Drying special-care items Most garments and household textiles have manufacturer’s care labels with laundering
instructions. Always follow care label directions when they are available. Page 9 includes
drying instructions for most types of washables. The chart below provides drying instructions
for special-care washables.
ITEMS DRYING INSTRUCTIONS
Blankets and
woolens
l Cotton, rayon,
synthetic
blankets
l Electric blankets,
electric sheets,
woolen blankets,
washable
woolen
garments
Machine drying knitted woolens is not recommended. Block to shape
when wet and allow to air dry. Line dry blankets in the shade on a
breezy day over two lines. Pin edges together and straighten them.
When partly dry, turn the blanket over, re-pin, and re-straighten.
When dry, brush nap.
Dry as recommended for permanent press fabrics on page 9.
If manufacturer recommends machine drying:
1. Place one or two dry towels in the dryer and preheat 3-5 minutes
on a high setting. This will dry blankets faster and help avoid pilling.
2. Put blanket in dryer with warm towels.
3. Check after 10 minutes. Remove when still damp. Overdrying and
long tumbling can cause shrinking and pilling.
4. Place blanket on flat surface, or over two lines to finish drying.
Gently stretch to original size and shape.
5. When completely dry, brush gently to raise nap. Press binding with
cool iron if needed.
Curtains,
slipcovers
l Draperies,
slipcovers
Diapers, baby
clothes
Remove drapery weights and hooks before laundering.
For slipcovers, replace while still slightly damp. They will dry to fit
tightly.
Dry only a few minutes.
1. Leave room in dryer for load to fluff.
2. Remove from dryer while slightly damp. Do not overdry.
Wash and dry small items in a mesh bag or pillowcase for
convenient handling.
Remove diapers and cotton knit items while still slightly damp. They
will feel softer, shrink less, and be easier to fold.
Elastic items Remove from dryer while still slightly damp.
continued on next page
15