Can you dry delicate laundry in a clothes dryer?

Heat pump dryers dry clothes at a lower temperature, typically between 40–60°C, making them gentler on fabrics compared to vented dryers, which can reach 70–85°C. However, the tumbling action in a dryer can still cause snagging, shrinkage, or pilling. To avoid damage, follow these laundry tips:

• Use a drying rack – Many heat pump dryers come with a removable drying rack that sits inside the drum. This prevents delicate items from tumbling and reduces wear and tear.

• Separate delicates from heavy items – Avoid drying delicate fabrics with bulky clothing items like bath mats, jeans, or thick t-shirts, as they can cause stretching or snagging.

• Check the care label – Some materials, like cashmere and wool sweaters, should never go in a dryer, even on low heat settings. Others, such as certain blends, may be dryer-safe but require a gentle cycle.

• Avoid high temperatures – Excess heat can damage fabrics like spandex, faux leather, and hosiery. Always select the lowest heat setting available.

• Use a mesh laundry bag – If you must tumble dry items like bras or tights, placing them in a mesh bag can help reduce friction and prevent snagging.

Some vented dryers have low-temperature drying options, often labelled as 'delicate' or 'gentle' cycles, but they are still usually higher temperatures than in heat pump dryers. Even with a drying rack, vented dryers can expose delicate fabrics to temperatures that increase the risk of shrinkage and damage, so the lower heat output and gentler drying process of heat pump dryers is a safer option.

Some delicate fabrics can be dried in a heat pump dryer if handled carefully:

• Lingerie (made from cotton or synthetic fabrics, without embellishments) – Use a drying rack and low heat.

• Activewear and spandex blends – Tumble dry on low heat or use a drying rack.

• Cotton or bamboo t-shirts – Can be dried on a gentle cycle.

• Microfibre items – Best dried at low temperatures to maintain softness.

• Some wool blends – Check the care label as some blends are dryer-safe.

• Synthetic hosiery – Use a mesh bag and a low heat setting for stockings, tights and pantyhose.

Even on a gentle cycle, some fabrics should never go in a dryer:

• Suede and faux leather – Can become stiff or cracked.

• Cashmere and pure wool sweaters – Prone to shrinkage and distortion.

• Silk and lingerie with lace or delicate trims – Can weaken or lose shape.

• Swimwear and pure spandex – Breaks down with heat exposure.

• Clothing with sequins or embellishments – Heat and tumbling can loosen or melt decorative elements.

We deliver heat pump and vented clothes dryers, front and top load washers and the rest of our home appliances to 95% of Australians with Appliances Online's legendary FREE delivery - and we can usually get them to you by the next day (Mon-Fri) when they’re in stock (not a lot of retailers can say that!)

We even offer paid Same Day Delivery in metro NSW, Qld and Vic for in-stock items ordered by midday weekdays. If you need a few more tips on choosing the best dryer model for your laundry room, check out our Washer and Dryer Buying Guide, call our friendly team 24/7 on 1300 000 500 or message us via the chat icon at the bottom of your screen.