Can You Put Metal in the Dryer?

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Can You Put Metal in the Dryer? Unveiling the Risks and Alternatives

The answer, in short, is generally no. While some small metal components might survive a dryer cycle, placing larger or more delicate metal items in the dryer poses significant risks, potentially damaging both your clothing and your appliance.

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Understanding the Risks: Why Metal and Dryers Don’t Mix

The high heat and tumbling action within a dryer can wreak havoc on metal items and the dryer itself. Understanding these risks is crucial to avoiding costly repairs or even dangerous situations.

Damage to the Dryer Drum: Metal objects, especially those with sharp edges or protruding parts, can scratch, dent, or even puncture the dryer drum’s interior. This damage can lead to costly repairs and potentially shorten the lifespan of your appliance.
Damage to Clothing: Zippers, buttons, snaps, and embellishments can all be damaged or even detach from clothing during a dryer cycle. Furthermore, these metal components can snag or tear other garments in the load.
Fire Hazard: While less common, metal objects that generate sparks due to friction inside a hot dryer can potentially ignite lint or other flammable materials, creating a fire hazard. This is particularly concerning with items containing batteries or exposed electrical wiring.
Noise Pollution: A metal object bouncing around inside a dryer can create a distracting and annoying amount of noise. This can be particularly problematic in apartments or shared living spaces.
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Identifying Common Metal Items That End Up in the Dryer

Many metal objects inadvertently find their way into the dryer, often hidden in pockets or attached to clothing. Recognizing these common culprits is the first step in preventing damage.

Clothing Fasteners: Zippers, buttons (especially metal ones), snaps, hooks, and clasps.
Jewelry: Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and watches.
Coins: Loose change left in pockets.
Keys: House keys, car keys, and other keychains.
Hair Accessories: Metal hair clips, bobby pins, and hair ties with metal components.
Underwire Bras: The underwire can become dislodged and damage the dryer.
Tools: Small tools like screwdrivers or pliers accidentally left in pockets.

Alternatives to Drying Clothes with Metal Components

Fortunately, several safer alternatives exist for drying clothes with metal components.

Air Drying: Hanging clothes on a clothesline or drying rack is the safest and most gentle method, minimizing the risk of damage to both clothing and your dryer.
Low Heat Settings: Using a low heat setting can reduce the risk of damage from metal components that must be dried in the machine.
Protective Laundry Bags: Placing delicate items with metal embellishments in a mesh laundry bag can provide a layer of protection against damage.
Professional Dry Cleaning: For delicate garments with extensive metal detailing, professional dry cleaning is often the best option.

What to Do if You Accidentally Dry Metal in the Dryer

Despite best efforts, mistakes happen. If you accidentally dry metal in your dryer, take the following steps:

Immediately stop the dryer: Turn off the dryer as soon as you notice the unusual noise or smell.
Inspect the dryer drum: Carefully examine the interior of the dryer drum for any scratches, dents, or punctures.
Check the lint trap: Look for any metal fragments or debris in the lint trap.
Assess the clothing: Examine the clothing for any signs of damage, such as tears, snags, or missing buttons.
Consider professional repair: If you notice significant damage to the dryer drum, contact a qualified appliance repair technician for assessment and repair.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drying Metal

What happens if I dry a bra with underwire in the dryer?

Drying a bra with underwire in the dryer can cause the underwire to become dislodged and damage the dryer drum, or wrap around parts causing the motor to burn out. It’s highly recommended to air dry bras with underwire.

Can you put metal zippers in the dryer?

While metal zippers can sometimes survive a dryer cycle, it’s best to zip them up before drying to prevent them from snagging on other clothes. However, repeated drying can still damage the zipper over time. Consider air drying items with zippers to prolong their lifespan.

Is it safe to dry clothes with metal snaps in the dryer?

Similar to zippers, clothes with metal snaps can be dried, but the snaps can become loose or damaged over time. Using a low heat setting can help minimize the risk.

What about clothes with metal rivets?

Metal rivets, commonly found on jeans, are generally more durable than zippers or snaps. However, they can still scratch the dryer drum or damage other clothes. Turn the garment inside out before drying to minimize contact.

Can I dry clothes with metal embellishments?

Clothes with metal embellishments, such as beads or sequins, are best air-dried. The heat and tumbling action can cause these embellishments to detach or become damaged. If you must use the dryer, place the garment in a mesh laundry bag.

Is it okay to dry coins that accidentally end up in the dryer?

No, drying coins in the dryer is not recommended. Coins can scratch the dryer drum and create a loud, disruptive noise. Always check pockets before loading clothes into the dryer.

What if I accidentally dried a metal object and the dryer is now making a strange noise?

If your dryer is making a strange noise after accidentally drying a metal object, immediately stop using it. Inspect the drum and lint trap for damage. The noise could indicate a damaged drum or a foreign object lodged inside. Contact a qualified appliance repair technician.

Will drying metal in the dryer affect the drying time?

Yes, drying metal in the dryer can indirectly affect the drying time. A damaged dryer drum or clogged lint trap (due to metal debris) can reduce the dryer’s efficiency and prolong the drying time.

Is it possible to repair a dryer drum damaged by metal objects?

Depending on the severity of the damage, it may be possible to repair a dryer drum damaged by metal objects. Small scratches can sometimes be smoothed out, but larger dents or punctures may require drum replacement. Consult a qualified appliance repair technician.

Can you put metal buttons in the dryer?

Metal buttons are similar to snaps and zippers. It depends on the button. A very durable, thick metal button might survive, but the chances of damage to the dryer or the button itself are high. It is best to turn clothing with metal buttons inside out or air-dry the garment.

What temperature setting is safest if I have to dry something with metal?

If you must dry something with metal components in the dryer, use the lowest possible heat setting to minimize the risk of damage.

Does the type of metal matter when considering if I can put metal in the dryer?

Yes, the type of metal can make a difference. Harder metals, like steel, are more likely to scratch the dryer drum, while softer metals, like aluminum, may be more prone to bending or deforming. The shape and size of the metal object also plays a role.