For some, laundry has been a lifelong activity and the varying means in which each fabric needs to be cared for has been ingrained. To others just starting out on their laundry journey, the symbols on clothing tags along with the knobs and labels on a dryer can be as mysterious as the Bermuda Triangle! If you fit into the latter group, here’s a reference for which dryer settings you should be using:
Regular/Heavy
The most heavy duty and hot of setting, the regular/heavy mode on your dryer will get things dry the quickest, but should be used sparingly as it is rough on fabrics, will raise your utilities bill, and set in any stains not caught on the shift from washer to dryer. This setting should be reserved for whites and household items like towels, as this setting can cause rough clothing or static. Often have a static issue? Consider shortening the dryer time! Overdrying is the most common cause of static in laundry, so by choosing a different dryer cycle or shortening the run you can eliminate dryer sheets. You can also use reusable wool dryer balls to speed up drying time and protect your garments from exposed heat exposure!
Permanent Press
The heat from a high dryer setting is enough to fade any colored fabrics over time, but the medium heat of the permanent press setting gets clothing dry without the damaging effects. While this is a lower temperature and is a generally safe setting for most fabrics, delicates should still not be introduced to this temperature level.
Delicates
The delicate setting is reserved for, you guessed it, delicates! This is a low heat setting that will preserve the integrity of your favorite chiffon for the times hang or air drying just aren’t options, but we do recommend not using the dryer on delicates when possible.
Air Fluff
With no heat used, this is a great cycle for softening and fluffing fabrics that have been air dried. Dust and dander, which may accumulate on these kinds of fabrics, are knocked free and drawn into the lint filter on fluff settings as well!
Steam Cycle
No iron? No problem! Not present on all dryers, the steam cycle can be a great asset for de-wrinkling and freshening something like your lucky work shirt in a pinch. If you don’t have a steam cycle you can also moisten a Wool Dryer Ball for some steam action or simply spritz some water into the drum towards the end of whichever setting you use typically.