The sun is finally shining here in the UK, meaning more and more people will be rushing outside to dry their clothes on the line. A far more affordable way of doing this than using the tumble dryer, it’s no wonder it’s so popular during spring.
It also gives your clothes, sheets and towels that beautiful fresh-air smell, which is so much better than drying inside. However, experts have urged Brits to take care when hanging their items up to dry. One common mistake could end up ruining your favourite garments, according to the pros at Banana Moon Clothing.
The experts have warned people taking advantage of the extra sunshine to be cautious when hanging their laundry up to dry outside. Placing your clothes in direct sunlight for too long could end up ruining them, with regular and extended exposure to UV rays causing some fabrics to fade and weaken.
They said: “Instead, try drying your clothing in direct sunlight for a smaller period of time, maybe an hour or so, then move the clothing into a more shaded area. The warmer air and spring breeze will be enough to dry your garments without too much exposure to the sun.”
The laundry experts at Lenor have echoed this, warning that it can be especially damaging for bright and dark coloured clothes. It can be helpful to turn these inside out when drying outside, or make sure your airer or clothesline is placed in a shaded spot.
But when it comes to whites, the sunlight can act as a natural bleaching agent, brightening them up and improving the appearance of stains.
And when your clothes have finished drying, be cautious about when you’re putting them away. Fabric type, heat and air all play a part in how long it takes to dry your clothes, so a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t always the way to go.
Always make sure items are dried out completely before storing them away. This will help prevent that musty smell and mould from growing in areas with bad air circulation, such as wardrobes and drawers.