What tumble drying on low heat means

Short answer: Low heat means the dryer blows air at around forty degrees instead of sixty. Drying takes longer, but fibres and elastic last much longer. For soft clothing and underwear, low heat is the safe choice if you use a tumble dryer.

Heat is what causes wear

It is not the tumbling itself that wears clothes the most, but the heat. Elastic loses its stretch at high heat, and that cannot be undone. Fibres also become more brittle when they are dried hot again and again. Waistbands on briefs are where you see it first. See bamboo underwear for women.

What low heat means on the machine

On many dryers the programme is called delicate, gentle or low temperature. The symbol is often a circle in a square with one dot. The air stays at around forty degrees instead of sixty, and some machines also turn the drum more slowly. Check the manual if you are unsure which programme is the lowest.

Low heat takes longer

A cycle takes thirty to forty percent longer, but the fabric holds up better. Plan your drying so you are not tempted to turn up the heat to finish faster. A sensible spin before the dryer also shortens drying time, because there is less water to remove. See bamboo T-shirts for women.

Take clothes out while slightly damp

The last part of drying is the hardest. When clothes are almost dry, there is no water left to absorb the heat, so the fibres take all of it. Hang the clothes up for the last ten minutes and let them finish drying in peace. It reduces creases too. See socks for men and women.

Load the drum sensibly

An overfilled drum dries unevenly, so some items stay wet while others are over dried. Fill the drum about halfway, so the clothes can fall freely and air can circulate. Dry heavy and light items separately, so thin clothing does not stay in the dryer too long while towels finish.

Clean the lint filter

A clogged lint filter makes the air circulate less well, so clothes need to tumble for longer. That means more time in the heat and more wear. Clean the filter after every cycle, it only takes a few seconds. Empty the condenser water container too, if your machine has one.

When to skip the dryer

Always check the care label. If it shows a crossed out square with a circle, the item must not go in the dryer, whatever the heat. Very thin items and clothes with lace or fine edges do best on the line. If in doubt, hang it up, because air drying causes the least wear.

A good routine

Spin at a moderate speed, fill the drum halfway, choose low heat and take the clothes out while slightly damp. Shake out each item and hang it up to finish drying. It is a small change to your routine, but it makes a clear difference to how long soft clothing keeps its shape.

Frequently asked questions

What does low heat mean in a tumble dryer

That the air is around forty degrees instead of sixty. It takes longer, but causes far less wear on fibres and elastic, so clothes keep their shape for longer.

Can bamboo viscose be tumble dried

Yes, on low heat. High heat shrinks the fabric and ruins the elastic in waistbands and edges, so always choose the lowest programme and check the label first.

Why take clothes out while damp

Because the last part of drying is the hardest. Slightly damp clothes that are hung up finish drying without wear and end up with fewer creases.