Do you want to learn how to dry clothes fast? In the dynamic world, speeding up this chore is a necessity. Think about how it will speed up your morning routine, as you don't want to wake up to damp clothes when you need to get ready for work.
We also understand that you might not want to wait for hours for your laundry to dry. Oh, and did we mention the unexpected laundry emergencies? A sudden spill can happen to the best of us, especially when you are ahead of a big event. Speeding up the drying process allows you to have less clothing in your wardrobe, which saves space and money.
In this article, we share the ultimate guide for air drying. Once you go through our practical tips, you will master speedy drying in no time.
Preparation for Faster Drying
A few simple steps before the washing process can make a difference. First, sort the laundry by weight and fabric type for more efficient drying. Also, make sure to use the high spin setting on the washing machine. The spin cycle will remove the excess water, allowing for faster drying.
Effective Wringing Techniques
Manual wringing also helps remove excess water. However long it is without hands, it can damage the fabric. But there is one secret trick that experienced homemakers know. It is called the towel method and is quite effective for removing the extra moisture from your clothes. We explain the step-by-step process.
- Lay a clean and dry towel on a flat surface
- Lay the clothing over the towel and carefully roll it
- Hold the two ends and start twisting the roll
The towel absorbs the moisture while preventing mechanical damage to the garments.
Indoor Drying Strategies
Outdoor drying provides the perfect conditions, unless the weather is bad, of course. The sun's rays and ventilation allow faster drying. However, you might not always have the opportunity to hang your clothes outdoors. Whether it is the rainfall or you might not have enough space, developing indoor drying strategies is crucial.
Allow air circulation
Placing damp clothing near a fan, air conditioner, or window allows air circulation. This reduces humidity and draws away moisture from wet clothes.
Strategic placement on the rack
Placing the clothes on a drying rack might not be your favourite activity. But if you do it right, the clothes will dry much faster. Leave enough space between the garments to provide air circulation. If possible, place the items over 2 lines to allow maximum airing. The Hills Portable 170 or Hills Portable 120 clothesline is ideal for this.
Use humidifiers
A humidifier is a valuable tool that can expedite the drying process. All you need to do is turn it to a high setting, close the windows and doors, and let it suck out the moisture.
Utilising Heat Sources
Hang the wet clothes near heat sources such as a radiator, wood stove, portable heater, or fireplace mantel. The warm air will make the moisture evaporate faster, and your clothes will be dry in no time. However, make sure there's enough space between the heat source and the clothing to avoid damage.
Are you placing your clothing over the radiator in the winter? Make sure to remove it as soon as it is dry to avoid blocking the heat.
Do you need to dry a few items fast? Use a hair dryer for a fast effect. Hang the garment and blow it with the hairdryer to maintain a safe distance to avoid heat damage. Keep in mind that you don't have to use too hot air; the medium setting will work fine, as the airflow does the magic, not the heat.
Outdoor Drying Tactics
Make the most of a sunny day and spread the clothesline in the backyard. The sunlight and gentle breeze will speed up the drying without wasting resources. We share some helpful tips and tricks for outdoor drying in detail.
- Before hanging, shake the clothes well to prevent wrinkles that can affect drying.
- Leave an inch between the garments for faster drying.
- Coloured clothes should be placed in the shade to avoid discolouration.
- Feel free to hang white clothes and bedding in direct sunlight, as the rays will whiten and disinfect them.
- Shake the garments to fluff the fibres and avoid stiffness.
Innovative Drying Hacks
- Lay the wet clothing on the ironing board and smoothen it out.
- Add a clean and dry towel over it.
- Iron over the towel on high heat.
- Flip the garment and repeat.
Special Tips for Different Fabrics
- Delicate fabrics: Gently wring the garments using a towel to avoid damaging the fibre. Don't hang them; instead, lay them over a dry towel.
- Synthetic fabrics: Polyester, nylon, and spandex dry quickly. Shake to remove excess water and hang in a well-ventilated area.
- Thick fabrics: Denim, wool, and fleece require gentle wringing with a towel. Dry them flat over a dry towel.
Final thoughts
Air drying clothes doesn't have to be challenging if you follow the key strategies. Sort the garments, use the towel wringing technique, maximise air circulation, use a heat source, and dry delicates flat to speed up the drying process while maintaining longevity.
