Tumble dryer shrinking or overheating clothes (all brands)
✅ Safe to check yourself
This is a common, low-risk check most people can do safely. Always unplug the appliance (or isolate power) before touching internal parts.
Quick TipTake a photo of the appliance's model/serial number sticker now — you'll want it if this does end up needing a part or an engineer.
Clothes coming out noticeably shrunk, overly hot, or with a slightly scorched smell is usually about programme selection and fabric care labels rather than a fault with the dryer.
What to check first
- Check you’re using the correct heat setting for the fabric — many dryers have separate “cottons”, “synthetics”, and “delicates” programmes specifically because different fabrics tolerate very different heat levels, and using a high-heat cotton setting on synthetic or wool-blend items is a common cause of shrinkage and heat damage.
- Check garment care labels before drying — many items are labelled “do not tumble dry” or “low heat only” for good reason, particularly wool, silk, and some synthetic blends.
- Avoid drying items for longer than needed — an “auto-dry” sensor-based programme (which stops once clothes reach a target dryness) is generally safer for fabric than a fixed-time programme guessed too long.
- Check the lint filter and vent aren’t so blocked that heat is building up excessively inside the drum rather than being carried away properly with the moist air — a badly restricted dryer can run hotter than intended even on a normal setting.
When to call an engineer
If programme selection is correct and airflow is clear but the dryer still runs noticeably hotter than it should (and especially if you notice a burning smell), the thermostat that regulates drum temperature may have failed — this needs a professional check, and you should stop using the appliance until it’s assessed.