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Stop sheets from balling up in the dryer
Opening your dryer after a cycle only to find your sheets and blankets balled, damp, and wrinkled is truly frustrating. Tangled bedding and curtains often happen due to the limited space inside the dryer drum, which can cause larger items to ball, tangle, twist, and clump together while being dried.
Tangling can prevent sheets from drying completely and cause wrinkling to occur. Read this guide to learn effective strategies to prevent sheets from balling up in the dryer, and enjoy sheets that are fresh, dry, and ready for a good night’s sleep.
Why do sheets ball up in the dryer?
The main reason that bedding and sheets ball up in the dryer is that there is not enough space inside the dryer for these items to tumble and move freely. Larger, bulkier items like sheets, comforters, and blankets can tangle and twist during a cycle. This can cause the sheets to clump, leaving them damp. The weight of wet sheets can make the issue worse, as it will be harder for them to separate and dry properly. Luckily, there are some simple methods to help you keep laundry day moving without having to dry tangled bedding again and risk it not being ready for when you want to go to sleep.
How to help prevent sheets from balling up in the dryer
You can try a few things to prevent sheets from balling up in the dryer. Your options include:
Adjust the load size
Shake items out after washing
Take a moment to perform these preventive steps when drying sheets, blankets, and other large items. It can make a big difference.
1. Select a low heat setting
Using a lower heat setting can help prevent sheets from balling up during the drying cycle. Drying at lower temperatures provides more controlled drying, which, in turn, will help sheets maintain their shape and structure and reduce the likelihood of them balling up, twisting, getting tangled, and clumping together. You can also opt for a longer drying time to give any creases in the sheets more opportunity to dry out.
2. Shake out sheets and other items
Give each blanket and sheet a solid shake after washing to uncouple any twists or folds that may have developed. This step doesn’t take long, and it helps promote better airflow in the dryer. It can also reduce the likelihood of bedding and sheets getting tangled and clumped together while drying.
3. Button or zip duvet covers
Zip or button a duvet closed to help prevent it from balling up in the dryer. By securing them, you can help reduce the likelihood of tangling and help keep smaller items from getting trapped inside any creases, crevices, or folds.
4. Don’t overload the dryer
One of the main causes of balled-up sheets is a lack of space in the dryer drum. You should ensure that there is enough space for the sheets and blankets to move and tumble freely. Set your load size based on your dryer size. You can also dry each large item separately, or upgrade to a large capacity dryer, which can handle more laundry at once.
How to help keep sheets from tangling while drying
Sheets and bedding can easily get tangled as the dryer tumbles, even if you take the necessary precautions before starting the cycle. There are some items you can add to your load to help stop sheets from balling up, including:
Dryer balls
Towels
Specialized gadgets
Dryer balls
Dryer balls create space between items as they tumble in the dryer to prevent tangling. This increases the airflow to help sheets dry more evenly and prevent clumping. Furthermore, dryer balls can help fight the development of wrinkles, so you don’t have to spend your time ironing.
A tennis ball
Instead of a dryer ball, you can add a tennis ball to your tumble dryer and achieve a similar effect. Inspect the tennis balls before and after running them through the dryer to ensure they aren’t breaking down. It’s important to only use a low heat setting if you’re choosing to use tennis balls.
A clean towel
Adding a dry, clean towel to the dryer along with your sheets can help prevent tangling. It works by creating additional space and increasing airflow. The towel can be effective as it absorbs moisture and helps separate the sheets during the tumbling process.
Specialized gadgets
The market offers various tools and gadgets to help prevent sheets from balling up in your dryer. Generally speaking, they reduce the risk of tangling by securing the corners or sides of sheets together.
Use these tips to help keep sheets from tangling in the dryer
Line dry
Line drying sheets and blankets can potentially add some extra freshness to your bedding and ensure they don’t tangle or get bunched up. Also, hanging or laying flat bedding to dry can help prevent wrinkles from forming.
Shake halfway through
If your sheets are still tangling in the dryer after using these tips, there are a few extra things you can do.
One tip is to stop your dryer cycle halfway through and remove the damp sheets. Give them another shake, return them loosely to the dryer, and resume the cycle.
A large mesh bag
Placing wet sheets in an extra-large mesh bag can help keep them contained and prevent tangling. This method sometimes requires additional drying time since the bag can decrease the air flow between the layers of the bedding.
How to avoid fitted sheets getting tangled in the dryer
Drying fitted sheets is challenging, as their elastic corners are quick to tangle, clump, or trap smaller items. Use these tips to help ensure your fitted sheets are properly dried.
Fold fitted sheets before drying
By securing the corners, you can help prevent fitted sheets from getting tangled while drying. Follow these general instructions to fold your fitted sheets:
Fold the fitted sheet in half lengthwise, bringing the two corners together.
Tuck one corner into the other, creating a bundle that will contain the elastic edges.
Do the same for the other side.
Place it in the dryer
Dry your fitted sheets separately
Dry smaller items, like pillow cases, small blankets, and the matching flat sheet, separately from fitted sheets. Smaller bedding items can get trapped in the pockets or corners, causing the fitted sheets to ball up.
Secure the corners
You can use specialized anti-wad devices on the corners of fitted sheets. These devices are designed to connect the four corners of a fitted sheet, and can help prevent the sheet from balling up or items from getting trapped. You can also use alligator clips to secure the corners.
How do I stop the rest of my bedding from tangling in the tumble dryer?
To keep bedding, like quilts, blankets, and comforters, from balling up during a drying cycle, you can use the same tips as you did for sheets. ‘
Shake your washed bedding out before adding it to the dryer
Use a low heat setting with dryer balls
Do not overload the dryer
Consider drying smaller items like pillow cases separately.
Extra-large or thick blankets may benefit from being shaken and fluffed halfway through drying.
These tips can help prevent blankets from balling up in your dryer, along with comforters and other bedding, and ensure that everything is dried as fast and effectively as possible.
Shop Whirlpool® Washers and Dryers
Whirlpool® Washers and Dryers offer flexible installation and features that let you manage your routine the way you want. Select models help prevent wrinkles from setting into clean, dry sheets and other fabrics with Wrinkle Shield™ Plus Option with Steam. While others have Advanced Moisture Sensing to help prevent overdrying. Choose an electric dryer or gas dryer to match your washing machine’s power source, and enjoy a streamlined installation and compatible cycle
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