Households urged to hang washing ‘inside out’ this week
Everyone hanging washing out this week is being urged to hang clothes inside out.
The weather has been glorious for almost two weeks now and if you’re studious with your household chores you’ve probably been catching up on some washing and getting through the piles at the bottom of the washing basket while the weather is good.
And there can be little doubt about it: hanging clothes on a washing line outside dries them faster, and clothes feel fresher and are less likely to be stale than when drying inside.
Another bonus is that drying outside releases the moisture out into the air rather than risk making mould and damp indoors.
But there is a little known problem with drying clothes outside in the hot weather: it can actually damage some types of clothes.
Direct sunlight breaks down dyes used in fabrics and this leads to fading. You’ve probably pulled your favourite t-shirt or summer dress out of the wardrobe and thought: this used to be a lot brighter, and then blamed your washing machine for washing the life out of it.
But actually, in the summer time direct sunlight can be responsible for damaging clothes and ruining their colours.
Households using a washing line are being urged to avoid drying bright or dark items in direct sunlight.
Instead, find a shaded area and pop them on a clothes horse. This way, the heat and the breeze will dry them but they won’t be faded in the direct sun.
The exact opposite advice applies to whites: popping them in the sunlight will bleach clothes a much whiter shade and even help restore them to bright former glory.
The other factor to consider is pollen. If you’re a hayfever sufferer, then drying your clothes outside will see them lined with a fine layer of pollen blowing around in the wind.
Then, when you wear whatever you dried you’ll find yourself sneezing and itching your eyes without realising it’s coming off your clothes.
Washing powder firm Lenor has one tip to avoid damaging clothes on the line: turn them inside out.
They said: “Direct sunlight breaks down dyes used in fabrics and leads to fading. When drying bright or dark items outside, turn them inside out and ensure your airer or clothesline is in the shade. Pro tip: Using a fabric conditioner like Lenor will help maintain the vibrancy of your colours and prevent fading.”
