7 Things That Shouldn’t Go in the Dryer (But Most People Do)

Some stuff goes through the wash and right into the dryer without a second thought—but that doesn’t mean it should. Certain items shrink, melt, warp, or even become a fire risk when they hit high heat. And if you’ve ever ruined a favorite sweater or warped something beyond repair, you know it only takes one bad cycle to learn the hard way.

These are the things you’re better off air drying—every single time.

Rubber-Backed Rugs

Even if the label says “machine washable,” most rubber-backed rugs aren’t made for the dryer. The heat can cause the backing to crack, melt, or flake off, which not only ruins the rug but can also mess with your dryer drum.

Over time, that brittle rubber breaks down and sheds, which means extra cleanup and a shorter lifespan for your rug. It’s best to let these hang dry completely—outside or over a shower rod.

Athletic Shoes

Drying shoes in the dryer might seem like a good way to save time, but it can warp the shape and mess up the glue that holds them together. The tumbling alone can also damage the inside of your dryer.

Running shoes and sneakers with foam or gel insoles should always air dry. Stuffing them with newspaper can help speed things up while keeping the shape intact.

Bras and Underwire Lingerie

Heat breaks down elastic quickly, and that’s especially true for bras. Underwire can warp or even poke through the fabric, and the clasps can get bent or catch on other clothing.

You’ll get way more wear out of bras if you hang them to dry. Lay them flat if you want to help them keep their shape without stretching the straps.

Bathing Suits

Swimwear fabric is designed to stretch and recover, but high heat damages that elasticity fast. One trip through the dryer can leave it saggy, faded, or stiff.

After rinsing out chlorine or saltwater, let your suit air dry in a shaded spot. Direct sun can also break down the fibers and fade the color over time.

Items with Embellishments

Anything with sequins, beads, glitter prints, or decorative stitching is better off skipping the dryer altogether. The heat can melt glue, loosen threads, or cause those details to fall right off.

Even if the main fabric holds up fine, the embellishments usually won’t. Turn these inside out and hang dry them or lay them flat to keep everything in place.

Tights and Leggings

Tights and stretchy leggings might seem durable, but the heat weakens the elastic and can leave them pilled and see-through in all the wrong places.

Even high-quality brands don’t hold up well to regular drying cycles. To keep them smooth and supportive, let them dry naturally—ideally hung or draped to avoid wrinkles.

Memory Foam

Whether it’s a pillow, mattress topper, or cushion insert, memory foam should never go in the dryer. The heat can cause it to melt or crumble, and once it’s damaged, there’s no fixing it.

These should always be spot cleaned and air dried. Even a short cycle on low can do permanent damage. If you need to freshen it up, sprinkle baking soda and vacuum instead.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.