Complete Guide to Effectively Drying Your Sweatshirt

Preparing the sweatshirt before drying

Tip for wringing laundry

Before drying your sweatshirt, it is recommended to wring out the laundry well. A good spinning eliminates as much of the water contained in the fibers of the fabric.

For this, we advise you to use a salad spinner. Unlike a conventional machine spin, the salad spinner exerts a very powerful centrifugal force which will eliminate a large part of the humidity. Your sweatshirt will be less saturated with water and will dry much more quickly.

This simple tip will save you valuable time when drying and will also prevent your sweatshirt from taking too long to dry and developing unpleasant odors .

How to avoid deforming the sweater

When drying sweatshirts, it often happens that the garment deforms or shrinks, particularly sweatshirts made of wool or in cotton.

To avoid this problem, we recommend that you always dry your sweatshirt inside out. By doing this, the weight of the residual water will exert a downward pull rather than on the fibers of the fabric which could relax under the effect of the humidity.

You can also use clothespins to keep your sweatshirt stretched during drying. Hang your garment on a washing line and attach clips to the armholes and bottom of the sweatshirt. The clips will prevent shrinkage.

Finally, always dry your sweatshirts at room temperature, never at too high a heat which could risk hardening the fibers and cause irreversible shrinkage.

Precautions for drying sweatshirt

Before drying your sweatshirt, check the label to identify the type of fabric and any precautions.

• cotton sweatshirts can generally be dried without problem in the machine, in the open air or on a washing line. Just be careful not to use temperatures that are too high.

• For wool sweatshirts, always prefer flat drying at room temperature and sheltered from the sun to avoid shrinkage.

• Sweatshirts made from polyester or with synthetic fibers must be dried carefully so as not to cause static electricity or pilling. Preferably use a tumble dryer at low temperature.

• Always turn your sweatshirt inside out before drying to prevent it from deforming.

By following these few precautions adapted to each type of fabric, you will be able to dry your sweatshirts in complete safety.

Drying the sweatshirt requires patience and delicacy to avoid damaging it. At The Oversized Hoodie® we always recommend drying hoodies inside out to keep their shape intact.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Also read: How to dry a Hoodie Blanket?

Laundry drying techniques

Air drying

Air drying is the most gentle method for your sweatshirts. It helps maintain the softness and shape of the garment.

You can easily dry your sweatshirt on a washing line, outside outside when the weather is nice. Choose a location sheltered from wind and direct sun which could damage the fibers and fabric, and avoid damp areas.

Hang your sweatshirt on the washing line upside down using clothespins to prevent it from becoming deformed. Let dry completely before removing the laundry.

This drying 100% natural method will perfectly preserve your sweatshirt. However, you will need to be patient, as drying in the open air takes long, especially in humid weather.

Using the dryer

For faster drying, you can use a tumble dryer, taking a few precautions:

• Check that your sweatshirt can be put through the machine according to the label. Some fabrics delicate such as wool cannot be put in the tumble dryer.

• Do not overload the tumble dryer: clothes must be able to tumble freely.

• Choose a program at moderate temperature or low temperature so as not to damage the fibers.

• Take out your sweatshirt immediately when drying is finished to avoid creasing.

Used correctly, the tumble dryer will allow drying evenly and rapidly, while preserving your sweatshirt.

Flat drying technique

The flat drying is ideal for drying delicate sweatshirts without damaging them. This technique guarantees gentle drying.

To do this, spread your sweatshirt on a flat surface and absorb the humidity with a cotton cloth. Then place your sweatshirt to dry flat, on a towel for example.

You can place weights on the ends of the garment to prevent it from shrinking while drying.

This method is ideal for drying wool sweatshirts, which should never be hung up. It takes more time but helps maintain the shape of the garment.

To maintain the quality of our sweatshirts, we only use low temperature drying in the tumble dryer. This preserves the softness of the fabric and prevents any unsightly shrinkage.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Also read: How to dry fleece tights?

Drying the sweatshirt according to the season

The choice of drying technique also depends on the season during which you want to dry your sweatshirt.

In summer, we advise you to use air drying, outside outdoors in the shade. The warm, dry air will allow your sweatshirt to dry quickly. You can also use a tumble dryer at low temperature.

In winter on the other hand, the outside air is more cold and humid. The drying will be much longer. Opt for drying indoors: on a washing line near a heat source, or in your bathroom thanks to ventilation. The tumble dryer also remains an option.

Adapt your technique according to the season to guarantee optimal drying of your sweatshirt.

Also read: Why you shouldn't leave laundry outside at night?

Drying the sweatshirt according to the material

Depending on the fabric your sweatshirt is made of, the drying technique must be adapted.

• cotton sweatshirts dry easily in the air, in the tumble dryer or flat. Just be careful not to expose it to too much heat.

• wool sweatshirts must be dried flat, at room temperature, away from sunlight. Never hang them up or use the tumble dryer which may damage them.

• For sweatshirts in polyester or with synthetic fibers, prefer the tumble dryer at low temperature to avoid drying static electricity.

Always choose the drying technique best suited to the fibers of your sweatshirt to preserve its softness, its shape and its sustainability.

Also read: How to know if you are allergic to polyester?

Drying according to the type of sweatshirt

• For classic cotton sweatshirts with hood, you can easily use the air dryer or the tumble dryer at temperature moderate. Turn them inside out before hanging to avoid warping and shrinking.

