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Putting a wool coat in the dryer can be a risky move. While some sources claim that certain wool garments can be tumble-dried on a low-heat setting without shrinking, others advise against it, stating that the high heat will cause the coat to shrink and may even ruin it. The tumbling action can also cause pilling, and the weight of the water can cause the coat to stretch and lose its shape. So, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid putting your wool coat in the dryer. Instead, lay it flat on a drying rack or towel and let it air dry.
What You'll Learn
The coat will shrink
Putting a wool coat in the dryer will cause it to shrink. Wool is a fabric that reacts poorly to high temperatures, and the heat from a dryer is enough to cause shrinkage. Even if the coat is already dry, the heat from the dryer can still cause the fibres to contract and the coat to shrink.
The tumbling action of a dryer can also cause wool fabric to pill, and this, along with the heat, can ruin a wool coat. The combination of heat and the tumbling motion can also cause wool to become felted. This is due to the agitation causing the fibres to rub together and become matted, resulting in a shrunken and misshapen coat.
To avoid shrinkage, it is recommended that wool coats are dried flat, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. If a tumble dryer is to be used, it should be on a low-heat setting or a specific setting for wool or delicates. Woolmark-approved garments with a "tumble dry" claim can be dried in this way without shrinking.
If a wool coat does shrink in the dryer, it may be possible to restore it to its original size. One method is to soak the coat in lukewarm water with a fabric softener such as conditioner or baby shampoo, then gently massage and stretch the fabric.
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The coat will be ruined
Putting a wool coat in the dryer will ruin it. Wool is a fabric that requires special care and attention when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. The high heat of a dryer will cause the coat to shrink and become misshapen. Wool fibres are delicate and sensitive to temperature changes, so exposing them to excessive heat will result in irreversible damage.
The tumbling action of the dryer will also cause the wool fabric to pill, leaving your coat looking worn and bobbly. Even if your coat is already dry, the agitation and heat of the dryer can cause felting, which will ruin the coat's smooth finish and soft texture.
If your coat has any linings, shoulder padding, or embellishments, these may not be able to withstand the high temperatures and agitation of the dryer. The coat's structure and shape may be compromised, leaving you with a misshapen garment.
Furthermore, the weight of a wet wool coat can also cause it to stretch and lose its shape. This is why it is recommended to lay wool coats flat to dry, rather than hanging them, as it helps maintain the coat's structure and prevents stretching or misshaping.
In summary, putting a wool coat in the dryer is a risky move that is likely to result in damage. The combination of heat and tumbling will cause shrinkage, pilling, and potential felting. To preserve your coat's shape, texture, and overall appearance, it is best to avoid the dryer and opt for alternative drying methods.
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The coat will lose its shape
When a wool coat goes in the dryer, it may lose its shape. Wool coats are heavy, and when they are wet, the weight of the coat can cause the wool fibres to stretch and lose their shape. The tumbling action of the dryer can also cause the wool fabric to pill, which can lead to the coat becoming misshapen.
To prevent a wool coat from losing its shape, it is recommended to air-dry the coat on a flat surface or a drying rack. If there is excess water, the coat can be gently rolled up in a towel and squeezed to remove the moisture. It is important to shape the coat so that it lays naturally during the drying process.
Additionally, when drying a wool coat, it is crucial to keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can cause shrinkage. The coat should be allowed to air-dry completely before wearing or storing it, to prevent set-in wrinkles.
Furthermore, when washing a wool coat, it is recommended to hand-wash or machine-wash it using a gentle cycle and low water temperatures. After washing, the coat should be removed from the water without wringing it out, as this can damage the fibres and cause the coat to become misshapen. Instead, the water should be gently squeezed out, starting from the top of the coat.
By following these proper washing and drying techniques, you can help prevent your wool coat from losing its shape and maintain its original form.
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The coat will be damaged
Putting a wool coat in the dryer will damage it. The high heat from the dryer will cause the coat to shrink, and the tumbling action will cause the fabric to pill. Even if the coat is already dry, the heat and agitation can cause the wool to felt.
If your coat does not carry a Woolmark-approved label with a tumble dry claim, it is best to flat-dry your coat. If you intend to machine wash your coat, it is best practice to use a mesh laundry bag to protect the coat from snagging.
If you wish to hand wash your coat, it is important to avoid wringing, twisting, or rubbing the coat, as this can cause the fibres to become misshapen or felted together. Instead, gently squeeze the coat to remove excess water, and lay it flat on a towel to dry. Avoid hanging the coat to dry, as the weight of the wet wool can cause the coat to become misshapen.
If you accidentally put your wool coat in the dryer and it shrinks, there are ways to unshrink it. One method is to use lukewarm water and a gentle conditioner or baby shampoo to loosen the fibres. Place the coat in the water and gently massage it. Then, remove it from the water and lay it flat on a towel to dry.
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The coat will be irreversibly damaged
Putting a wool coat in the dryer will irreversibly damage it. Wool is a fabric that requires special care and attention when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. While some wool garments can be tumble-dried on a low-heat setting or a specific setting for wool or delicates, it is generally not recommended to put wool in the dryer.
The high heat of a dryer can cause wool to shrink, and even if the coat is already dry, the heat can still cause damage. The tumbling action of the dryer can also cause the wool fabric to pill, and this mechanical action, combined with the heat, can lead to irreversible damage to the coat.
If your wool coat has a "Dry Clean Only" label, it is best to avoid machine washing and tumble drying altogether. These coats often have interfacings, shoulder padding, and linings that are not designed to withstand the agitation and heat of a washing machine and dryer. Instead, they should be hand-washed or spot-cleaned with a gentle detergent and then air-dried flat.
Even if your wool coat does not have a "Dry Clean Only" label, it is still important to take precautions when drying it. If you choose to machine wash your wool coat, always use a gentle cycle with low water temperatures and place the coat in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from snagging. After washing, the coat should be air-dried flat on a drying rack or towel, avoiding direct sunlight or heat, as this can cause shrinkage.
In summary, exposing a wool coat to the high heat and tumbling action of a dryer can irreversibly damage the fabric. To maintain the longevity and integrity of your wool coat, it is best to avoid the dryer and opt for gentle hand-washing and air-drying methods.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you should never put a wool coat in the dryer. The high heat will cause it to shrink.
If you put a wool coat in the dryer, it will likely shrink and become misshapen.
To dry a wool coat, lay it flat on a drying rack or a towel. If there is excess water, gently roll the coat up in a towel and then squeeze—don't wring—out the moisture.
