Uncovering the Best Dryer Options with CHOICE's Assistance
In a bid to help Australians maintain the longevity and quality of their clothes, consumer advocacy group CHOICE has unveiled new guidelines for the ideal moisture content of clothes at the end of the drying cycle.
According to CHOICE laundry experts and related sources, the optimal moisture content range for clothes should be around 2-4% residual moisture, meaning clothes should be slightly damp rather than completely dry. This level of moisture helps maintain fabric integrity and reduces wear.
Modern dryers, such as those with moisture sensors like Whirlpool’s advanced moisture sensors, are designed to detect this optimal moisture level and stop the cycle accordingly to prevent overdrying. Heat pump dryers, which operate at lower temperatures, also help protect clothes by drying more gently and leaving them slightly moist, thus preserving fabric condition better than high-temperature drying.
By adhering to this moisture content range, garments can be dried effectively while minimizing the risk of fiber damage, shrinkage, and color fading. This balance between drying effectiveness and fabric preservation aligns with contemporary dryer features and fabric care recommendations.
CHOICE's new guidelines also highlight the importance of energy efficiency in drying clothes. While manufacturers aim for the best energy star rating, their methods may not reflect home use. As a result, energy consumption at home may be higher than suggested by the star stickers on appliances.
To ensure a more realistic indication of energy consumption during normal use, CHOICE uses a 3.5kg load with an initial moisture content of almost 90% for testing, a better representation of home use. This load size was determined with the help of consumers and CHOICE members.
In addition to laundry tests, CHOICE has developed and implemented a brand-new bedding test to assess dryers designed for washing bedsheets. The bedding test involves a specific loading technique to ensure comparability across all dryers. Consumers can join CHOICE to help ensure that tests meet the real-world needs of Australian consumers.
CHOICE's bedding test includes weighing bed sheets before and after drying to calculate moisture content. Models that don't effectively and evenly remove moisture from all items score less in CHOICE's bedding tests. The best-performing dryers leave fabrics with a moisture content of 4-4.5%.
In summary, slightly moist clothing reduces fiber damage, shrinkage, and color fading by avoiding excessive drying. Moisture sensors and heat pump technology help achieve the ideal finish with about 2-4% residual moisture. Drying to this ideal moisture content enhances garment lifespan and overall performance. It's essential to keep these guidelines in mind when selecting a dryer to ensure the best fabric care and energy efficiency.
[1] Whirlpool: https://www.whirlpool.com/au/en/home/products/clothes-care/dryers/whirlpool-dryers/whirlpool-wdu8000dw-top-load-dryer [3] Heat Pump Dryers: https://www.choicemagazine.com.au/articles/energy-efficient-appliances/heat-pump-dryers [5] Fabric Care: https://www.choicemagazine.com.au/articles/home-garden/fabric-care
With the right choice of a dryer, such as those with moisture sensors like Whirlpool’s advanced moisture sensors or heat pump dryers, you can maintain the energy efficiency and lifestyle benefits of preserving the quality of your clothes, as recommended by CHOICE, whilst ensuring gentle fabric care for your home-and-garden items. By following the recommended moisture content guidelines, which suggest a residual moisture level of 2-4% in your clothes, you'll be taking a step towards enhancing the lifespan and overall performance of your garments.
