I’m a laundry expert and in winter you should dry your clothes outside
Drying our clothes in winter can be tricky – there are fewer options and the colder temperatures make it that little bit more difficult.
So it’s understandable that most of us put damp clothes straight from the washing machine onto our warm radiators.
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But now an expert has revealed that this is not necessary, because we can still hang our washing on the line 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 is one of the most common misconceptions.
And she talked about how hanging your clothes outside in the colder months can actually be more effective than in the 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 dryer, saving you money on your energy bills.
And it will even extend the life of your clothes, where a tumble dryer is the enemy of many knit materials.
She said: “Although heat is a very useful aid in drying clothes, it is not the only factor involved in drying clothes.
“High humidity can result in a longer drying time, so in some cases you may find that your clothes dry much faster on a cold winter day than on a humid summer day.
“Solar radiation is the most effective method to evaporate the moisture in your clothes.
“Hang your clothes in the sun whenever possible for the best drying method.
“If you hang your clothes outside, you will find that wind can speed up the drying process even further.
“Wind can also help take the wrinkles out of your clothes.”
Sara, van MijnJobQuote.nlcollaborated with Joule to reveal what we can do to make our clothes last longer.
Kimberly Royle, Buying and Sourcing Director at Joules, says: “It may sound simple, but if you’re washing more delicate garments, make sure you don’t put them in the washing machine with everything else.
“Taking extra care of clothing is essential to ensure that its lifespan, quality and appearance are maintained.
“Take a quick look at the care label to avoid unnecessary wear, fading and damage to the fabric.
“Make sure you wash your knitted cardigans and sweaters at the right temperature to prevent shrinkage.
“For example, do you have a raincoat that needs some TLC?
“Hand washing a raincoat can prevent damage to the outer layer, making it last for years.”
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 rack
“The best way to quickly dry your clothes at home is to use a good quality clothes dryer.
“During winter, heated clothes airers are a good option, especially for homes where it stays quite cold.
“It is best to place your clothes rack in an area with little traffic and ensure that there is sufficient ventilation to prevent moisture.
“Wall-mounted drying racks are great options because they don’t take up floor space and can be folded.
“A retractable clothesline is another option that may work well because it can be retracted and stored away when not in use.”
2. Use an extra twist
“Give your laundry an extra spin at the end of the program to remove some of the excess moisture and water.
“When you remove the laundry from the machine, shake it well back and forth for best aeration.
“This makes your clothes dry much faster.”
3. Hang delicate items
“You should hang fragile items such as shirts and vests on hangers from the drying rack.
This allows more garments to dry at the same time and allows these garments to dry as wrinkle-free as possible.
“Once they are completely dry, you can 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 cause mold growth. Instead, hang your clothes on a clothes rack once the program is finished.”
5. Hang outside
“During the summer months it is best to dry your clothes on a washing line in the garden.
“If this isn’t possible, you can place a clothes rack outside to help your clothes dry faster and prevent too much moisture from building up in your home.”
