Why does the dryer shrink clothes?
Many people who use dryers have been unpleasantly surprised to find that their favorite shirts or pants have shrunk after the appliance has run through a cycle. This can be a real bummer, especially if you've never had such problems with your laundry before. There are several reasons why clothes shrink, but the main one lies in the technology that the appliance uses.
First of all, you should pay attention to the recommended degrees and settings at which it is desirable to dry the laundry. Check the labels of the clothes to find out at what temperature they should be dried. This way you will prevent unwanted shrinkage of the fabrics, and not only of the more delicate fabrics.
Be careful when drying fabrics such as cotton, linen or wool. They are "more demanding" and should not be dried at excessively high temperatures. Choose the right program and temperature for drying more delicate fabrics, having previously washed them in cooler water.
It is also important what kind of appliance you use. In recent years, heat pump dryers have become increasingly popular. And if you have to choose an appliance, think about the advantages of new models equipped with modern technology. You probably know that older dryer models have a condenser. But in recent years, heat pump appliances have become quite popular, which are far more economical.
In addition, dryers equipped with this newer technology are gentler on fabrics. Find out about the energy efficiency of the specific model of appliance you have chosen. Newer heat pump dryers have an A+++ efficiency class. This will allow you to save several hundred leva per year on energy. This economy is based on calculations showing up to 160 drying cycles.
Yes, heat pump dryers are more expensive than older models. But with such a dryer you can save several thousand leva on energy costs, assuming its average service life is 10 years. At the same time, heat pump dryers provide you with higher energy efficiency.
On the other hand, condenser dryers are not as economical. However, many people still prefer them, mainly because of their ability to dry clothes faster. However, their quality of work is not as efficient. Over time, condenser dryers begin to deform the fabrics and your favorite T-shirts or shirts shrink.
Heat pump dryers do not shrink clothes, which is really great news for every user. This type of dryer does not use a heating element, but Freon. The refrigerant changes from a gas to a liquid during the operating cycle. The heat released during this process heats the air flow to the drum. During the operating cycle, your laundry releases moisture vapor.
The refrigerant cools them, causing condensation to form in the tank. The dry air then heats the pump again. For this reason, a heat pump dryer does not require much energy. The air inside is reused during the operating cycle of the appliance.
Clothes will look good for a long time thanks to the low drying temperature. The coolant ensures that clothes are dried at a lower temperature. Unlike condenser dryers that use a heating element, newer models do not dry your laundry at higher temperatures. This means your clothes will retain their beautiful appearance and will not shrink or wear out faster.
Modern heat pump dryers do not require the installation of a special exhaust hose. This is due to the small amount of hot air released from them to the outside, as well as the presence of a container for the moisture extracted from the laundry. Such devices are easy and convenient to place anywhere – in the wet room or kitchen, even under counters or in a cupboard.
Innovative heat pump dryers are equipped with special features that use intelligent sensors to measure the temperature and residual moisture content of your laundry in the drum. They automatically stop the program once the clothes are dry. When it comes to drying programs, the basic rule is that each fabric should be treated differently.
While synthetic fabrics and sportswear require lower drying temperatures to avoid damage, cotton fabrics can withstand higher temperatures. With the new heat pump appliances, you can set the desired program, depending on the type of fabric. There are also options for lower drying temperatures, as well as fine adjustment of the degrees.
How to prevent laundry from shrinking in the dryer:
Choose a suitable work program |
Check clothing labels for recommended drying levels before placing them in the appliance. |
Choose settings for fine drying and temperature control |
