 

Proper preparation of your laundry is essential for effective tumble drying. By taking a few extra steps before loading the machine, you can ensure your clothes dry efficiently, maintain their quality, and last longer.  

Here are some key tips for getting your laundry ready for the dryer: 

Always sort clothes

Before placing your clothes in the dryer, it’s important to sort them by fabric type and color. Different fabrics, such as cotton, wool, and synthetics, require different drying temperatures and care. For example, delicate fabrics like silk or wool should be dried on lower heat settings, while heavier items like towels can handle higher heat. Sorting by color also prevents color bleeding, especially when drying dark and light-colored items together. 

Additionally, make sure to check if certain items can be tumble dried. Fabrics like spandex or items with embellishments may not be suitable for the dryer. For more details on what shouldn’t go into the dryer, check out this guide on which items shouldn’t be put into the dryer. 

Check the laundry care labels 

One of the most important steps before drying is checking the care labels on each item. The care label will provide specific instructions for how to dry the garment, including whether it’s safe to tumble dry and which temperature to use. Ignoring these labels can result in shrinking, fabric damage, or fading.  

To better understand these symbols, you can refer to this guide on how to read care labels. 

Removing excess moisture 

Before putting your clothes in the dryer, it’s a good idea to remove excess moisture by wringing them out. This step helps speed up the drying process and reduces energy consumption.  

By giving your clothes an extra squeeze, especially heavier items like towels or jeans, you’ll prevent the dryer from working harder than necessary, resulting in faster and more efficient drying. 

Detangle clothes 

Lastly, take a moment to detangle your clothes before placing them in the dryer. Items like bedsheets, long dresses, or jeans can get twisted or balled up in the wash, making it harder for hot air to circulate through them. Untangling clothes before drying ensures that they dry evenly and prevents excessive wrinkling. 

Step 2: How to load the dryer properly

Loading the dryer correctly is essential for ensuring efficient drying and preventing damage to your clothes. First, you should avoid overloading because it can cause: 

• Longer drying times: Air can't circulate freely, leading to slower drying. 
• Uneven drying: Some clothes may remain damp while others dry completely. 
• Wrinkling: Packed clothes can easily crease and wrinkle. 
• Excess strain on the dryer: Overloading puts pressure on the motor and can lead to breakdowns. 

You should only fill the dryer to about two-thirds capacity to allow clothes enough space to tumble. If you're drying bulky items like blankets and pillows, dry them separately to prevent overloading. 

To ensure even drying, it's important to distribute your clothes evenly inside the dryer. Here’s how: 

• Shake out clothes before placing them in the dryer to prevent clumping. 
• Mix large and small items: Balance out heavier items, such as towels or jeans, with lighter ones like shirts, so they all dry evenly. 
• Avoid drying mixed fabric types together: Dry heavy fabrics and delicates separately to protect clothes and ensure even drying. 

Step 3: How to select the proper setting

Summary table of clothes dryer settings: drying modes, time, and temperature:

Setting	Option	Suitable For
Drying Modes	Air Dry	Refreshes stored/delicate items, removes dust/hair using no heat.
	Air Fluff	Fluffs/softens pillows & stiff items without heat.
	Delicate Cycle	Low heat, slow tumble for delicates (silk, lace).
	Gentle Cycle	Low heat, slow tumble for synthetics, prevents wrinkles.
Setting Options	Automatic Dry	Senses moisture, stops automatically; for most fabrics.
	Timed Dry	Manual time setting for specific items (shoes, pillows, bulky).
Drying Temperature	High	Fast drying for sturdy fabrics (towels, jeans).
	Medium	Quick drying for synthetics (polyester).
	Low	Gentle heat for delicates (silk, wool), prevents shrinking.
	Air Dry / No Heat	Refreshes without heat; for very delicate/shrink-prone items.
Drying Time	Automatic	Time set by sensor based on load/fabric type (via Automatic Dry mode).
	Manual - Short	30-45 min manual time for small loads/light fabrics.
	Manual - Long	60-90 min manual time for large/thick loads (towels, denim).

Clothes dryer options and when to use

Here are the popular dryer options. 

Air dry (or Air fluff) settings are designed for items that don’t require heat. These cycles use only room-temperature air to gently tumble the clothes. Here’s when to use them: 

• Air dry: great for refreshing clothes that have been stored for a while or for removing dust or pet hair without using heat. It's also ideal for clothes that are prone to shrinkage, such as wool or delicates. 
• Air fluff: similar to Air Dry, this setting works best for fluffing pillows or softening clothes that may have stiffened during the wash. It’s also perfect for garments that just need a bit of freshening up without the risk of shrinkage. 

The Delicate or Gentle Cycle uses low heat and a slower tumble speed, making it perfect for fragile fabrics. Here’s when to use it: 

• Delicate cycle: suitable for fine materials like silk, lace, or lingerie, which can easily get damaged by higher heat or aggressive tumbling. 
• Gentle cycle: best for lightly soiled items or synthetic fabrics that need careful handling to avoid stretching or wrinkling. 

