Laundry expert shares how to dry clothes outside ‘effectively’ during colder months
The UK is experiencing colder weather which makes it harder for many people to get their washing dry. However, there's help out there.
A staggering 61 percent of Brits have admitted they don't put their washing outside in the winter. However, laundry expert Sarah Dempsey, who has teamed up with Joules, has revealed that avoiding drying your clothes outside at this time of year is a mistake.
She explained: “While heat is a very helpful tool for drying clothes, it’s not the only factor that goes into drying clothes. High levels of humidity in the air can result in longer drying time so, in some cases, you may find that your clothes dry much more quickly on a cold winter’s day than they would on a humid summer day.
“Solar radiation is the most effective method of evaporating the moisture in your clothes. Where possible, hang your clothes out in the sunshine for the best method of drying. When hanging your clothes outside, you’ll find that wind can even further speed up the drying process.
"Not only this but drying outside on a windy day can also help with getting the creases out of your clothes", saving you both money and time on ironing.
According to Dempsey, air-drying your clothes is not only a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to the tumble dryer but it will also save you money on your energy bills.
Let’s not forget that it will also extend the life of your clothes with a tumble dryer being the enemy of many knitted materials.
Kimberly Royle, a buying and sourcing director at Joules, explains the importance of taking extra care with your clothing to make it last.
Royle said: “It may sound simple, but when washing more delicate items of clothing, avoid bundling them into the washing machine with everything else. Taking extra care of clothing is essential to ensure it maintains its longevity, quality, and appearance. Take a quick look at the care label to prevent any unnecessary wear and tear as well as fadingand fabric damage.
“Make sure you wash your knitted cardigans and jumpers at the correct temperature to prevent shrinking. Got a raincoat in need of a little TLC? Washing a raincoat by hand can prevent damage to the outer layer, ensuring that it will last for years to come.”
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Here are five tips for air-drying your clothes:
Invest in a good clothes airer
“The best way to dry your clothes quickly in the home is using a good quality clothes airer. During the winter, heated clothes airers are a great option, especially for homes that tend to remain quite cold.
“It's best to place your clothes airer in a low-traffic room and ensure there is plenty of ventilation to prevent dampness.
“Wall-mounted drying racks are great options as they don't take up any floor space and can be folded away. A retractable clothesline is another option that may work well, as this can be pulled back and put away when it's not in use.”
Use an extra spin
“Give your laundry an extra spin at the end of the cycle to extract some of the surplus dampness and water. When you remove the washing from the machine, give it a good shake for the best aeration. This will help your clothes dry much more quickly.”
Hang Delicate Items
You should hang delicate items such as shirts and camisoles on coat hangers off the drying rack. This will allow more clothes to dry at once and will allow these items to dry as crease-free as possible. Once they are fully dry, you can thenput them straight into your wardrobe, making washing easier and more convenient.
Hang clothes immediately
The expert said: “You should avoid leaving your clothes in the laundry basket or washing machine. This can cause them to smell and may result in mould growth. Instead, you should hang your clothes on a clothes airer as soon as the cycle is finished.”
Hang outside
During the summer months, the best way to dry your clothes is on a clothesline in the garden. If this isn't possible, you can place a clothes airer outside to help your clothes dry quicker and to prevent too much moisture from building up in your home.
