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How To Get The Best Results From Your Clothes Dryer

Tips For Drying Clothes

By , About.com Guide

How To Get The Best Results From Your Clothes Dryer

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A clothes dryer accounts for about 12 percent of your yearly utility costs. Learn how to use a dryer efficiently and get the best results for your clothes.

  • Separate lightweight fabrics from heavyweight ones for faster, more even drying.
  • Never overload the dryer. The clothes need room to tumble freely for efficient drying and to prevent wrinkles.
  • Whenever possible, dry full loads not just one or two items to save energy costs.
  • Drying several loads consecutively saves energy because the dryer doesn't have to warm up each time.
  • Don't add wet items to a partially dry load. It will confuse the moisture detector in your dryer and over dry some of your clothes.
  • Don't open the dryer door unnecessarily. You'll add time to the drying cycle by letting warm air escape.
  • Clean the lint screen after every load. Lint - even a little - lengthens the drying time.
  • If possible, install your dryer in a warm area. Unheated spaces make drying times longer.

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