Trying to dry laundry indoors can be frustrating, especially during autumn and winter when there’s no sun and temperatures are cold. And when clothes take too long to dry, they can start to smell musty and damp.
What’s more, many people rely on drying racks or airers instead of tumble dryers to save on energy bills, but it often means slow drying times and more creases. Luckily, experts have shared a simple method that can speed up the process and improve how your laundry smells too.
According to experts at Good Housekeeping, the trick lies in how you hang clothes on your drying rack or airer.
Most people focus on location, spin speed, or tumble dryer settings, but the way the items are placed on the rack is just as important.
The experts say that you should always spread your clothes out properly. That means not folding them over the rails or stacking several pieces in one place.
It helps air flow between the fabrics, reduces drying time, and stops that damp, sour smell from forming.
They also advise checking for hidden items, like pillowcases stuck inside duvet covers.
This common mistake can trap moisture and delay drying even more. One solution is to button up covers before washing, to stop other pieces getting caught inside.
If you’ve got lots of laundry to get through, experts also warn against overloading the washing machine.
Trying to cram too much into one cycle can leave clothes wetter and more creased, both of which make drying harder.
They also recommend using a slightly lower spin speed if you’re drying on an airer or a drying rack.
While a high spin helps with tumble drying, it can leave air-dried clothes with deep creases, meaning more time spent ironing.
Shaking out the load as soon as the wash ends will also help fluff the fibres and stop wrinkles.
For faster drying, the experts say it’s worth investing in a heated clothes airer, especially if your home is on the cooler side. These often use less energy than central heating or a tumble dryer.
And if you do use a tumble dryer, make sure it’s not in a cold garage. These machines work better in warm, dry rooms and perform best when not overloaded.
If your model has a sensor setting, use it as it adjusts the drying time automatically based on moisture levels and helps avoid over-drying or damage.
