DRYING our clothes in the winter can be tough – there are fewer options and the colder temperatures make it that little bit harder.
So it’s understandable that most of us put damp clothes straight from the washing machine and onto our warm radiators.
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But now one expert has revealed that we don’t need to do that because we can still hang our washing out on the lines in the colder months.
If you thought you couldn’t dry your clothes outside in the winter, you’re not alone.
According to laundry expert Sarah Dempsey, it’s one of the most common misconceptions.
And she told how hanging your clothes outside in the colder months can actually be more effective than doing so in summer.
Sarah even revealed that heat isn’t the most important thing when it comes to drying clothes.
She also explained that air-drying your clothes is a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to the tumble dryer, saving you money on your energy bills.
And it will even but it’ll also extend the life of your clothes, with a tumble dryer being the enemy for many knit materials.
She said: “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.
“Wind can also help with getting the creases out of your clothes.”
Sarah, from MyJobQuote.co.uk, partnered up with Joules to reveal what we can do to make our clothes last longer.
Kimberly Royle, Buying and Sourcing Director at Joules, 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 fading and fabric damage.
“Make sure you wash your knitted cardigans and jumpers at the correct temperature to prevent shrinking.
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“For example, have you 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.”
Five top tips for air drying your clothes
SARAH and Kimberly have shared their top five tips for air drying your clothes
1. 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 damp.
“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.”
2. 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.”
3. 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 then put them straight into your wardrobe, making washing easier and more convenient.”
4. Hang clothes immediately
“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.”
5. 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.”
