The Benefits of Air Drying Clothes

Imagine a world where your clothes are preserved for far longer, your energy bills are lower, and you contribute to a greener planet.

This dream can become a reality with a simple change in your laundry routine: by simply air drying your clothes.

From preserving fabric quality and appearance -- even improving your health.

The list of pros definitely outweigh the cons!

Reducing Energy Consumption

Did you know that air drying clothes can yield considerable energy savings compared to using a clothes dryer?

Many households of Aussies have a gas or electric dryer, the simple act of hanging your clothes to dry can save energy and money on your energy bills.

By opting for line drying, you're not only being kind to your wallet, but also to the environment.

Lower Carbon Footprint and Conserving Resources

Air drying clothes can significantly reduce the average household's carbon footprint by a staggering 1,088 kilograms a year.

Factors such as location, weather conditions, and fabric type can influence the carbon footprint of air drying clothes.

Clothes dryers can account for up to 6% of a household's total energy consumption -- making hanging clean laundry a more sustainable option.

Extended Clothing Lifespan

Air drying clothing can help extend their lifespan by reducing wear and tear caused by machine drying and preserving clothing fibres.

According to research, after only 20 cycles of washing and tumble drying clothes, the fabric already loses about 50 percent of its tensile strength!

By opting for air drying, you're not only saving money on your energy bills, but also protecting your wardrobe investments.

Preventing Shrinkage

We've all experienced the disappointment of finding our favorite shirt or pair of jeans shrunk after a tumble in the dryer.

Air drying clothes can help to avoid shrinkage in a tumble dryer which is mainly caused by high heat exposure.

To minimise shrinkage, it's recommended by most manufacturers to to air dry clothing constructed of cotton or other natural fabrics.

Avoiding Fading

Air drying clothes does not always result in fading, however, exposing clothes to sunlight just to eek out every bit of excess moisture could potentially cause fading of fabrics.

To preserve colour when air drying clothes, avoid direct sunlight and use a clothesline that is in the shade or at least indoors to keep the pigments from being bombarded with UV rays.

Using a color-safe detergent and washing clothes in cold water can help you in the long run.

Choosing the Right Clothes Drying Rack

Selecting the right indoor drying rack involves considering factors such as size, portability, material, drop-down height, and the amount of laundry to be processed.

Whether you opt for a metal, wood, or plastic rack, it's essential to choose a clothing rack that suits your needs and space constraints.

A shower curtain rod will work if you are living alone but for a couple or those of your starting a family, you need a lot more than that.

Maximising Space

To maximise space when air drying clothes, use hangers to dry delicate pieces and hang clothes vertically to avoid wrinkles.

For stretchy garments like sweaters or leggings, laying them flat on a drying rack can help maintain their shape.

If you have plenty of laundry to dry, lay sweaters over two rods instead of the whole top of the rack, do the same for towels and other delicate items so they dry faster.

Ensuring Proper Air Circulation

Proper air circulation is key to effectively air drying clothes, use the dry air from outdoors to your advantage if possible.

To achieve maximum airflow, hang laundry in a manner that allows for maximum air circulation, such as in a single layer or in a way that facilitates air to pass through.

When air drying clothes with a fan or dehumidifier, position them near the clothes to facilitate air circulation and decrease humidity level in the laundry room.

Hanging Clothes for Optimal Drying

To ensure optimal drying of clothes on an outdoor clothesline, leave a one-inch gap between items for proper airflow.

Shake out items prior to hanging to remove excess water and prevent wrinkles; hang clothes in an area that provides ample air circulation.

By hanging your wet laundry properly, you'll enjoy fresh, dry clothes in no time.

Weather Considerations

Capitalise on sunny and windy days by hanging clothes out early in the day to ensure they have ample time to dry before sundown.

If the climate is humid, use a dehumidifier or electric fan to promote air circulation when you dry laundry indoors.

It's a good idea to use hyperlocal, minute-by-minute weather forecasts to guarantee that you won't end up with rain-drenched clothes in case you go out for errands or fall asleep.

Air drying clothes can come with its fair share of challenges, but they can be easily overcome with a few simple strategies.

In this section, we'll explore how to deal with stiffness and manage wrinkles.

We'll also help you handle humidity and dampness so you can confidently air dry your laundry without worry.

Stiffness can be a common issue when air drying clothes.

Dealing with Stiffness

Stiffness in air-dried clothes can be prevented by shaking the fabric fresh out of the washing machine to fluff up its fibers and keep it from clinging to itself.

Additionally, using a low-sudsing detergent and setting the dryer to a low heat setting can help reduce stiffness.

As mentioned, using white vinegar in the rinse cycle can also facilitate the softening of fabrics and decrease their stiffness.

Handling Humidity and Dampness

Managing humidity and dampness when air drying clothes involves selecting a space with good air circulation or utilising a dehumidifier.

Choosing a well-ventilated area or utilising a dehumidifier can help reduce humidity and dampness in the air, thus preventing the formation of mold and mildew on clothes.

By taking these steps, you can ensure your air-dried clothes remain fresh and free from dampness and prevents mould growth inside your home.

Natural Sanitising Effects of Sunlight

Sunlight possesses natural sanitising effects on clothes, as the UV rays and infrared heat in sunlight can effectively eliminate bacteria and reduce microbial loads.

Sunlight also helps whiten your laundry without having to deal with harsh chemicals like bleach or chlorine.

So, not only does air drying your clothes save energy and protect your garments, but it also helps keep them clean and sanitary.

Less Potential Allergens Indoors

Omitting tumble drying from the equation means less unwanted fibres, dander, and dust in the air.

This results in your indoor space being a lot cleaner and safe for those of your suffering from allergies.

It also means less costly servicing required on your machine.

In conclusion, air drying clothes offers a wealth of benefits for you, your clothes, and the environment.

From reducing energy consumption and lowering your carbon footprint to preserving fabric quality and appearance -- even improving your health.

The advantages of air drying are clear and the extra time required to do this process far outweighs the cons of using anelectric dryer.