Check that clothes for a care facility are dryer-safe: points to keep in mind when choosing

Families looking for clothes for a move into a care facility often ask us at Setagaya Kaigo:

"Do you have clothes that can go in the dryer?"

That's a question we hear a lot.

At our store, customers have also told us:

• "I didn't know where to buy dryer-safe clothes."
• "I'm glad I could get everything here in one go."

— that's the kind of feedback we receive.

Some facilities use tumble dryers after washing, so during move-in preparation families may be told to "please prepare dryer-safe clothes."

Because it's not something we usually think about when choosing clothes, it's easy to feel lost when you actually start looking.

In this article, we explain how to tell whether clothing is dryer-safe when choosing clothes for a care facility, along with other points worth checking.

First, check whether the facility uses a dryer

Before buying clothes for the facility, the first thing to check is:

"Do you use a dryer after washing clothes?"

That's the key question.

Laundry methods differ from facility to facility.

Some facilities tumble-dry all clothing, while others air-dry certain items.

So rather than assuming "clothes for a care facility must always be dryer-safe," the most reliable approach is to check how the facility you're moving into actually does things.

If the facility has given you a packing list, check whether it includes any notes about clothing.

If you're not sure, it's reassuring to ask the facility staff:

• Do you put clothes in the dryer?
• Should we avoid clothes that aren't dryer-safe?

Asking these questions will put your mind at ease.

Check the care label to see if it's dryer-safe

When you wonder "Can this go in the dryer?", check the care label attached to the garment.

Tumble-drying instructions are shown by a symbol of a circle inside a square.

Garments that can be tumble-dried have a symbol indicating the drying temperature.

On the other hand, if the tumble-dry symbol has an X through it, the garment cannot go in the dryer.

Repeatedly putting clothes that aren't dryer-safe in the dryer can lead to:

• shrinkage
• loss of shape
• fabric damage
• deterioration of prints and decorations
• deterioration of elastic and stretch materials

and similar problems.

It's also important not to judge by the fabric name alone.

Even with the same material, the care instructions differ depending on how the fabric is made, what it's blended with, and any decorations.

So rather than thinking "it's polyester, so it's probably fine," we recommend always checking each item's care label.

Other things to check besides dryer compatibility

When choosing clothes for facility life, there are other points to check besides whether they're dryer-safe.

1. Do names need to be written on clothes?

Facilities may ask you to label clothes with names so they don't get mixed up with other residents' clothing.

Not only tops and trousers, but also

• underwear
• socks
• pajamas
• towels

and other belongings may need names.

Clothes that already have a name tag make move-in preparation easier.

Rules differ by facility here too, so it's reassuring to check in advance.

2. Is it easy for the person to change?

Clothes for facility life don't suit everyone in the same way.

Depending on a person's physical condition, features like

• front opening
• large buttons
• stretchy fabric
• fully elasticated waist
• a roomy body

can make changing clothes easier.

However, there's no need to assume "needs care, so front-opening" across the board.

What matters is seeing

"Where exactly does this person struggle when changing clothes?"

That's the key.

If they can put on pullover clothes by themselves, they may be able to keep choosing designs they like.

On the other hand, if there are specific difficulties — arms that are hard to raise, buttons that are hard to fasten, trousers that are hard to pull up — choosing clothes to match those difficulties can make changing easier.

3. Is it easy to handle after repeated washing?

Facilities may wash clothes more often than at home.

So for clothes worn every day, points like

• resists wrinkles
• keeps its shape
• dries quickly
• easy to handle after washing

are also important.

Liking the design is of course important, but also considering whether it's easy to use day to day in the facility makes choosing easier.

3 things to check before moving into a facility

Once a move-in is decided and you're preparing clothes, start by checking these three points:

• Whether a dryer is used for laundry
• Whether names need to be written on clothes
• Whether there are any rules or notes about types or styles of clothing

Just knowing these three things makes choosing clothes much easier.

Facilities also differ in how many items they expect, so asking questions like

• "About how many tops are needed?"
• "How many sets of pajamas should we prepare?"

at the same time helps prevent buying too much or too little.

Choose clothes with life in the facility in mind

When choosing clothes for a facility, it's important to consider not only comfort and design, but also how they'll be washed and used every day.

• Will a dryer be used?
• Do names need to be written?
• Are there any difficulties when changing clothes?

Checking these points before moving in makes it easier to choose clothes that suit the person.

Setagaya Kaigo also offers dryer-safe tops, trousers, pajamas and more.

Beyond the conditions specified by the facility, we value listening to the person's physical condition and usual way of dressing, and thinking together with you about clothes that will let them live comfortably at the facility. Please feel free to ask us.