Top 11+ things you should never put in the tumble dryer – but probably do

While most of us have a washing machine in our homes these days, it's a different story for the humble tumble dryer. According to research from Gov.uk, around 60% of UK homes have a dryer - leaving the rest of us to hang up our wet washing to dry naturally. Of course if you're one of the lucky 60% you'll appreciate just how handy the machine is, especially if you're a large household with a lot of laundry, or you don't have a garden or indoor space to hang it up. That said, there are items which you still shouldn't tumble dry if you want to avoid damaging them. These are just some of the items that should give the dryer a wide berth... (Picture: Getty Images)

1. Bras

Just as bras can be unsuited to machine washing, you should also err on the side of caution when it comes to throwing them in the tumble dryer. For one thing they are often made of delicate material such as lace which doesn't do well in that kind of temperature. For another, the heat can also damage the elasticity and shape of the bra. And those with underwires are a definite no-no as the wire could work its way out of the fabric, not only making it useless but it could also cause damage to the inside of the machine. So dry these by hand instead (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

2. Trainers

You might be able to chuck your trainers in the washing machine if they get grubby but what about when it comes to getting them dry in time for your run? Well we've got a bit of advice for you - don't put them in the dryer post-wash. The heat could not only damage the rubber but could also weaken the adhesives used on your trainers, which could cause them to fall apart. You're far better off letting them air dry after you've washed them, if you want them to remain in good condition (Picture: Getty Images)

3. Embellished clothing

Got a wedding or a celebration to go to? Many of us love to get out our best sequins for the occasion - but just as sticking those shiny embellishments in your washing machine is risky,you should also avoid putting them anywhere near the dryer. The reasons for this are much the same as why you shouldn't machine wash them. They could get damaged, the heat could melt the glue used to stick the sequins on the item, or they could just fall off and potentially get caught in the drum, causing damage to your machine as well as the garment. Handwashing and drying these clothes naturally is the way to go (Picture: Getty Images)

4. Tights

If you wear tights a lot, you'll know how tempting it is to just chuck them in the washing machine and dry them afterwards. Well, you shouldn't. Hosiery, in general, is made from very delicate material which could well shrink in the heat of a tumble dryer - or worse, still, get tangled. Ever tried to get your tights out of a knot when you're in a rush to leave for work? Even when you do have time on your hands, you don't want to waste it doing this. So hang them up to dry instead (Picture Getty Images)

5. Rubber-backed rugs

Your bathmat is a pretty essential accessory, given that it stops you from slipping over when you exit the tub or shower. And of course over time it gets dirty, so you'll need to wash it. But can you stick it in the dryer afterwards? The answer is a resounding no. It's often OK to stick your mat in the washing machine on a cold cycle, depending on the make (and it's always a good idea to check the washing instructions first) but the high temperatures of the dryer could cause the rubber to melt or crumble - or in a worst case scenario, even overheat and cause a fire. Keep this one away from the machine and hang it up to dry (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

6. Leather

Whether it's a trusty biker jacket, favourite skirt or even a beloved belt, many of us have something leather in our wardrobe. But what happens if you get caught in the rain and your jacket's a bit damp when you get home? Well, tempting as it might be to toss it in the dryer you most definitely should not as the heat could cause the leather to split and crack, ruining the shape of the garment and making it unwearable. Hang it up and let the air do its work instead if you want your leather clothing to continue looking its best (Picture: Getty Images/Westend61)

7. Swimwear

With holiday season upon us, it might be time to dig out your favourite seaside swimwear. You should always wash a swimsuit after you wear it, even if you didn't swim in it, but whatever you do don't tumble dry it afterwards. While your cozzie might be able to withstand the hot temperatures round the hotel pool, the heat of the tumble dryer is another matter as it can damage the lycra, causing the garment to lose elasticity and shape. Dry them - you guessed it - naturally instead to keep them looking beach-ready (Picture: Getty Images)

8. Silk

We've already spoken about how certain fabrics - such as leather and lace - don't do well in the tumble dryer, and you can also add silk to that list. If you want to wear your favourite silk shirt or dress to a formal event and it needs a clean, don't be tempted to stick it in the dryer to speed up the process as it could create creases in the fabric which are pretty much impossible to get out. The best way to dry this is naturally, on a flat surface, if you want your silk to look super (Picture: Getty Images)

9. Slippers

For many of us a pair of soft, cosy slippers are an at-home essential, especially if you don't want to walk around barefoot. But slippers can also get wet, or dirty, and when they do it might be tempting after cleaning them to stick them in the dryer. Don't though. Because generally they will have the same problem as a bathmat, in that the heat could damage and warp their rubber soles, not to mention any decorations they might also have. So once you've washed them - and you can put some types in the washing machine, once again dependent on the fabric and care instructions - leave them to air dry (Picture: Getty Images)

10. Backpacks

Backpacks are an immensely useful way to carry all of your kit around, whether you're at school, work or travelling. But if yours gets dirty on the commute and you wash it, it'd be a whole lot easier to stick it in the dryer when it's clean, right? Wrong. As with other items, your backpack could easily fall victim to the high temperatures of the dryer, causing the fabric to melt or become compromised in some way. So if you need to wash your backpack, dry it naturally afterwards to allow it to maintain its shape (Picture: Getty Images)

11. Anything in your pockets

Finally, it might be obvious but if you're about to stick any item of clothing in the tumble dryer, it might be a good idea to check that you've removed everything from the pockets first. It's all too easy to leave banknotes, chewing gum, jewellery - and in some cases even your phone - in your pocket, and suffice to say any of those items could be damaged or cause damage to the machine if they fall out mid-cycle (Picture: Getty Images)