When it’s rainy or humid out, keeping clothes clean can be tough. With a busy schedule, kids at home, or working outside the home, you often have to wash clothes daily. But you don’t have to wait for good weather to wear them again. Bad drying usually creates odor, but you don’t have to let dirty clothes pile up. There are lots of practical and effective tips to help you beat humidity and get clothes dry fast.
1. Optimize the spin cycle: a good spin cycle is the key to fast drying. It is ideal to select the highest spin speed that the fabric of the garments will allow. By extracting as much water as possible during the spin cycle, the subsequent drying time can be significantly reduced.
2. Choose the right drying rack: not all drying racks are the same. It is ideal to choose a folding one that can be placed in a warm and ventilated place in the home, preferably near a window where it can receive some natural light. Avoid drying clothes on radiators or heaters, as direct heat can damage clothes and generate condensation.
3. Strategic ventilation: air circulation is essential for efficient drying. Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate and help remove moisture. If possible, it can also help to create a draft by opening opposing doors and windows. On the other hand, a fan can be a great ally to speed up the drying process, as it allows air to circulate between the garments.
4. The sheet trick: several efficient methods have gone viral in social networks. One of them is the one given by Alix Byrne, a young British woman who became popular for her ingenious method. Byrne recommended covering the clothesline with a large sheet, as it creates a kind of “hot air pocket” around the clothes. In the video, she places the clothesline near a radiator (without the clothes directly touching the heat) and covers everything with the sheet, holding the ends behind the radiator. The heat will be concentrated inside the sheet, and will help the clothes dry much faster. Remember to leave some space for air to circulate and avoid moisture build-up.
5. The art of hanging clothes: it’s not only about hanging clothes, but also about doing it in a smart way. Spread the garments as much as possible, avoiding folds or areas where moisture can be trapped. Turn the clothes inside out halfway through the drying process to ensure that all parts dry evenly.
6. Zone drying: If drying space is limited, clothes can be dried in sections or groups of garments. Wash smaller items first, such as underwear or socks, and then larger items, such as sheets or towels. This will optimize the space on the line and speed up drying.
7. The power of the towel: towels can be one of the best allies to absorb moisture. Roll a wet garment inside a large dry towel and then press a little to remove excess water. You can also put a dry towel in the dryer next to the damp clothes to speed up the process.
With these simple tips, you can say goodbye to damp clothes and wear dry, richly scented garments even on the rainiest of days.