• Sweatshirts in fine wool, like cashmere sweatshirts, are more delicate. It is best to dry them flat, without a direct heat source.

• Printed sweatshirts must be dried carefully so as not to damage the patterns or lettering. air drying at room temperature is preferred.

• For vintage or worn sweatshirts, choose delicate drying, flat on a towel for example, and at temperature moderate, to preserve their authenticity.

Adapting the drying to the type of sweatshirt will better preserve the fabric, the patterns and the colors over time.

Also read: Why avoid drying laundry inside the house?

Mistakes to avoid when drying sweatshirts

To optimize the drying of your sweatshirts and avoid damaging them, be careful not to make these mistakes:

• Hang delicate or wool sweatshirts, which must be dried flat.

• Allow to dry in direct sunlight, which may discolor or damage the fibers.

• Dry at a temperature that is too high, especially for fabrics synthetics.

• Let dry sweatshirts in cotton or wool without turning them inside out, to avoid shrinkage.

• Overfill the dryer, which should allow the air to circulate well.

• Forgetting to clean the dryer filter regularly to optimize air circulation.

• Leaving wrinkled or wet sweatshirts to dry for too long, which sets the creases.

By avoiding these errors, you will be able to dry your sweatshirts in the best conditions to extend their lifespan.

Tips for maintaining and extending the life of your sweatshirt

How to wash your sweatshirt to make it easier to dry

When washing your sweatshirt, adopt these good practices which will make drying easier:

• Avoid excess detergent which will leave excess foam and moisture in the fibers.

• Choose a temperature suited to the fabric, generally 30°C for cotton and polyester, 40°C maximum for wool.

• Opt for a high spin speed, between 800 and 1000 revolutions per minute, to spin the laundry well.

• You can add a dryer ball to the drum to speed up the absorption of humidity.

These habits when washing will make it easier to dry your sweatshirt afterwards.

Tips for keeping your sweatshirt in shape after washing and drying

After washing and drying, your sweatshirt may be slightly creased or may have lost its initial shape .

To remedy this, here are some tips:

• Hang your sweatshirt, still slightly damp, on a hanger for a few hours to restore its shape.

• Use a steam machine using slow, steady movements to smooth the fabric without burning.

• For cotton sweatshirts, lightly steam them then air dry them in the open air while shaping them.

• Iron your wool sweatshirt at moderate temperature, with a damp cloth between the iron and the garment.

With these precautions after washing, your sweatshirt will regain its original shape.

Also read: Throws in the dryer: good or bad idea?

Conclusion

In conclusion, drying your sweatshirt effectively while preserving its shape, its softness and its solidity requires choosing carefully the appropriate technique.

spinning, drying inside out and at moderate temperature are basic precautions to follow. For drying in gentleness, opt for free air. If you are in a hurry, use the tumble dryer sparingly.

Also adapt your method to the fabric, the season and the type of sweatshirt. By following these tips, you will be able to dry your sweatshirts in the best conditions.

Advice	Description
Salad spinner	Use a salad spinner to remove as much water as possible before drying.
Dry inside out	Always dry sweatshirts inside out to prevent them from losing their shape and shrinking.
Drying methods	Air dry for softness, tumble dry for quick drying.
Seasonal adaptation	Adapt the drying technique according to the season: drying indoors in winter, outdoors in summer.
Sweatshirt material	Cotton sweatshirts dry more easily than wool or polyester ones.
Drying Precautions	Avoid overfilling the dryer and drying at too high temperatures.

FAQ

How to dry clothes quickly?

To dry clothes quickly, use a salad spinner to spin out the laundry well. Then opt for the tumble dryer at high temperature with a quick drying program. You can also choose a warm and well ventilated place for accelerated air drying.

How to dry a sweater without deforming it?

To avoid deforming a sweater when drying it, it is recommended to hang it inside out on a hanger or a washing line. You can also dry it flat on a towel and use weights on the ends to keep it from shrinking while drying .

How do you dry a hoodie?

To dry a hoodie effectively, turn it inside out before hanging it to prevent it from becoming out of shape. You can use air dry or tumble dry on low temperature. Be sure to unfold the hood to make drying easier.

How to dry your laundry in winter?

In winter, opt for drying the laundry indoor: on a washing line near a heat source, in the bathroom thanks to the ventilation or the tumble dryer. Avoid drying outside, which takes longer and is less effective with cold and humidity.

How to dry jeans quickly without a tumble dryer?

To dry jeans quickly without a tumble dryer, hang them inside out on a wire or hanger , in a warm and ventilated room. You can place a fan to speed up drying. The ideal is to have it dry in the sun in summer.

How to dry clothes quickly without a tumble dryer?

Without tumble dryer, hang the garment outside in good weather or near a heat source indoors. Use a fan, a dryer ball or your hairdryer on the minimum temperature to speed up drying.

How to dry your laundry quickly?

To dry your laundry quickly, it is recommended to spin out the laundry as much as possible with a salad spinner, then use the t5>tumble dryer at high temperature with a short program. You can also opt for air drying in a warm and ventilated place.

How to dry a wool sweater?

To dry a wool sweater, it is preferable to use the flat drying technique, at room temperature and sheltered from the sun. Avoid hanging it up or putting it in the tumble dryer to avoid shrinking or damaging it.

How to dry clothes quickly?

To dry an item of clothing quickly, use a salad spinner then a tumble dryer at high temperature with a short program . You can also hang it outside in full sun or hang it near a heat source indoors. The ideal is to use a fan to speed up the drying.