The invention relates to a method for carrying out a hygiene program in a dryer 1 comprising a drum 2 for items of laundry which are to be dried, a process-air circuit 3 in which a fan 12 for conveying process air is arranged, a control unit 4, a heat pump 8, 9, 10, 11 comprising an evaporator 8, a condenser 9, a throttle 10 and a compressor 11, and at least one sensor 5, 6, 22, 23, wherein the reduction in the moisture level FW in the items of laundry is monitored by means of the sensor 5, 6, 22, 23 and a rotation speed u of the fan 12 is reduced and/or a power consumption p by a variable-power compressor 11 is increased when a prespecified lower moisture level FW lowlim is reached. The invention also relates to a dryer 1 which is suitable for carrying out said method.