16
SOLUTIONS TO COMMON PROBLEMS

Common Drying Problems

Many drying problems involve poor cleaning results, poor soil and stain removal, 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 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 on top of • load before starting the dryer.
Lint Overloading.• Overdrying causes static • electricity.
Lint screen not clean when • cycle began.
Lint is attached to “pills.”•
Reduce load size and rewash • using liquid fabric softener in the
fi nal rinse.
Or, add a fabric softener sheet • and tumble without 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 they are slightly • damp to avoid overdrying.
Check that lint fi lter 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 fi bers. • When ironing, use spray starch or • fabric fi nish on collars and cuffs.
Turn items inside out to reduce abra-• sion.
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 fl at to complete drying.
Block knits into shape.•
Wrinkling Overloading.• Leaving items in dryer after • cycle ends.
Reduce load size and tumble at • medium or low heat for 5-10
minutes.
Remove items immediately. Hang • or fold.
Do not overload dryer.• Remove items as soon as cycle ends.•