Drying clothes is an essential part of clothing care. The right drying method can significantly affect the durability and appearance of clothes, as well as ensure their freshness and softness. In this article, we present the most important principles of drying clothes and tips on choosing the right drying method for different types of fabrics.
1. How to prepare clothes for drying?
Before you start drying, it is worth preparing your clothes properly to avoid creasing and speed up the drying process:
- Shake wet clothes – It’s a good idea to shake clothes gently after taking them out of the washing machine, this will make them easier to hang and will help prevent creasing.
- Check the labels – each material requires a different approach to drying. The label will tell you whether the fabric is suitable for tumble drying or whether it is better to dry naturally.
- Blot out excess water – if the garment is very wet, you can gently squeeze out excess water with a towel or lay it flat to speed up drying.
2. