How did you work out what could and could not go in the tumble dryer?

[QuimReaper]

I've just got my first ever one, and I have a feeling I've already shrunk a pair of husband's pyjama bottoms

I did look through all my clothing labels but the tumbledryer X symbol seemed to occur at random - sometimes two plain T shirts of almost the exact same material had different dryer instructions. The internet seemed broadly in agreement that most T shirts etc. are safe, but what rule of thumb do you employ?

Thanks!

It all goes in.
On extra cupboard dry. Shake fold and hang.
Unless it says dry clean....

Cotton tends to shrink so if it's something you care about and isn't stretchy, don't tumble dry it.

Delicate fabric or anything really expensive also doesn't go in my tumble dryer.

Everything else is fair game in my household.

Using a dryer will wear the clothes out quicker. My son doesn't like any of his things dried that way except socks. Try Drying on a cooler setting.

mummy I've got "cupboard dry" and then "extra dry" and I did this stuff on the former! Everything else seems to have survived, although my jeans looked a bit shrunken too - haven't tried them on so we'll see...

If it's elastic like socks, don't do it- or at least only on cool! They shrink a lot!

If it's almost dry, like acrylic or nylon, don't bother just hang it till dry.

Make sure you get it out and hang it straight away, otherwise the creases set in.

I left my tights out but put in a stretchy T shirt, and my jeans are stretchy. Oops.

This is all going to be very hard to explain to our cleaner...

Sprink Oooh, I did socks and they came out lovely and soft and smooth, I was thinking I was on to something! Seem to have got away with it shrinkage wise.

I just chuck the lot in, same with washing, everything comes out fine

The hard way, somewhat.

Anything with elastic shouldn't be tumbled. Knickers and socks mainly.

Anything with plastic shouldn't be hot tumbled or the plastic will melt. This mainly applies to duvet covers. Tbh I only ever use cool tumble whatever it is.

Socks, pants, vests and PJ's on cooler setting. Towels and bedding on hotter setting. I do put jeans in on cooler setting but find them a little snug afterwards. I don't put anything else in as I find it shrinks.

Low heat setting is your best friend. No bras and no wool in the dryer. I do socks but not tights

Everything except my bra's went in the tumble drier. Never used the hot setting tho.

Most go in, generally socks, bras pants go on line or air cupboard.

Yes : socks (not walking or bed socks or football socks but all normal)
pants
polo shirts
t-shirts you aren't that bothered about
formal shorts / blouses
Night shirts and PJs
towels
t-towels
Sheets / pillow cases / duvet covers

on cool
sweatshirts
jogging bottoms
jeans

No : jumpers
anything wool
anything with screen printing on
'shiny' material - like football shirts and shorts
swimming costumes
tights

The key is not to overload. The clothes need room to 'fly about' in the machine

I tumble everything on low if it's cotton and/or polyester, regardless of what the label says. Anything with elastane in (i.e. leggings), tights and bras get hung up in the spare bedroom as does my favourite wool jumper (which also gets hand washed).