Five Things You Didn't Know About Tumble Dryers Heat

· 6 min read
Five Things You Didn't Know About Tumble Dryers Heat

Tumble Dryers Heat Air to Dry Clothes

The tumble dryers use the heat of the air inside them to dry the laundry. This helps prevent clothes and textiles from becoming ruined by moisture.

Vented tumble dryers need vents to let out the heat they generate. This is crucial to ensure that your tumble dryer can function properly and efficiently.

Modern models that use heat pumps do not require a vent, but they do still require regular supply of cool air in order to function effectively. This helps them run more efficiently, reducing energy costs.

Low temperatures

The setting with the lowest heat is used to protect delicate fabrics and materials from extreme heat. The setting spins the clothes in order to remove excess moisture, instead of using high temperatures as dryers run cycles. The knob for program selection on your tumble dryer will let you choose the various settings before the cycle starts.

Certain garments might not be able to withstand any type of heat, so you should always verify the care label on each piece of clothing before putting it in the dryer. Fabrics intended for dry cleaning should never be put in the dryer. The heat will cause them to lose their shape and become damaged. Other fabrics can be dried using a tumble dryer, but the temperature should be lower than that used for cotton clothes.

A setting that is low in heat or gentle cycle is ideal for delicate or sheer fabrics as well as for chiffon and lace. This setting only uses a tiny amount of heat to avoid shrinkage and warping of the fabric, and also reduce static. It is also a good option for activewear or workout clothes made of spandex or other elastic fabrics, since they are prone to stretching and melting when dried at higher temperatures.

Another heat setting to consider is the permanent press or wrinkle resistant setting. This setting produces moderate temperatures, which is enough to dry the majority of fabrics without causing damage. This is an excellent option for cotton fabrics like cotton t-shirts, and bath towels, however it can also be used for other items made of cotton which could otherwise break in high temperatures.

Some tumble dryers come with the option of a cotton setting' or cotton dry', that is designed for heavy cotton fabrics such as sheets and bedding. While this setting can be used for cotton clothes that will not easily shatter it is generally recommended to stick with an 'extra delicate' or  tumble dry low' cycle for these types of clothes.

Medium heat

The medium heat setting is less intensive than the high heat setting, making it suitable for most fabrics. Certain fabrics may shrink when dried at this temperature. So, make sure you check the care label or the manufacturer's instructions to determine the temperature recommended.

Using this setting on towels, cotton clothes and bed sheets can ensure that they don't shrink while keeping their texture and color. The setting with the medium heat can be used for most synthetic clothes, including those made of polyester. It's best not to dry these fabrics using this temperature if the garment has special instructions for drying and washing which recommend no or low heat.

Other fabrics, like silk and wool, can be damaged by the high temperatures of the tumble dryer's medium heat setting. If you're using this setting be sure to adhere to the instructions for care of the garment and use a mesh laundry bag to protect delicate fabrics from snags during the tumble. If the fabric has decorations or embellishments that may melt or degrade in the process, you should choose the lower temperature setting.

Another kind of material that needs a low heat tumble dryer setting is spandex, as well as other workout clothes, which can be stretched or damaged by high temperatures. The "sportswear setting" on the majority of appliances will be suitable for these kinds of clothes since it will help to maintain their shape and texture while saving energy.

Based on the model and brand of your dryer The automatic and timed settings may require a different amount heat than the setting for medium heat. The timed-dry option allows you to select how long your clothes should be in the dryer. The regular or automatic cycle is based on an electronic moisture sensor to determine whether the clothes are dry.


Some tumble dryers offer a 'cotton settings' setting that can be used to dry cotton clothes such as t-shirts and underwear. This setting is not recommended for delicate fabrics as it can cause them to shrink or lose their shape, and cause damage to other fabrics.

High temperatures

A majority of tumble dryers have an option for high-heat that is ideal for heavier cotton fabrics. This setting helps to dry clothes faster and reduce wrinkles. However, it is not recommended for delicate clothing or clothes which have been washed delicately, as the high temperature can cause them shrink, fade or lose their shape. Silk or wool dress, for instance should not be tumble-dried since the high temperatures can cause damage to the fabric. These clothes should be dried using air to avoid any damage and shrinkage, and to maintain their softness and smooth texture.

The low heat setting is also very popular and is perfect for delicate fabrics. The setting with the lowest heat is more gentle on fabrics than the moderate temperature setting and reduces fabric wear.  tumble dryer with heat pump  helps preserve colors and minimizes fade. It's a great option for knitwear, lingerie or spandex workout clothes as well as sheer fabrics like lace and chiffon. The lower temperature settings may also reduce allergens such as pollen and pet dander, which can trigger irritation or allergies.

The medium temperature tumble dryer setting is typically used for shirts and synthetics such as polyester. This is also a great option for robes as well as other items like towels, sheets or winter coats. However, it's important to check the care labels on these items as some may require a lower heat setting than others.

The heavy-duty cycle is made for bulky items that can stand up to higher temperatures. This includes comforters, blankets and jeans. Also, towels, robes and winter coats. This setting is ideal for most fabrics. However it is recommended that if you wish to safeguard expensive or delicate clothing, you should make use of a mesh bag. In addition, some manufacturers recommend using dryer vent filters to ensure that warm air isn't blowing directly onto your clothes.

No heat

Tumble dryers use heat to stir and eliminate moisture from clothing. The dry air produced is vented to the outside or collected by a condenser or heat pump or tumble dryer with an external vent.

Each type of tumble dryer has its pros and cons. All three types of tumble dryers are efficient at drying clothes, but it is crucial to understand the difference between high or low temperatures to select the most suitable one for your specific load.

The high tumble dry setting is typically the highest temperature setting in your dryer, at about 125oF (52oC). This is great for things that require more heating to dry quickly, like beach towels or cotton sweatshirts from your family vacation. This is also the ideal setting for drying heavy items like jeans or heavy sweaters. The high setting is great for towels and bedding, that can withstand the heat.

The low tumble-dry setting is usually approximately 48oC (105oF) and is great for delicate, light fabrics such as knitwear or sheers. It is also perfect for workout clothes made of stretchy fabrics like spandex and Lycra. It's an excellent choice for lingerie or bras that are susceptible to damage due to heat. It prevents fraying, fading, and stretching.

Some tumble dryers have a no heat tumble dryer setting, which is usually at room temperature, and is often referred to as an air fluff cycle on your machine. This is not ideal for all fabrics since it's designed to refresh and smooth bedding or other bulky objects like winter coats in between washes. It's not recommended for fabrics that cannot withstand heat as they will likely be damaged or wrinkled due to the absence of heat.

Some tumble dryers have an anti-allergy feature that operates slightly warmer, which is about 110oF (43oC). This is a great option for those with sensitive skin, as it assists in removing the dust particles and allergens. It's also a great option for those with respiratory issues, as it can help to lessen wheezing or coughing that is associated with asthma and allergy symptoms.