Sun and wind as helpers: drying laundry outside efficiently.
Laundry that gently flutters in the wind and still smells wonderfully fresh in the closet: drying laundry outdoors is great fun and is possible almost anywhere. The most environmentally friendly way of drying may be a little more work than using a tumble dryer, but it also has many advantages. The following article explains the best way to dry laundry outdoors and what to look out for when choosing a location - whether balcony, patio or garden.
Contents
Reasons for drying laundry outdoors
If you dry your laundry outside, you can benefit from several advantages at once:
- Drying in the fresh air is free
- The energy savings are also good for the environment
- Laundry dried outside is soft
- Laundry that dries outside smells particularly good, even without fabric softener
- In contrast to drying indoors, humidity and the risk of mold do not increase.
If there is no time pressure and there is no need to use a tumble dryer, drying laundry outdoors is highly recommended.
Where is the best place to dry laundry outdoors?
Laundry can be dried on balconies and patios as well as in the garden. Various factors play a decisive role in the choice of location: firstly, of course, you need sufficient space to set up a drying rack, washing line or dryer. On the other hand, the location should have good air circulation, so that the water can evaporate quickly. A very small, covered balcony is therefore sometimes not suitable. When drying laundry in the garden, make sure that it is not hanging directly under a tree to avoid soiling. And of course, a slightly sunny place is better for drying than a shady spot. However, too much direct sunlight can cause colored textiles to fade.
How should laundry be hung to dry?
To be able to dry your laundry outside, you need to get the right appliance. Compact clothes drying racks are ideal for smaller balconies. However, these have the disadvantage that only a small amount of clothes can be dried. Large items of laundry such as bed sheets either take up the entire rack or hang on the floor.
There is usually a little more space on the patio so that a larger drying rack can be set up. In the garden, you can set up a dryer that is firmly anchored to the ground. These can hold and dry large quantities of laundry at the same time. If you prefer, you can also stretch a simple washing line between two trees. The more space you leave between the individual items of clothing, the faster they will dry.
Don't forget the accessories
To ensure that the laundry hangs securely and doesn't fall or fly off, it should be fastened with clothespins. The pegs themselves are stored in a practical basket. And you should also have a laundry basket ready so that you can easily bring the dried laundry into the house or apartment.
What weather conditions are suitable for drying outdoors?
It goes without saying that drying laundry outdoors in the rain is not a good idea. But apart from that, laundry can be dried outside all year round - even in sub-zero temperatures in winter thanks to sublimation. The temperature is of secondary importance when hanging laundry outside. Dry air and a light breeze are ideal so that the moisture can evaporate quickly and easily from the laundry. If the humidity is too high, the air cannot absorb the moisture from the laundry as efficiently. The laundry stays damp for longer. Wind, on the other hand, whether warm or cold, accelerates evaporation so that the drying time is shortened.
Weather conditions | Dry time |
|---|---|
Sunshine, light wind, 15 to 20 °C | 4 to 8 hours |
Strong sunshine, dry air, 25 °C and above | 2 hours |
No sun, less than 15 °C | Up to 3 days |
Dry air, below 0 °C | 1 to 2 days |
