How to Dry Clothes Faster in the Dryer

Doing laundry is a chore we all have to endure. Most of us don’t enjoy it, but we can make it less of a hassle. 

Drying clothes is one of those chores that can take up a lot of time, especially when you’re in a hurry. 

But don’t worry, we’ve put together a comprehensive set of guidelines to help you dry clothes faster in the dryer. Keep on reading to learn some valuable tips and tricks to save time while doing laundry.

Clean out your lint trap

Cleaning the lint trap before starting a load can significantly cut down drying time. A clogged lint trap restricts airflow, which prolongs the drying process. The dryer times its cycle depending on the levels of heat and moisture in the dryer. Lint traps the moist air in the dryer, making the cycle last longer.

You can try cleaning the lint filter after every load—it should only take a few seconds. Just pop the lint filter out, wipe away the lint, and you’re done.

You can also rinse the lint filter with warm water to remove any stubborn residue the dryer can’t get rid of. But it should be allowed to air-dry fully before going back in the dryer.

Add a dry towel

Throwing in a dry towel will help absorb excess moisture while increasing the airflow in your dryer, resulting in less drying time. It’s an excellent trick to add to your laundry routine, especially when you’re drying heavy fabrics like towels or bedding.

Alternatively, you can use dryer balls, which help separate clingy fabrics like sheets or pillowcases, again increasing airflow and reducing drying time.

Use the right cycle

Using a high-heat cycle may seem like the fastest way to dry clothes, but it can actually damage your clothes and make them shrink. It also increases the length of the cycle. Instead, use a cycle with a lower heat setting for half of the drying time, then switch to a high-heat setting for the remaining time.

Many driers come with an automatic drying sensor, stopping the cycle when the clothes are at the appropriate level of dryness; experiment with your dryer settings to find the right fit for your loads.

Don’t overload your dryer

It’s tempting to put as much clothing into the dryer as possible to save time, but doing so results in longer drying times. Overloading the dryer inhibits airflow, and you’ll end up with damp clothes in the middle and toasted clothes on the outside. So, be sure to leave ample space for the air to circulate freely.

Additionally, adding too many clothes at once puts extra strain on the filters, as well as the drum and belts, due to the excess of lint and weight. Consistently overfilling your dryer not only makes the clothes come out unevenly dry but also can shorten the lifespan of your dryer.

Clean your dryer

Just like cleaning the lint trap, cleaning out your dryer is crucial. Over time, lint, hair, and other debris can build up in your dryer’s ventilation system, which can reduce airflow and make your dryer work harder. Be sure to clean out your dryer’s ventilation system at least once a year to keep it in optimal condition.

To do this, unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall.

Locate the vent—the long, silver tube that runs from the exhaust vent at the back of the dryer to the external vent in the wall.

Unlock the clamps securing the vent at both ends and take the vent off the dryer and wall.

Wash and dry by fabric type

The type of fabric can significantly affect how quickly your clothes dry.

Polyester and nylon are man-made fibers that are designed to repel water, which means they tend to dry faster. These materials are also lighter in weight and less dense, allowing air and heat to circulate more easily through them during the drying process.

On the other hand, natural fabrics such as cotton and wool absorb more water and, therefore, take longer to dry. They are denser and heavier when wet, which can slow down the drying process as the heat needs more time to penetrate and evaporate the moisture.

Denim, a type of cotton, is particularly heavy when wet and can take a significant amount of time to dry. Similarly, towels, which are often made from cotton, are made to be highly absorbent and can also take a long time to dry.

Linen, another natural fabric, can also hold a lot of water, but it tends to dry faster than cotton because it’s lighter in weight and less dense.

It’s always a good idea to sort your clothes by fabric type before drying. This allows you to adjust the dryer settings for each load, potentially reducing the drying time and saving energy.

Run a spin cycle

Finally, the real key to getting your clothes to dry faster may be your washer.

After your clothes finish their wash cycle, put them through a quick spin cycle; the higher the speed, the better. This will help wring more water out of your clothes and help the clothing dry faster.

Just make sure the load is evenly distributed and the clothing is not bunched up before spinning. Clothing can become knotted together during the wash cycle, and it is harder to dry a compact area than a spread-out surface. Additionally, the extra, unbalanced weight spinning at high speed could unbalance the washer or lead to further damage.

Doing laundry might not be the most exciting chore you’ll ever do, however, with a little effort, you can save time and energy while drying clothes, making the process less of a hassle. These tips are easy to incorporate into your laundry routine and will not only save you time but save you money in the long run as well. Remember, a well-maintained dryer is the key to quick and efficient drying.