Can You Dry Microfiber Towels in the Dryer?
Yes — but only if you do it the right way. Here’s how to keep them safe, soft, and streak-free.
Why Drying Microfiber Correctly Matters
Microfiber towels are delicate. Unlike cotton, they’re made of split synthetic fibers that can melt, shrink, or become rough if you dry them incorrectly. High heat is the enemy. Here’s how to dry them properly to make them last 50–100+ washes.
Best Way to Dry Microfiber Towels
1. Use Low or No Heat
Always use the lowest heat setting your dryer allows. Even better—use a tumble dry setting with no heat if available. Microfiber fibers begin to break down at around 140°F.
2. Clean the Lint Trap First
Make sure your lint filter is clean before drying. Microfiber attracts leftover lint, which can contaminate the towel surface and reduce performance.
3. Skip the Dryer Sheets
Never use dryer sheets. They coat the fibers with chemicals that destroy absorbency and make the towels smear or streak.
4. Air Dry if You Can
If you have time and space, air drying is even safer. Hang towels on a clean rack or line in a well-ventilated area.
Recommended Towels for Safe Drying
- Everyday Microfiber Towels – perfect for general-purpose use and easy to dry properly.
- Softer Than Soft Towels – especially sensitive to heat; always dry these on low or no heat.
- Massive Drying Towel – allow extra time in the dryer due to thickness, but keep heat low.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 🔻 Using “high” or “normal” heat settings
- 🔻 Mixing microfiber with cotton or lint-producing fabrics
- 🔻 Using dryer sheets or softener
- 🔻 Overloading the dryer and limiting air circulation
FAQs
Can microfiber towels go in the dryer?
Yes, but only on low or no heat. High heat can melt and damage the fibers.
Is air drying better than machine drying?
Air drying is the safest method, especially for high-end towels used on delicate paint.
How long do microfiber towels take to dry?
In a dryer on low heat, about 25–35 minutes. Air drying may take several hours depending on humidity.
