The dryer temperature mistake that’s ruining your clothes

Staying on top of laundry in winter can be a unique challenge. We wear more layers, so there is more washing to do, and the cold and wet weather means it takes even longer to dry.

Instead of running multiple loads through your go-to wash cycle – before blasting them with the highest heat in the dryer possible – to try and produce enough clean and dry clothes to get through the week, laundry expert Sara Shorter told Today Extra there are simple steps we can take instead.

1. Use a 15-minute cycle only

Most of us have a go-to wash cycle we use by default, with little thought to if that length of time is needed. The OMO laundry expert confirmed this to be the case.

“I think a lot of your clothes aren’t really dirty. For things that aren’t really dirty, the 15-minute wash cycle is perfect,” Shorter said.

Shorter also said to use cold water unless clothing is deeply stained.

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“It saves energy, and it’s enough usually for most washes. And it’s much kinder to your clothing.

“When you heat stuff, it causes the fibres to swell, and they’re more prone to damage in the machine.”

Shorter added that these days, laundry detergents are designed to work in cold water.

2. Reduce the temperature setting of your dryer

“The dryer can definitely shrink your clothes, that high heat ... it just makes all the moisture come out quite quickly, and it locks that shape,” Shorter warned.

Although she did say using the dryer for most clothing items is perfectly fine, “you just need to be mindful of the temperature”.

She suggested either low heat or the “delicate” setting: “Just check your dryer for the best setting, and that will help prolong the life of your clothes.”

3. Don’t pull at lint or any damage with your fingers

Clothing, particularly thicker winter fabrics, are prone to lint and other particle build up, which we need to take care to remove, Shorter said.

“Through friction in the dryer, it causes what we call ‘pills’ or little balls.”

She recommended an electronic fabric shaver device, as “that will keep it nice and smooth and makes it look like new for longer.”

Shorter warned against trying to pull them out using fingers or using manual devices, as this often doesn’t remove the bumps, and can cause further damage.