Few laundry problems are more annoying than opening the dryer and finding your sheets twisted into one giant, damp ball. The most common cause is simply not giving the bedding enough room to tumble. Avoid overloading the dryer and, if possible, dry one bedding set at a time. It is also best to avoid mixing sheets with heavy towels, which can weigh them down and encourage tangling.

Before putting your sheets into the dryer, give every piece a good shake and separate the corners. Pay special attention to the fitted sheet because its elastic edges can easily wrap around other pieces. Untangle anything that has already twisted together, then place the sheets loosely into the dryer rather than dropping them in as one bundle. If your fitted sheet repeatedly causes problems, try drying it separately from the flat sheet and pillowcases.

Dryer balls may also help keep sheets moving and reduce tangling by creating more separation between the fabrics. However, they are not a guaranteed fix. If your sheets regularly form a tight ball, consider stopping the dryer halfway through the cycle. Pull the bedding out, shake everything loose, separate any wrapped pieces, and then put them back in to finish drying.

The right dryer setting can make a difference, too. Follow the care label and use the lowest suitable temperature rather than assuming high heat will dry everything faster. If you’re drying a duvet cover, close its zipper or buttons before starting the cycle. An open duvet cover can behave like a large pocket, trapping sheets, pillowcases, and other laundry inside.

Finally, remove your sheets promptly once they are dry instead of letting them tumble unnecessarily. Keep the lint filter clean and make sure the dryer has good airflow. If the sheets are dry on the outside but still damp inside, they have probably become tightly wrapped together. A little extra space, a quick shake before drying, and separating the fitted sheet can make a surprisingly big difference.