Question 1

Which clothes and textiles are generally safe to put in the dryer?

Accepted Answer

If the dryer signs are missing, for example because a label has been removed, you can still make a relatively informed decision. Textiles that can be washed at more than 60 degrees Celsius (hot wash) can usually be put in the dryer without hesitation . In most cases, this laundry is made of 100% cotton and can also be dried at the highest temperatures. These textiles mainly include:

Towels and sauna towels
Cleaning cloths and tea towels
Cotton undergarments or cotton socks (both without stretch fibres)
Bed linens
Duvets and pillow cases (but consulting the laundry label is preferrable here)

Dryers are perfect for these types of laundry, especially for towels and some bed linens, that will be extra-fluffy after drying at higher temperatures. Fresh out of the dryer, they'll smell great, too. Programmes that provide suitable care for your cotton items include:

Cotton extra cupboard dry
Cotton cupboard dry
Cotton iron dry

Note: Not all cotton fabrics are heat-resistant and suitable for tumble drying. So always pay attention to the label. Find out more under the question "Can 100% cotton textiles always go in the dryer?"

Question 2

What is usually not allowed in the dryer?

Accepted Answer

There are always                                          certain textiles                                          or clothing items that can be damaged by machine drying.                                          If you are uncertain                                          because your laundry label is missing, it is best to take the safe route and                                          opt for air-drying                                         . Always be cautious when it comes to drying these items:                                                                                                                                                                Fine textiles such as silk or certain types of wool can lose their shape in the dryer in general, and especially with the wrong settings.                                              T-shirts with prints may only be dried at low temperatures, since prints can warp and/or become wavy.                                              Always make sure that your individual synthetic or plastic textiles are suitable for tumble drying.                                              Bath rugs or rugs with rubber on the bottom can melt in the dryer.                                              All textiles that contain foam, whether pillow inserts or shoulder pads, are not suitable for the dryer.

Question 3

Can 100% cotton textiles always go in the dryer?

Accepted Answer

If cotton is on the label, you can usually assume it is safe to tumble-dry. However, there are always exceptions.

Cotton blends . Cotton is often mixed with synthetic fibres as spandex and polyester. While cotton blends tend to be stretchier than regular cotton, they are often not as heat-resistant. That means drying at lower temperatures is best.
But even with pure cotton items , there can be differences depending on the thread count and treatment . Both fatures can be seen by taking a closer look at the fabric.
Especially if your cotton has a dark rinse , the drying process can affect the colour.

So, always make sure to pay attention to the washing and drying symbols and care instructions on your garments whenever possible!

Question 4

Can wool go in the dryer?

Accepted Answer

Wool is very delicate, both when washing and drying. That is why it's usually hand-washed and air-dried. If you do want to wash or dry wool items in a machine, you should only use a special wool programme .

The Bosch woollens programme is particularly gentle for drying. If you want to air-dry your woolen clothing, it's best to lay it on a towel. Since wool does not tolerate heat, don't place it in direct sunlight or on a heater to dry. High-quality wool can also be aired out regularly so it can be washed less often.

Question 5

Which textiles should be dried on low heat and using the gentle cycle?

Accepted Answer

Many textiles have to be dried                                          gently and at a low temperature                                         . This includes:                                                                                                                                                                Cotton clothing (T-shirts, jumpers, onesies, etc.) and denim fabrics                                              All other natural fibres such as linen or hemp                                              Sportswear and all synthetic fibres such as polyester, spandex or fleece. Microfibre cloths also usually fall into this category                                                                                                                                                          Most of these textiles do not shrink in modern dryers, provided that you use the correct programme and drying temperature. When selecting the dryer programme or temperature setting, pay close attention to the washing symbols and care instructions on your label.

Question 6

How should I dry synthetics and sportswear?

Accepted Answer

Basically, all                                          synthetic fabrics                                          and especially                                          breathable materials or functional clothing                                          should not be dried for too long and only at low temperatures. Look for programmes like:                                                                                                                                                                Fast mix                                              Extra short 40                                                                                                                                                          Sportswear usually dries very quickly, which is why it's also easy to line-dry. If you want to dry these items in the machine, choose a corresponding programme such as:                                                                                                                            Sportswear

Question 7

Which drying programme do I need for down jackets or down pillows?

