Washer-dryers offer a practical solution for people with limited space for hanging clothes or who want to spend less time on household chores. However, frequent use of the drying function can cause some garments to shrink, fade or wear out faster.
According to Marcia Zile de Abreu Melo, Quality and Processes manager at Brazilian clothing manufacturer Grupo Malwee, the impact depends on the fabric’s composition, the temperature used and the mechanical movement inside the drum. Machine drying can also contribute to pilling, loss of elasticity and changes in a garment’s appearance.
Compared with natural drying, machine drying may accelerate wear because it combines heat with repeated movement. As the drum rotates, clothes rub against one another, which can damage the surface of the fabric and affect its texture and appearance. Natural drying generally causes less mechanical wear, although prolonged exposure to sunlight can harm colors. For this reason, sensitive garments, particularly those made from natural fibers, are best dried naturally and preferably in the shade.
Shrinkage is another common concern. Fabrics accumulate tension during manufacturing, and moisture, heat and mechanical movement can release that tension, reorganizing the threads and changing the garment’s dimensions. In cotton, for example, the fibers absorb moisture and temporarily swell, which can contribute to this adjustment when combined with heat and movement.
Shrinkage may be more noticeable during the first few cycles but can continue gradually after repeated washing and drying, especially when care instructions are ignored. Manufacturing processes such as mechanical compaction and thermal stabilization can help control these changes.
Different fibers also respond differently. Cotton and linen can undergo dimensional changes because they absorb moisture. Viscose may shrink or deform, particularly while wet. Polyester is generally more dimensionally stable under normal care conditions, although excessive heat can deform it. Elastane can lose some of its elasticity when exposed to unsuitable temperatures, while blended fabrics vary according to the combination of fibers and the treatments used in production.
The fiber composition alone is not enough to determine whether a garment can go in a dryer. Two cotton items, for instance, may react differently depending on the knit structure and finishing processes. The care label should therefore take priority over general recommendations based only on the material.
Machine drying can also promote pilling as friction loosens small fibers from the surface. Some cotton-and-polyester blends may retain these pills more visibly because of their synthetic fibers. Increased surface fuzz can alter how the fabric reflects light, making a garment appear duller or more worn even without substantial dye loss.
Color fading depends on factors including the fiber, dyes and finishing treatments. Heat, friction and unsuitable washing products can intensify color changes. Detergents containing bleaching agents that are not intended for colored garments may worsen the problem.
The safest way to determine whether a garment can be tumble-dried is to check its care label. A square containing a circle indicates tumble drying, while the number of dots specifies the permitted temperature. One dot means reduced heat, two dots indicate normal heat, and a crossed-out symbol means the garment should not be tumble-dried.
A label permitting tumble drying means the process is suitable when the recommended conditions are followed; it does not mean the garment is immune to gradual wear. Repeated exposure to heat and movement can still affect the appearance and properties of some fabrics over time.
To reduce damage, clothes should be separated by fabric type, with heavy items kept apart from delicate materials. Overloading the machine should be avoided, and the selected temperature and cycle should match the care instructions. Extending the drying cycle unnecessarily increases exposure to heat and movement.
When allowed by the label, removing clothes while they are still slightly damp and finishing the drying process naturally may help preserve their characteristics. Using suitable washing products is also important, especially for colored and delicate garments.
The possibility of wear does not make a washer-dryer unsuitable. The appliance remains convenient, but users should remember that not every garment needs to go through a complete wash-and-dry cycle. Using a clothesline for sensitive items or when minimizing mechanical wear is the priority can extend the useful life of some pieces.
Sources: Canaltech.