6 Things You May Not Know a Clothes Dryer Can Do

Author

Ark
April 09, 2025

Drying your clothes is just the beginning. Your clothes dryer is a versatile appliance that can do much more than simply banish dampness from your laundry. From clever household hacks to unexpected time-savers, here are six surprising things a clothes dryer can do that you may not have considered.

1. Fluff Up Pillows and Stuffed Animals

Over time, pillows, cushions, and stuffed toys can lose their plumpness. Tossing them into the dryer on a low-heat or air-only cycle for 10-15 minutes can work wonders. The tumbling action redistributes the filling, leaving them soft and fluffy again. For added freshness, throw in a dryer sheet. Just be sure to check care labels first—some delicate materials might not handle the heat well.

2. Remove Wrinkles Without Ironing

Forgot to iron that shirt before a meeting? No problem. Toss wrinkled clothes into the dryer with a damp washcloth or a few ice cubes. Run a short cycle (about 10 minutes) on medium heat, and the steam created will smooth out creases. It’s a quick fix that saves you from dragging out the ironing board when time is tight.

3. Deodorize Smelly Shoes

After a long day or a rainy hike, shoes can develop an unpleasant odor. Pop them into the dryer with a few dryer sheets and run a no-heat or low-heat cycle for 20-30 minutes. The tumbling and scented sheets can help neutralize and refresh them. Pro tip: Tie the laces together and hang them over the door to keep them from banging around too much.

4. Speed Up Drying for Paint or Glue Projects

Working on a craft project that needs to dry fast? Small items like painted rocks, glued decorations, or even air-dry clay creations can be placed in a mesh laundry bag and run through a low-heat cycle for a few minutes. The warm air accelerates drying without the mess of a hairdryer. Be cautious with delicate or heat-sensitive materials, though—test a small piece first.

5. Clean and Refresh Reusable Bags

Reusable grocery bags, lunch totes, and backpacks often collect crumbs, spills, and odors. Many are dryer-safe (check the label!), and a quick tumble on a low or air-only setting can shake off debris and freshen them up. Add a dryer sheet for extra scent, or toss in a tennis ball to help dislodge stuck-on dirt. It’s an easy way to keep them ready for your next outing.

6. Break In Stiff New Clothes

New jeans or canvas shoes feeling a bit too rigid? A short spin in the dryer can soften them up. Dampen the item slightly with a spray bottle, then tumble on medium heat for 15-20 minutes. The heat and motion help relax the fibers, making them more comfortable to wear right away—no break-in period required.

Your clothes dryer is more than just a one-trick pony. With a little creativity, it can tackle tasks beyond laundry day, saving you time and effort in unexpected ways. Next time you’re in a pinch, give one of these tricks a try—you might be amazed at what this humble appliance can do!

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