Drying on low heat, what it does

Short answer: Low heat in the tumble dryer means around sixty degrees instead of eighty. The difference noticeably extends the life of the elastane and only costs twenty extra minutes. It is a small choice that matters for soft everyday clothing.

Elastane reacts to every degree

Elastane is what makes waistbands, edges and straps sit close and spring back into place. The higher the temperature, the faster the fibres lose their ability to contract. On low heat a bamboo sweatshirt for women lasts around twice as long, because the elastane in the ribbed cuffs is not stressed every time it tumbles.

The surface wears less too

At lower heat the fibres do not turn brittle, and fewer fibre ends are torn loose as the load tumbles. Those loose ends are what gather into small pills on the surface. That is why gently dried clothing looks neat for longer. It applies to everything you own, including your bamboo socks, which already take a lot of wear at the heel.

The price is time

A low heat programme takes twenty to thirty minutes longer on a full load. On a busy day that can feel like a nuisance, but the maths is simple. Clothing keeps its shape longer and needs replacing less often. It is cheap insurance for items with elastic and fine edges such as a bamboo bra, where the fit depends on recovery.

Why bamboo viscose likes low heat

Bamboo viscose is a soft, supple material, and that softness is exactly what you want to keep. High heat can make the surface feel slightly harsher and drier. When you choose low heat, the fabric keeps its smooth, cool feel for longer. You notice it most on clothing that sits against your skin all day.

Using the programme in practice

Sort the laundry so that thin and stretchy items dry together. Choose low heat or a delicate cycle, and do not pack the drum full, so the clothes can move freely. Take the load out while it is still slightly warm and give each item a shake. That way you avoid creases and can skip the iron.

Load the drum with care

An overfilled drum dries unevenly, because the clothes bunch up and the heat never reaches the middle. Some items end up bone dry while others are still damp. With the drum half to two thirds full, air moves better and the whole load finishes at the same time. That saves time and wear on the fabric.

Let the clothes rest afterwards

When clothing comes out of the dryer, the fibres are warm and a little more pliable than usual. If you fold everything straight into a tight pile, creases can set. Lay the items loosely on a surface for a few minutes or hang them up instead. The fabric then settles and returns to its natural shape.

When you can turn it up

Low heat is not needed for everything. Towels, bedding and thick cotton items without elastane handle the normal setting well and often come out softer. So think in two piles when you sort. One with stretchy, close fitting items for low heat, and one with sturdy items for the normal setting.

Frequently asked questions

How hot is low heat

Around sixty degrees in the drum compared with eighty on the normal setting. The exact figure depends on the machine, so look for a programme called low heat or delicate.

Does low heat use more electricity

Marginally more per cycle, because it runs longer. In return your clothing lasts longer, so you replace it less often, which for most people outweighs the small difference.

Can everything be dried on low heat

Yes, but towels and bedding come out softer on normal heat. Low heat is mainly worth it for items with elastane, fine edges and a close fit.