Blankets (and other large fabric items) can ball up in the dryer due to a few reasons:
Uneven weight distribution: Blankets are relatively large and heavy compared to other laundry items like clothes or towels. When you put a blanket into the dryer, the weight of the wet fabric can cause it to clump together and ball up. If the blanket is not spread out evenly inside the dryer, certain areas may dry faster than others, leading to uneven shrinking and bunching.
Tumbling action: Dryers use a tumbling action to dry clothes, which involves the drum rotating and tossing the laundry. During this process, the blanket can fold over itself repeatedly, causing it to ball up as it dries.
Low heat settings: Some people use low heat settings on their dryers to avoid damaging delicate fabrics. However, using low heat might not provide enough energy to keep the fabric loose and separated, resulting in the blanket balling up.
Overloading the dryer: If you put too many items, including blankets, into the dryer at once, there may not be enough space for the fabric to move freely. This can cause tangling and balling up of the blanket as it dries.
To prevent blankets from balling up in the dryer, consider the following tips:
Shake the blanket before placing it in the dryer to help it unfold and spread out more evenly.
Use a larger-capacity dryer if possible to ensure that the blanket has enough space to move freely.
Add a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer while drying the blanket. They can help prevent clumping and keep the fabric separated.
Use a higher heat setting, but be mindful of the blanket's care instructions and avoid excessive heat that could damage the fabric.
Check on the blanket periodically during the drying cycle to help reposition and unfold it if necessary.
By following these tips and being mindful of how you load and dry large items like blankets, you can reduce the likelihood of them balling up in the dryer and achieve better drying results.