Housekeeping Laundry & Linens Should You Put Jeans In the Dryer? Here's What the Experts Say Denim's durability doesn’t mean it is fit for the dryer—here’s what you need to know about drying jeans at home. By Abby Wilson Abby Wilson Abby Wilson is a contributing writer for the Better Homes & Gardens digital team. She graduated with a degree in journalism and English literature from New York University, and is based in New York City. She served as Managing Editor for NYU’s independent student newspaper, the Washington Square News, and previously worked as a Production Intern at NY1 and a Metro Intern at the New York Daily News. More of her work can be found in Gotham Gazette and Paste Magazine, and at MLB.com. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Published on May 29, 2024 Close Photo: Kinga Krzeminska / Getty Images You’re probably already familiar with the laundry list of clothing items that should never go in the dryer—leather, cashmere, shoes, and bras are all no-gos. But with other garments, the verdict isn’t quite as clear. Denim pieces, from the classic blue jeans to your favorite jacket, can be a tough call. More durable than most dryer-free fabrics and slower-to-dry than your lighter items, you might assume that denim will do just fine in the dryer. But don’t set the machine to tumble dry just yet. Though quick and convenient, the dryer might just be destroying your denim, and there are a few quick tips you’ll want to keep in mind next time it’s wash day. 13 Things You Should Never Put in the Washing Machine The Dryer Could Damage Your Denim You may have heard that washing your jeans as little as possible will help to prolong their life—and as it turns out, they’re just as sensitive when it comes to drying. Though putting your denim through your regular dryer cycle probably won’t have immediate effects on the garments’ stretch or size, their fabric can break down over time—which is bad news for both your wardrobe and the environment. In fact, according to Levi’s, the iconic jeans company, dryers and denim are “natural enemies.” Running your jeans through a high-heat cycle is not the best option. Instead, air drying them or running them through a no-heat dryer cycle will leave them clean, crisp, and no worse for wear. The 6 Best Washer/Dryer Sets of 2024, According to Our Testing The Best Ways to Dry Your Jeans Most of the time, jeans shouldn’t go in the dryer, unless it’s set to low heat. But if you’ve been drying your jeans on high heat for as long as you can remember, there’s no need to panic. Switching to a no- or low-heat drying option, or opting for an air dry setup, will still prolong your denim’s lifespan. Plus, it’ll probably leave your blue jeans feeling more comfortable for longer too—a true win-win. Air Drying Is Best Levi’s suggests air drying denim for the best results, noting that exposing jeans to any kind of heat can lead to shrinkage and fabric warping, and even long-term deterioration. And, according to appliance company Whirlpool, heat may even cause yellowing or fading. Try hanging denim garments on a rack or clothesline, or lay them flat on a towel or other flat surface. Levi’s also offers a handy insider tip: Turn your jeans inside out and keep them out of the sun while drying to make sure they don’t fade in the process. 4 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Laundry Pods Choose a No-Heat Cycle If you’re going to put your jeans in the dryer, the best cycle options are without a doubt the no-heat or air dry settings, which can have slightly different labels depending on your dryer’s make and model. Either way, any dryer cycle that doesn’t pump in heat will reap most of the benefits of air drying, without the air-drying wait time. Plus, your clothes won’t be left hanging around your laundry or living room. Washing Machine Settings: What They Mean and When to Use Each One Opt for a Low-Heat Cycle in a Pinch Despite the risks, you might need to apply some heat if you don’t have the time to wash your denim alone. If you’ve decided to dry your jeans, choose the cycle with the lowest temperature available. As long as your clothes get dry, there’s no such thing as too low—according to Clorox, lower washer and dryer temperatures are the perfect recipe for reduced shrinkage. Additionally, Whirlpool suggests adding dryer balls to the cycle to keep the denim moving. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit