What temperature is best for drying?

The best temperature for drying depends on what you are drying and whether you prioritize speed, fabric care, or energy efficiency. For clothes in a tumble dryer, most manufacturers recommend low heat around 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit for delicate synthetics and activewear to prevent shrinking and damage, medium heat around 130 to 150 degrees for permanent press and everyday clothing, and high heat around 150 to 170 degrees for towels, jeans, and heavy cottons that can withstand heat and need more energy to dry. However, air drying at room temperature around 68 to 75 degrees with good airflow is gentler and more energy efficient and helps clothes last longer, though slower. For food drying, low temperatures are best to preserve nutrients and flavor, typically 95 to 115 degrees for herbs, 125 to 135 for vegetables, and 135 to 145 for fruits and meats like jerky, with higher temperatures risking case hardening where outside dries too fast and traps moisture inside. In building restoration after water damage, professionals aim to keep air temperature between 70 and 90 degrees while using dehumidifiers, because warmer air holds more moisture and speeds evaporation, but temperatures above 95 can cause secondary damage to wood and drywall. For general home air drying of laundry indoors, a warm room around 70 to 75 degrees with humidity below 50 percent and a fan provides the best balance of speed and mold prevention.