GETTING clothes to dry when the weather outside is frightful is no easy feat, with our laundry often left smelling and feeling damp.
Hanging clothes on radiators might seem like a quick solution but laundry expert Sarah Dempsey says it can cause more harm than good.
Speaking to Joules, she explains: “Drying your clothes on radiators can increase the moisture in the air, and this can lead to damp and mould forming.
“This increased moisture can cause health risks.
“This method will also likely increase your energy bills by quite a sizeable amount due to the increase in power consumption.
“If you do choose to hang your clothes on the radiators, it’s best to use radiator drying racks with the help of a dehumidifier to keep the moisture levels in the air down.”
So where should we be drying our clothes?
Although it is a common misconception that clothes can’t be dried outside during the winter, Sarah has revealed that hanging your clothes outside in the colder months can actually be more effective than doing so in summer.
“While heat is a very helpful tool for drying clothes, it’s not the only factor that goes into drying clothes,” she says.
“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.”
She also explained that air-drying your clothes is not only a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to the tumble dryer, saving you money on your energy bills, but it’ll also extend the life of your clothes, with a tumble dryer being the enemy for many knit materials.
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.”
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 then put them straight into your wardrobe, making washing easier and more convenient.”
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.”
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.”
