Originally aired on 6/12/2026 for WGN Radio 720.

Something happens to men around age 50.

Not all at once. There isn't a ceremony. No official announcement.

But one day they wake up and realize they're done spending energy on things that don't really matter to them anymore.

And honestly? Some of it is kind of refreshing.

I've noticed it with friends, family members, and yes, my husband. The older many men get, the more selective they become about where they spend their time, attention, and effort.

Here are 10 things many men seem to stop caring about as they age.

1️⃣ Whether Their Shoes Match Their Belt

At some point comfort wins.

The belt is holding up the pants.

The shoes are on the feet.

Mission accomplished.

Women, meanwhile, are still trying to assemble an actual outfit.

Most of us treat the clothes dryer like a one-trick pony: wash, dry, fold, repeat.

But it turns out your dryer has been quietly pulling double duty this whole time. It can save you from ironing, revive a sad-looking comforter, help fight pet hair, and even sanitize household items.

Here are six dryer tricks that make life just a little bit easier.

1. Get Rid of Wrinkles Without Ironing

If ironing is your least favorite chore, your dryer can help.

Use the Permanent Press setting, which dries clothes with medium heat followed by a cool-down cycle. The gradual cooling helps reduce wrinkles before they have a chance to set.

Savvy Tip: Toss in a slightly damp washcloth with wrinkled clothes for a few minutes and let the dryer do the work. You'll spend less time ironing and more time pretending the relaxed look was intentional.

2. Bring a Flat Comforter Back to Life

Over time, even the fluffiest comforter starts looking like it gave up.

Place it in a large dryer with a couple of wool dryer balls—or tennis balls tucked inside clean socks—and let them bounce around as it dries. They help redistribute the filling and restore volume.

Result: Instant hotel-bed energy without buying a new comforter.

3. Sanitize Towels, Bedding, and Clothing

Many dryers include a Sanitize cycle, and it's one of the most overlooked features.

The high heat helps reduce bacteria on towels, sheets, and clothing, making it especially useful after someone in the house has been sick.

Savvy Tip: Check your dryer's manual first to make sure your fabrics can handle the higher temperature.

4. Help Remove Pet Hair and Allergens

Dog owners and cat owners know the struggle: every black sweater somehow turns into a fur sweater.

Running clothing or blankets through the dryer for 10 to 15 minutes before washing loosens pet hair and sends much of it into the lint trap. It can also help reduce dust and other allergens.

Think of it as a giant lint roller with a power cord.

5. Kill Bed Bugs with Heat

Nobody enjoys hearing the words "bed bugs," but this is one household trick worth remembering.

High heat is effective at killing bed bugs and their eggs. If you've been exposed, placing dryer-safe items in the dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes can help eliminate them—even if the items aren't dirty enough to wash.

Hopefully you'll never need this tip, but it's a good one to have in your back pocket.

6. Dry Shoes Without the Drum Solo

Throwing sneakers directly into the dryer usually creates enough noise to make the neighbors wonder what's happening.

Instead, tie the shoelaces together and close the door on the laces so the shoes hang inside the dryer without bouncing around. If your dryer has a drying rack, even better.

Always use low heat to protect the glue and materials.

Your shoes dry quietly—and your dryer survives another day.

The Savvy Take

Your clothes dryer isn't just for drying clothes.

It's a wrinkle remover, comforter fluffer, sanitizer, pet-hair fighter, bug killer, and shoe saver—all hiding in plain sight.

Turns out one of the hardest-working appliances in the house has been quietly earning a promotion.