There are many reasons why drying your clothes outside is a great habit to get into. Drying your clothes outside is a natural, more sustainable alternative to tumble drying or heated airers. It not only saves money on electricity but it also leaves your clothes smelling crisp and fresh from the breeze. Natural drying is gentle on your fabrics increasing the longevity of your garments, whilst the sun acts as a natural bleaching agent, so your whites look brighter and fresher.
There are lots of different ways to dry your clothes outdoors based on your needs and desired outcomes. Continue reading to find the right tools and techniques for you!
First, you need to decide on which tools you would prefer to use.
1. An indoor airer – these are often portable and compact so they can be easily stored. Some airers have wheels making them easy to move even with clothes on the line. Any of the Vileda drying racks can be used indoors or outdoors however the clothes airers should not be stored outside or used in damp conditions.
2. A washing line – the Vileda Cordomatic is a retractable washing line that can be attached to a wall and retracts back into the housing unit after use. It is easy to install and is an ideal space saving solution.
3. A rotary dryer – these clotheslines are more durable to withstand weather conditions and offer ample drying space, making them perfect for families and/or big wash loads. The Vileda outdoor airers and washing lines each have unique features that help enhance your outdoor airing experience. For example, the Vileda Sun Rise has a perfect line tensioning system that prevents your washing lines from sagging.
Prepare your tool. If using a drying rack, place it outside in a suitable location before you hang your laundry. If you have a washing line, ensure it has been pulled out and secured ready to add your items. If using a rotary airer, ensure it has been opened and the lines have been tensioned.
Once your clothes have finished in the washing machine simply pop them in a basket and begin to hang your laundry. Evenly spread out your items and secure with pegs. Then follow these top tips to help you dry your clothes outside quickly and efficiently…
1. Put your washing on a spin: when your clothes have finished, put them on an extra 10 minute spin cycle (check spin cycle on washing instructions first). This will help remove excess water and speed up drying times.
2. Place your clothesline in a peak location: somewhere that receives a lot of sun and airflow is ideal.
3. Sun-bleach: the sun acts as a natural bleaching agent making it ideal for stains and whites. This also, however, has the same effect on darks, so hang them inside out to prevent discoloration/ fading.
4. Shake the items before hanging them: this will reduce creases and helps cut down on ironing time. Depending on the material, clothes such as shirts, blouses, or dresses can dry crease-free on a clothesline hanger.
5. Evenly spread out your items: this ensures your laundry dries evenly and avoid overlapping items for more efficient drying.
6. Pull out the pockets: to help prevent wet pockets, pull the pockets out of items to help them dry quicker and evenly.
7. Stagger items: this allows sufficient airflow helping to speed up drying. You can even do this by placing a large item next to smaller items.
8. Watch out: hay fever sufferers may need to dry clothes outside with caution. Avoid outdoor drying during high pollen periods because the pollen may settle on the items which could trigger allergies and may make your symptoms worse.
Lots of people ask, ‘will clothes dry outside in winter?’ Well, as long as it’s dry outside – yes! It may take longer than in warmer weather however clothes will still dry outdoors. Plan your laundry days around the forecast; prioritising days that have some sunshine, low humidity and a gentle breeze so you don’t need to wait so long! Did you know, even if it is freezing temperatures, the items will freeze first and then the ice will evaporate through a process called sublimation, but we wouldn’t recommend this as it takes a long time! Do avoid really windy days as you don’t want to risk your laundry getting swept away. Ensure you follow the top tips mentioned above to help you achieve optimal results.
In perfect weather conditions, it can take as quickly as a couple of hours. However, depending on where you live and what you’re washing, there are lots of factors to take into consideration. For example, a thick fluffy blanket will take much longer than a thin T-Shirt. Always plan ahead based on what types of materials you’re washing. Other factors include the temperature, the humidity and how windy it is. Not only that, sunshine and airflow can also have a significant impact on how long it takes for your clothes to dry outside. Sometimes these can be unpredictable but, as a general rule, always bring your washing in before it gets dark, spread your clothes out evenly and keep your eye on the weather.
Now you know the best tools, techniques and top tips to help you dry your clothes outside quickly and efficiently – all year round! Don’t forget, to enjoy a cup of tea in the garden while your clothes dry effortlessly in the breeze.
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