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Many drying problems involve poor drying results, excess lint and residues of lint and
scum, and fabric damage. For satisfactory drying results, follow these suggestions
provided by The Soap and Detergent Association.
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE
CAUSES
SOLUTIONS
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Greasy, oily
stains
• Use of fabric
softener
sheet.
• Rub fabric softener
stains with bar soap.
Rinse and rewash.
• Add a few bath towels
to small loads for proper
tumbling.
• Some silk-like fabrics should
be air dried.
• Use proper drying
temperature.
• Place fabric softener sheet
in load before starting the
dryer.
Lint
• Overloading
the dryer.
• Overdrying
causes static
electricity.
• Lint filter
not clean
when cycle
began.
• Lint
attached to
pills.
• Reduce load size and
rewash using liquid
fabric softener in the
final rinse.
• Add a fabric softener
sheet and tumble
with no heat.
• Use lint brush or roller
to remove lint.
• DO NOT overload dryer.
• Use fabric softener in washer
or dryer to reduce static
electricity.
• Remove items when slightly
damp to avoid overdrying.
• Check that lint filter is clean
and in place.
Pilling
(Fibers
break off,
ball up and
cling to
fabric)
• Overdrying.
• Use a lint brush or
shaver to remove pills.
• Use fabric softener to
lubricate fibers.
• If ironing, use spray starch
or fabric finish on collars and
cuffs.
• Turn items inside out to
reduce abrasion.
Shrinking
• Temperature
too high.
• Overdrying.
• Irreversible condition.
• Follow fabric care label
directions.
• If shrinking is a concern,
check load often.
• Remove items while slightly
damp and hang or lay flat to
complete drying.
• Block knits into shape.
Wrinkling
• Overloading
the dryer.
• Leaving
items in
dryer after
cycle ends.
• Reduce load size and
tumble at medium
or low heat for 5-10
min.
• Remove items
immediately. Hang or
fold.
• DO NOT overload dryer.
• Remove items as soon as
cycle ends.
Common drying inquiries
TROUBLESHOOTING