Besides the basic drying modes, some modern dryers like the Electrolux EDH902R9SC Heat Pump Dryer also feature SteamCare Technology, which reduces wrinkles by up to 50%, helping clothes look new without the need for ironing.  

Finally, there are several standard drying options available.  

• Regular/automatic dry: this is an energy-saving option that uses sensors to stop the dryer once your clothes are fully dry. It prevents overdrying and saves electricity, making it a go-to setting for most fabrics. 
• Timed dry: with this option, you can manually set how long you want the dryer to run. It’s useful when drying specific items that may need more or less time than usual, but it requires careful monitoring to avoid overdrying or damaging clothes. 

Temperature settings 

Dryers offer different temperature settings, which can be adjusted based on the fabric type and the amount of moisture in the clothes. Here’s when to use each: 

• High heat: best for towels, jeans, and other durable items that can withstand higher temperatures. However, avoid using high heat for delicate fabrics as it may cause shrinkage or damage. 
• Medium heat: ideal for synthetic fabrics like polyester, which don’t need the intense heat of durable items but still dry faster than delicates. 
• Low heat: use low heat for lightweight and delicate items, such as lingerie or silk, to prevent shrinking or fabric damage. Wool and other sensitive fibers should also be dried on this setting. 
• No heat/air dry: this setting doesn’t use heat and is perfect for airing out clothes that don’t need full drying, or for items that are prone to shrinkage. 

By adjusting the temperature according to the fabric, you’ll protect your clothes from unnecessary wear and tear while drying them effectively. 

Time settings 

The drying time you select depends on the type and amount of laundry. Most modern dryers feature automatic sensors that detect when clothes are dry and stop the cycle, but you can also manually set the time based on your needs: 

• Short cycles (30-45 minutes): best for smaller loads or lightweight fabrics that dry quickly. 
• Longer cycles (60-90 minutes): necessary for larger loads or heavier fabrics like towels, blankets, or denim. 

Read more tips here: 

• How to wash and dry towels in washing machines 
• How to wash and dry jeans properly 

Step 4: Unload your clothes

You should unload your clothes right away to avoid wrinkles

How to maintain your dryer after each load

Regular maintenance of your dryer is essential to keep it functioning efficiently and extend its lifespan. By taking a few simple steps after each load, you can ensure your dryer continues to operate safely and effectively. 

Here are key maintenance tips to follow: 

Clean Lint Filter: Remove lint after every load to prevent fire hazards and improve efficiency. Rinse with water if needed.  

Maintain Moisture Sensor: (If applicable) Clean with a soft cloth and white vinegar monthly to ensure accurate drying.  

Clean Vent Hose: (For vented dryers) Regularly remove lint from the vent hose to maintain airflow and safety. 

Cleaning procedures may vary slightly depending on the dryer model. Please read the comparison of heat pump, vented, and condenser dryers for more detailed information. 

How to use Electrolux dryers

Using an Electrolux dryer generally involves these key steps:

1. Preparation:

• Clean the Lint Filter:  
  • Before each cycle, ensure the lint filter is clean. This is crucial for safety and efficient drying. 
• Load the Dryer:
  • Place your wet laundry inside the dryer drum. 
  • Avoid overloading the dryer. A good rule of thumb is to fill it about one-third to one-half full. This allows for proper air circulation and reduces wrinkling.    
• Close the Door:  
  • Make sure the dryer door is securely closed. 

2. Setting the Cycle:

Power On: Press the power button to turn on the dryer.    

Select the Cycle: Use the cycle selector knob or buttons to choose the appropriate drying cycle. Options may include:  

• Mixed 
• Synthetics 
• Delicates 
• Cottons 
• Quick Dry 
• Bedding / Sheets 

Refer to your user manual for the specific cycles available on your model. 

Adjust Settings (Optional): Depending on your model, you may be able to adjust settings like:  

• Temperature (high, medium, low) 
• Dryness level (less dry, dry, highly dry)    
• Additional options (wrinkle release, extended tumble)    

Start the Dryer: Press the start button to begin the drying cycle.   

Explore top Electrolux dryers here: 

Why choose Electrolux for efficient and safe drying?

Using your tumble dryer correctly is key to ensuring efficient drying and maintaining the quality of your clothes. By selecting the right settings and performing regular maintenance, you’ll save time, energy, and prolong the life of your fabrics. 

Electrolux dryers are designed with innovative features that ensure both performance and fabric care. Notably, the Hygiene cycle effectively sanitizes clothes, eliminating up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, protecting your family's health while also removing unpleasant odors. Additionally, Electrolux's exclusive SteamCare technology helps reduce wrinkles in clothes after drying, making them ready to wear immediately without the need for additional ironing. 

For dryers that combine cutting-edge technology with eco-friendly design, explore the range of the latest UltimateCare Electrolux dryers to find the perfect solution for your home.