What Is Permanent Press on a Dryer?

You see a permanent press setting on your dryer and wonder what it does. Maybe you’ve been using the normal cycle for everything and your synthetic clothes come out wrinkled. The permanent press dryer cycle is designed to reduce wrinkles and protect synthetic fabrics. Here’s what permanent press means on a dryer and how to use it.

Permanent press on a dryer is a cycle that uses medium heat followed by a cool down period to reduce wrinkles in synthetic fabrics. The medium heat dries clothes without damaging synthetics, and the cool down period gradually lowers the temperature to prevent wrinkles from setting. The cycle was designed for permanent press fabrics (synthetic blends treated to resist wrinkles) but works well for all synthetic and blended fabrics.

To use the permanent press dryer cycle, use it for synthetics and blends (polyester, nylon, rayon, knits), use medium heat, remove clothes promptly at the end, and don’t overload the dryer. Don’t use permanent press for heavy fabrics (towels, jeans), don’t use high heat on synthetics, and don’t leave clothes in the dryer after the cycle ends.

How Permanent Press Works on a Dryer

Medium Heat

Permanent press uses medium heat (130 to 140 degrees F). Medium heat dries clothes without damaging synthetic fibers or causing excessive wrinkling.

Cool Down Period

At the end of the drying cycle, the dryer gradually reduces heat to room temperature. This cool down period (5 to 10 minutes) prevents wrinkles from setting as the fabric cools.

Gentle Tumbling

Permanent press uses gentle tumbling action. This reduces friction and prevents synthetics from pilling and snagging.

No Heat at the End

The last few minutes of the cycle use no heat. This allows clothes to cool gradually and prevents wrinkles.

What to Dry on Permanent Press

Fabric Type	Use Permanent Press?	Why
Polyester	Yes	Medium heat protects fabric, reduces wrinkles
Nylon	Yes	Medium heat protects fabric, reduces wrinkles
Rayon	Yes	Gentle drying prevents damage
Knits	Yes	Reduces stretching and wrinkling
Cotton/poly blends	Yes	Reduces wrinkles, protects blend
100% Cotton	No	Use normal or cotton cycle
Towels	No	Use heavy duty or high heat
Jeans	No	Use normal or heavy duty
Delicates (silk, wool)	No	Use low heat or air dry
Activewear	Sometimes	Check care label

What Works

Sort by Fabric Type

Sort clothes by fabric type before drying. Use permanent press for synthetics and blends. Use normal for cotton. Use high heat for towels.

Use the Right Detergent

Use Tide Free and Gentle for washing. Clean clothes dry better and have fewer wrinkles.

Add Vinegar to the Rinse

Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse. Vinegar softens clothes and reduces static, which helps prevent wrinkles in the dryer.

Remove Clothes Promptly

Remove clothes from the dryer as soon as the permanent press cycle ends. The cool down period helps, but clothes can still wrinkle if left in the dryer.

Shake Clothes Before Drying

Shake each item before putting it in the dryer. This separates the fabric and reduces wrinkles.

Don’t Overload the Dryer

Fill no more than 1/2 to 3/4 full. Overloading reduces airflow, increases drying time, and increases wrinkling.

Use Dryer Balls

Use wool or rubber dryer balls to separate clothes and reduce wrinkles. Dryer balls also reduce drying time.

Use the Right Products

Detergent: Tide Free and Gentle

Stain removers: OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam

Odor absorber: Arm and Hammer Baking Soda

Laundry sanitizer: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer

Ink remover: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover

Machine cleaner: affresh Washing Machine Cleaner

Clean the Lint Filter

Clean the lint filter before every load. A clean filter improves airflow and drying efficiency.

What to Avoid

Don’t use permanent press for heavy fabrics. Towels, jeans, and bedding need high heat for proper drying. Use heavy duty or normal cycle.

Don’t use high heat on synthetics. High heat can damage synthetic fibers, cause shrinking, and increase wrinkling. Use medium heat (permanent press).

Don’t overload the dryer. Overloading reduces airflow, increases drying time, and increases wrinkling. Fill no more than 3/4 full.

Don’t leave clothes in the dryer. Even with the cool down period, clothes can wrinkle if left in the dryer. Remove promptly.

Don’t use fabric softener on activewear. Fabric softener coats synthetic fibers and reduces moisture wicking. Use vinegar instead.

Don’t mix heavy and light items. Heavy items take longer to dry than light items. Dry separately for best results.

Comparison: Dryer Cycles

Cycle	Heat	Cool Down	Best For	Drying Time
Normal or cotton	High	Short	Cotton, everyday clothes	40 to 60 min
Permanent press	Medium	Long (5 to 10 min)	Synthetics, blends, knits	40 to 50 min
Gentle or delicate	Low	Medium	Delicates, silk, wool	30 to 40 min
Heavy duty	High	Short	Towels, bedding	60 to 80 min
Air dry	No heat	None	Very delicate items	60+ min
Timed dry	Variable	None	Any load	Set by user

FAQ

What is permanent press on a dryer? Permanent press on a dryer is a cycle that uses medium heat followed by a cool down period to reduce wrinkles in synthetic fabrics.

What should you dry on permanent press? Use permanent press for synthetic fabrics and blends: polyester, nylon, rayon, knits, and cotton/poly blends. Don’t use it for heavy fabrics like towels and jeans.

What temperature is permanent press on a dryer? Permanent press uses medium heat (130 to 140 degrees F) followed by a cool down period that gradually reduces heat to room temperature.

What’s the difference between normal and permanent press on a dryer? Normal uses high heat for cotton. Permanent press uses medium heat and a longer cool down period to reduce wrinkles in synthetics.

Can you dry cotton on permanent press? 100% cotton is better on the normal cycle. Cotton/poly blends can use permanent press to reduce wrinkles.

References

1. Tide. “Dryer Cycle Guide.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “Permanent Press Guide.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “Dryer Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. Consumer Reports. “Dryer Guide.” consumerreports.org.