Person putting sheets in a Maytag® dryer

8 WAYS TO HELP STOP SHEETS FROM BALLING UP IN THE DRYER

Large items like comforters and sheets can be a hassle to clean when it’s time to tackle your laundry. Tactics like learning how to wash your sheets per the care tag, using dryer balls and drying items in smaller loads can help stop sheets from balling up in the dryer. Keep reading to discover how to help keep sheets from tangling in the dryer.

HOW TO HELP PREVENT SHEETS FROM BALLING UP IN THE DRYER

There could be a number of reasons your sheets are balling up in the dryer. The solution may be as simple as properly drying your items on the correct settings, or you may need to introduce a new method to your laundry routine, such as using dryer balls or reducing the size of loads. Below are six simple methods that can help prevent sheets from tangling in the dryer.

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1. CHECK THE CARE LABEL

Always refer to your item’s care label before drying to review any specific care instructions. For most sheets, you can use the tumble dry setting on your dryer; however, this may differ for your specific bedding. Be sure to check if you can put your sheets in the dryer and the ideal cycle you should use to dry them.  

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2. USE PROPER DRYER SETTINGS

After consulting the care label, be sure to use the correct settings to dry the sheets. Using the incorrect settings can produce unexpected results, especially for sheets that require more gentle care. If you aren’t using the correct settings to dry your sheets, this may be the reason why they’re balling up in the dryer. 

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3. DON’T OVERLOAD THE DRYER

In order to dry properly, items in the dryer need to have ample space to tumble inside the drum. Instead of cramming too many items into one load, dry your items in multiple, smaller loads.  

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4. USE DRYER BALLS

Wool dryer balls can help prevent clothes or sheets from clumping in the dryer by tumbling between items and helping to keep them separated during the cycle. As an added benefit, dryer balls can also help soften items, fight wrinkles and prevent static.

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5. SHAKE THE SHEETS

It may help to shake your sheets loose before you place them in the dryer. And if you notice your sheets beginning to ball together during the cycle, you can always pause the cycle and shake the sheets before putting them back into the dryer and resuming the cycle. Be sure to remove any dry items before resuming the cycle. 

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6. AIR DRY BED SHEETS

For delicate fabrics like satin or silk, air drying may be the best option. Not only will this prevent you from finding your sheets balled up in the dryer, but this method could also help add some freshness to your bedding.

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7. LOW AND SLOW

To help prevent sheets from balling up in the dryer, try using a low or medium heat, instead of a high heat. Drying certain items on a lower heat—and avoiding overdrying—may help prevent them from wrinkling and tangling together.

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8. ZIP IT UP

If you are drying a duvet cover, make sure you zip or button it closed before placing it in the dryer. This can help prevent sheets from tangling in the dryer.

SHOP MAYTAG® DRYERS

Maytag® dryers offer the features you need when tackling large capacity loads for items like blankets, sheets and towels. Large capacity dryers, like this 7.4 cu. ft. smart model from Maytag brand, have the space you need for bulky loads of clothes. 

Select models also come equipped with Moisture Sensing, which features two sensors that closely monitor inside moisture and air temperatures to deliver the right results without the decision-making. When loads are evenly dry and air reaches ideal temperatures, the cycle stops, helping prevent over- and under-drying.

HACKS FOR WASHING AND DRYING FITTED SHEETS

When washing fitted sheets, many of the same rules apply to help prevent sheets from balling in the dryer. Always check your care label first. Then, try these tips:

  • Dry sheets in their own load and don’t overload.

  • Shake the sheets out before placing them in the dryer.

  • Arrange sheets loosely around the agitator or impeller.

  • Use a low or medium heat cycle and avoid over-drying.

  • Toss in a few dryer balls to help keep things moving.  

HOW DO I KEEP BLANKETS FROM TANGLING IN THE DRYER?

Some blankets should be placed in the dryer alone with no other items. This allows the blanket to have plenty of tumbling room during the cycle. Using the correct settings, as designated by your blanket’s care label, can also help you give it the ideal care. Air drying a blanket is always a great back-up option if you’re unsure if your blanket can go in the dryer.

EXPLORE MAYTAG® LAUNDRY SETS

Maytag® laundry sets are built to work together to help you power through loads of laundry. Get a Maytag® stackable laundry set to help accommodate a smaller space, or conquer pet hair like a pro with the Maytag® Pet Pro System, which works to remove pet hair on clothes, bedding, toys and more.

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