Dry Like a Pro: Smart Tips for Using Laundromat Dryers

Let’s be honest—once the wash cycle is done, most of us just toss everything in the dryer and hit “start.” But if you want your clothes to last longer, come out wrinkle-free, and actually dry without wasting time (or quarters), a little strategy goes a long way.

Here at The Laundromat At, our modern, high-capacity dryers are built to get the job done fast—but these tips will help you get the most out of every cycle.

1. Don’t Overload the Dryer

Biggest mistake we see? People overstuffing the dryer thinking they’ll save time or money. In reality, clothes need room to tumble. Cramming in too much actually extends dry time—and increases wrinkles.

✅ Best practice:
Dryer should be no more than ¾ full. That gives your clothes space to move and dry evenly.

2. Shake Out Your Clothes Before Tossing Them In

If you’ve ever pulled out a ball of damp jeans tangled in a hoodie, this one’s for you. Give each item a quick shake before loading to loosen it up and reduce clumps. It helps air flow more freely, which means faster, more consistent drying.

3. Use the Right Temperature Setting

Not everything needs to be blasted on high heat. Using the right dryer setting protects your clothes and shortens drying time.

Here’s a simple guide:

• High Heat: Towels, sheets, heavy cotton

• Medium Heat: T-shirts, jeans, mixed loads

• Low Heat: Delicates, athletic wear, anything with stretch

• Air Fluff / No Heat: Great for items that just need freshening up

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re drying clothes with elastic (like leggings or underwear), stick with low heat to prevent breakdown over time.

4. Clean the Lint Trap (Every. Single. Time.)

At The Laundromat At, our team keeps machines clean—but it’s always smart to double-check and clear out the lint trap before using a dryer. A clogged lint filter slows drying and can overheat your clothes.

Plus, it’s just good laundromat manners.

5. Group Similar Fabrics

Drying a load of heavy towels with thin T-shirts? That’s a one-way ticket to uneven drying. Towels will take forever, and shirts will over-dry (hello shrinkage). If possible, dry similar-weight fabrics together for best results.

6. Set a Timer and Don’t Wander Too Far

Most laundromat dryers work in timed increments (our standard is 8–10 minutes per cycle). If you’re stepping outside or running an errand, set a timer on your phone so you’re back in time. Clothes sitting in the dryer for too long tend to wrinkle—and nobody wants their stuff pulled out by someone else.

7. Try Dryer Sheets or Wool Balls

Dryer sheets reduce static and add a fresh scent. Reusable wool dryer balls are another great option—especially if you want to speed up drying time naturally and skip synthetic fragrances.

🧺 Forgot yours? We’ve got dryer sheets available in the vending machines at some locations, or there are convenience stores nearby.

8. Fold Right Away (Or At Least Pretend You Will)

We get it. Folding laundry isn’t fun. But taking a few minutes to fold your clothes as soon as they come out of the dryer keeps them wrinkle-free and saves you the pain of ironing later. Every Laundromat At location has large, clean folding tables just for this purpose.

If nothing else, don’t leave your warm clothes stuffed in the cart—you worked too hard for that perfect dry!

Your Go-To Spot for 24/7 Laundry Done Right

Whether you’re drying a week’s worth of laundry, your kid’s soccer uniform, or those comforters that never fit in your home dryer, The Laundromat At has everything you need:

✔ Oversized, fast-drying machines
✔ 24/7 access
✔ Clean folding tables and bright, safe spaces
✔ Friendly service—and Wash & Fold if you don’t feel like doing it yourself

📍 Find your local Laundromat At location → [View Locations]
🧼 Need Wash & Fold or delivery? → [Explore Services]
📞 Have questions or machine issues? → [Contact Us]