It depends entirely on the material of the jumper.
While some jumpers made from durable fabrics might be suitable for tumble drying (often on a low heat setting), many cannot be tumble dried without causing damage. This is especially true for jumpers made from delicate or natural fibers.
According to laundry care guidance, Wool jumpers, for example, may often display the do not tumble dry symbol. This is because they could become damaged in the machine, or the material could become weakened. Specifically, wool can pile, which affects the look and feel of the fabric. Similarly, silk garments are also frequently marked 'do not tumble dry' as silk can shrink in high temperatures.
Attempting to tumble dry a jumper that is not suitable can lead to:
- Shrinking: Particularly common with natural fibers like wool or silk.
- Damage: Weakening of fibers, pilling (forming small balls of fiber on the surface), or losing shape.
- Color fading: High heat can accelerate color loss.
Checking Your Jumper's Care Label
The most reliable way to know if your specific jumper can be tumble dried is to check the care label sewn inside the garment. This label provides specific instructions from the manufacturer about washing, drying, and ironing.
Look for symbols like:
- A square with a circle inside: This is the general tumble dry symbol.
- A square with a circle inside and an "X" through it: Do Not Tumble Dry.
- A square with a circle inside and dots: Indicates the recommended heat setting (one dot for low heat, two dots for medium, etc.).
Materials to Be Cautious With
Based on common textile properties and the provided reference, exercise caution when tumble drying jumpers made from:
- Wool: High risk of shrinking and pilling.
- Silk: High risk of shrinking and weakening.
- Cashmere: Similar to wool, very prone to shrinking and damage.
- Delicate Synthetics: Some blends or fine knits may be sensitive to heat.
Here's a simple overview based on the provided reference:
| Material | Tumble Dry Suitability (According to Reference) | Potential Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Wool Jumpers | Often should not be tumble dried (check label) | Damage, weakening, pilling |
| Silk Garments | Often should not be tumble dried (check label) | Damage, weakening, shrinking (high temperatures) |
| Other Jumpers | Varies by fiber type; always check care label | Shrinking, damage, fading |
Alternatives to Tumble Drying
If your jumper's label says 'do not tumble dry', the best alternative is to air dry it.
- Lay the jumper flat on a clean towel or drying rack to maintain its shape.
- Avoid hanging heavy, wet jumpers, as this can cause them to stretch out of shape.
In conclusion, while some jumpers might be tumble dryer safe, many, especially those made from materials like wool and silk as highlighted in the reference, are not. Always consult the garment's care label before putting it in the tumble dryer.
