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Tumble Trouble

The six items you should NEVER put in your tumble dryer revealed

It may be a handy time-saver, but make sure to keep your favourite clothes in mint condition by avoiding the dryer for these items

Tumble drying tights can also pose a problem

TUMBLE dryers may be convenient, giving us instantly dry clothes and comfortingly fluffy textures.

But your laundry day can get a whole lot more stressful when you realise you've shrunk or damaged something important.

Steer clear of dryer disasters with our guide on what to avoid throwing in your machine...

Bras are banned

Bras top the list of items that definitely don't belong in your dryer
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Bras top the list of items that definitely don't belong in your dryerCredit: Alamy

Lace, clasps, straps, padding, under-wiring...

Is there any part of a bra that won't be damaged in some way by being thrown around a hot metal drum for an hour? Steer clear, and stick to air drying.

Stop with swimsuits

Bikinis aren't far behind... the seawater-safe fabric can be wrecked by the heat
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Bikinis aren't far behind... the seawater-safe fabric can be wrecked by the heatCredit: Alamy

Swimsuits, designed to keep their shape in pools and seawater, are also easily damaged by tumble drying...

Peg them out on a washing line instead.

In a tight spot

Tumble drying tights can also pose a problem
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Tumble drying tights can also pose a problemCredit: Alamy

Tights are prone to shrinking in the dryer, and can also become laddered.

You should probably be hand-washing them anyway...

Sequin shambles

Sequins can shatter from the heat of the machine
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Sequins can shatter from the heat of the machineCredit: Getty Images

Glamorous, elegant and incredibly fiddly... sequins are easily ripped off garments, leaving your dress or cardi ruined.

Reshape after washing and hang them up to dry.

Trainer trouble

Trainers are also a no-no for tumble drying
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Trainers are also a no-no for tumble dryingCredit: Alamy

Not only will this damage your shoes, but the noise of rubber soles bouncing off the walls of the dryer will drive you slowly insane.

Stuff them with newspaper and dry next to a radiator or in an airing cupboard.

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Rubber risk

Don't tumble dry household rugs... especially non-slip or rubber backed ones
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Don't tumble dry household rugs... especially non-slip or rubber backed onesCredit: Alamy

Finally, if you're washing any rugs around the house, make sure not to tumble dry anything with a rubber backing.

The non-slip coating - often on bathmats or bathroom rugs - can cause fire in the dryer.

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