There’s nothing better than the fresh scent of laundry dried outside on a washing line, especially because it’s completely free, unlike using a radiator, heated airer, or tumble dryer. The sun’s natural bleaching property means it’s the ultimate whitening agent, too; your white clothes, sheets, and towels will get even brighter when they’re line-dried and exposed to the sunshine, says Laundryheap.
Some garments may end up looking worse for wear when dried outside, but it’s not for fear of the sun altering colourways. Laundry experts have warned that everyday items, including bath mats and jumpers, are among the things that they’d never be caught hanging on a washing line. Some items can’t be line dried due to potential damage—some fabrics can stretch or shrink when hung, and drying outdoors may expose clothes to elements like pollen or mould.
Denim
There’s nothing worse than shrinking your perfect pair of jeans, which is why many people avoid overwashing denim or tumble drying it.
Denim is often line-dried to preserve its colour, but it often leaves it scratchy and stiff.
According to Sammy Wang, senior scientist at P&G Fabric Care, the tumble dryer is actually the best option in this case, though you should use low or no heat to dry denim.
It is always recommended to check the care label first to prevent accidental shrinkage. For denim that can be machine-dried, Sammy suggests putting it in the dryer with a dryer sheet to help soften and prevent wrinkles.
Cushion covers
Although cushion covers are a less-frequent item in the laundry pile, they need to be properly laundered nonetheless.
Not to be confused with thin pillowcases, cushion covers are unique in that they must be reinstalled over the inserts while the fabric is still wet. Gently stretch the damp fabric over the cushion to reverse relaxation shrinkage and ensure it still zips shut.
Mary Gagliardi, laundry expert for Clorox for Gagliardi, told Martha Stewart that cushion covers that are allowed to dry before reinstalling will not fit.
To thoroughly dry the covers, prop the cushions up for good air circulation. Mary suggests using a dehumidifier to speed up air drying in humid environments.
Thick jumpers
Thick jumpers, particularly the woollen kind, often can’t be washed in a standard cycle. Wool requires a gentle, cold cycle to prevent shrinking and damage to the fibres.
The same goes for line-drying outdoors, says the P&G Fabric Care scientist. Thick fabrics can become very heavy when wet, especially when hanging to dry, which may cause them to stretch out and become misshapen.
Sammy Wan suggests swapping a washing line for an airer or mesh drying net.
You can speed up the drying time by rolling the jumper in a clean towel and squeezing it to remove excess moisture before reshaping and laying it flat.
Bath mats
A good bath mat will last for years if properly cared for, but if laundered carelessly, it can quickly become rough and lose its softness.
Bath mats are a high-traffic item and will get their deepest clean when machine-dried rather than being hung on a washing line, says Sammy.
She notes that mats won’t be damaged as such, but it will take much longer, during which time your bath mat “may end up flat and matted”.
Tumble drying the mat is the best option for optimal fluffiness when you step out of the bath or shower. As with everything, always consider the instructions on the care label for heat recommendations.
How to dry clothes outdoors without a washing line
Oftentimes, the solution to drying clothes that can’t be line-dried is hiding indoors.
A laundry airer, also known as a clothes horse, can be easily moved outdoors to dry heavier items like thick jumpers without stretching the fabric.
Ensure the airer has maximum sunlight and wind exposure for speedy drying, but take care placing fabrics that will easily fade in sunlight. Fabrics that fade most in sunlight tend to be natural fibres like cotton and linen, especially in darker colours or with heavy dye concentrations. Silk is also highly susceptible to colour changes from light exposure.
