UK households are being urged to dry clothes outside this week between the hours of 10am and 2pm.
These hours are typically when the sun is at its strongest so it provides the ideal combination of sunlight, warmth and low humidity for efficiently drying your clothes. Temperatures are generally higher at this time of the day which helps the air to hold more moisture and speeds up the drying process, and there is often a breeze during these hours helping air to circulate around your clothes which again helps them to dry faster.
The Royal Meteorological Society says: “Hang clothes out in the morning to make the most of the sun’s peak intensity, which usually occurs between 10am and 2pm. Keep an eye on the forecast and look for breaks in the weather. Even if there’s only a short window of opportunity, pop your laundry outside for a quick air dry.”
Drying laundry outside is not only more efficient and cost-effective, the UV rays from the sun act as a natural disinfectant helping to kill off any bacteria lingering in your clothes, especially items like underwear, towels and bed linen.
The Seep Company explains: “Hanging clothes out to dry in the sun is a traditional practice that not only saves energy, but also allows the UV rays from the sun to kill bacteria and other pathogens present on the fabric. This is particularly useful for items like towels, bed linens and underwear, which harbour bacteria more easily.
“Beyond killing bacteria, sunlight can also help bleach fabrics, making them look brighter and cleaner. The UV rays break down chemical bonds in stains and disinfect at the same time.”
Polder Products adds: “Your clothes must dry COMPLETELY in direct sunlight to actually kill the bacteria. To make sure you got every nook and cranny be sure to flip items over.
“Leaving clothes outside for too long can fade colours, and depending on how wet your items are to start with, 30-60 minutes should be all that’s needed for the sun to do its job.”
As such, it’s best to make the most of the warm and dry weather in the summer months to dry your clothes, especially when pollen levels are low.
Pollen is sticky and clings to your clothes if left outside, but levels are forecast to drop significantly this week as temperatures turn cooler so it’s a good time to take advantage of the dry conditions and hang your laundry outside.
The Met Office pollen forecast shows levels will be largely “low” or “medium” for the majority of the UK until Friday, July 18, when “high” levels are expected in North East England, Yorkshire and Humber, London and South East England, Northern Ireland and Grampian.