Leaving clothes in the dryer after it has completed its cycle is generally not recommended for several reasons:
Wrinkling: Leaving clothes sitting in the dryer can lead to excessive wrinkling, especially if they are not promptly removed and folded or hung up. This can make it more challenging to remove wrinkles later and may require additional ironing or steaming.
Odor and Mildew: Damp clothes left in the dryer for an extended period can develop a musty odor or even promote the growth of mildew. This is more likely to occur in humid environments. The longer clothes remain in the warm and moist environment of the dryer, the greater the chance for unpleasant odors or mildew to develop.
Heat damage: The residual heat from the dryer can continue to affect the clothes even after the cycle has ended. Over time, this can lead to color fading or damage to delicate fabrics.
To prevent these issues, it's generally best to remove clothes from the dryer as soon as the drying cycle is complete. This allows them to cool down and prevents unnecessary wrinkling and potential odors. If you're unable to remove them immediately, consider using the dryer's cool-down cycle, if available, to minimize the potential negative effects.
If you frequently forget to remove clothes promptly, you could set a timer or reminder to help you remember. Developing a habit of promptly attending to your laundry can help keep your clothes in better condition.