Accepted Answer

Down jackets, bedding and pillows with a down filling are best dried in a tumble dryer with a special down programme. Tumble drying gives down elasticity and volume. If you don't have a dryer or if the washing label requires it, it's best to take your down items to a professional dry cleaner. Air drying is not recommended for down, as it is very difficult and can take several days. In addition, if water gets trapped in the down, it often causes stains and even unpleasant smells.

When drying in a tumble dryer, please note:

Down needs ample space when drying. Always dry down items individually whenever possible.
To avoid clumping, you can put four clean tennis balls in the dryer. Important: make sure the colours/fibres on the balls do not rub off!
Recommended temperatures for drying down are between 30 and 60 degrees Celsius. The drying programme should last from 40 and 60 minutes.
If the down still feels damp or even wet after drying, repeat the process.
Down can quickly take on an unpleasant smell or become moldy due to residual moisture, so it is best to let it air out for several hours after drying.

Bosch tumble dryers have a special dryer programme for down. This down programme combines the correct drying temperature and duration, especially for drying items such as down jackets and down pillows.

Question 8

How do you dry jeans in the dryer?

Accepted Answer

Here, too, it's important to pay attention to your fabric, especially cotton blends, and your laundry care instructions:

Classic high-quality jeans made from 100% cotton are safe to put in the tumble dryer. For jeans, the risk of shrinking is relatively low. Minor shrinking is possible though. If your jeans are tight before washing, you might consider skipping the dryer altogether.
Most of today's jeans are made of blended fabrics with a high percentage of stretch fibres or polyester. Use gentle programmes for fabric blends when tumble drying – or air dry if you're uncertain.
The same applies to stretch jeans . Synthetic fibres can melt at higher temperatures, which can later lead to cracks in your favourite garment.


Tumble dry – no heat A black circle inside the square indicates that garments should only be dried gently with cold air .	Tumble dry – Permanent press Labels that show a line below the dryer symbol, should be dried with a gentle cycle (for example synthetic).	Tumble dry – Gentle Delicate textiles that show two lines below the dryer symbol need extra-gentle drying and a special dryer programme (like a wool programme) for proper care.

Cold/low heat A dryer symbol with a dot inside the circle means that you should only dry your item at low temperatures up to 60°C .	Warm/medium heat Two dots inside the circle indicate that you can dry your garment at regular temperatures of up to 80°C .	Hot/high heat The dryer symbol with three dots in a circle indicates that you can and should dry your item at the highest temperature .


Air dry The drying symbol in the form of an empty square stands for air drying. You should hang these laundry items on a clothesline, or lay them out to dry on a flat surface.	Dry in shade The drying symbol with two diagonal lines in the left corner means that your fabric that cannot withstand direct sunlight. To protect your item from bleaching or fading, make sure to dry it in the shade.	Line dry/Drip dry The line drying symbol consisting of one vertical line in the middle means that laundry should be hung out to dry on a clothesline (or similar device). Two vertical lines mean that you should drip-dry your laundry, or, in other words, hang it on the line when it is still dripping wet.

Line dry in shade/Drip dry in shade The drying symbol with a vertical line and a triangle at the top left means that your laundry should be line-dried (on a clothesline) in the shade. Two vertical lines mean that your item should drip-dry on a clothesline and in the shade.	Dry flat This drying symbol with a horizontal line in the middle indicates that laundry should be laid out flat to dry. Two horizontal lines mean that you should lay out the laundry smoothly when it is still dripping wet .	Dry flat in shade The same drying symbol with a horizontal line (and triangle in the top left corner) means that laundry should dry on a flat surface in the shade. Two horizontal lines indicate that the laundry should be laid out in the shade when it is dripping wet .

Dryer symbols and signs.

What can and cannot go in the dryer?

More laundry care signs and symbols.

Frequently asked questions about dryer signs.

You might also be interested in:

Stackable washers and dryers.

How can we improve our website?


Tumble dry normal The square with a circle inside is the general symbol for tumble drying. If you see it on a laundry label, your item can be tumble-dried , and it's safe to put it in the dryer .	Do not dry If a laundry item should not be tumble-dried, you will see the same square with a circle, but it will be crossed out. Do not put items with this symbol in the dryer .