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Many people toss a clean, dry towel into a dryer full of wet laundry hoping to speed things up. The idea is simple: the towel soaks up extra moisture and keeps clothes from clumping. It sounds like a clever shortcut, but the reality is more nuanced. Here’s what actually happens and how to test the method without ruining fabrics.
Can a dry towel really shorten drying time?
The theory is physical. A dry towel can absorb water released by other garments. It can also act as a buffer, helping sheets and bulky items tumble separately instead of forming wet clumps.
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- Possible benefit: The towel may take on some moisture quickly, which can lower dampness in nearby items.
- Limitations: Once the towel becomes damp, it no longer removes moisture from the load.
Real-world results vary. Some people report shaving off minutes. Others see no meaningful change. The effect depends on dryer type, load size, and fabric mix.
How to try the towel trick the right way
If you want to experiment, do it with a plan. Leaving a dry towel in the drum for the entire cycle will not improve outcomes.
- Add one clean, dry towel at the start of the cycle.
- Run the dryer for about 5 to 15 minutes, depending on load size.
- Stop the dryer and remove the towel once it is damp.
- Continue the cycle with the remaining items.
Timing matters: Small loads may only need five minutes. Large loads or heavy fabrics may require closer to 15 minutes.
Quick timing guide by load
- Small load (3–5 items): 5–8 minutes.
- Medium load (6–10 items): 8–12 minutes.
- Large load or bulky items: 12–15 minutes.
What can go wrong: risks and trade-offs
There are downsides to this shortcut. The towel will become damp and needs drying. If left in the drum, the dryer still handles the same total moisture.
- Over-drying: The towel may dry out and feel rough if it stays in the dryer too long.
- Extra work: You might end up hanging a damp towel to dry or running a second cycle.
- Limited impact: Some dryers and loads show negligible improvement.
For plush towels, the method can reduce softness over time. Use an older towel for trials if you care about maintaining texture.
Expert view and smarter alternatives
Professionals caution that the towel trick is not a cure-all. Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Appliance, has explained that any benefit is usually small.
- Better options: Clean the lint trap, avoid overloading, and use higher washer spin speeds.
- Dryer balls can separate items and improve air flow without creating a damp spare item.
- Washing smaller loads or redistributing bulky items mid-cycle often gives a bigger time cut.
In short, the dry-towel tip can help sometimes. But it requires attention and has trade-offs. Try it deliberately, compare results, and favor methods that preserve fabric care while improving efficiency.
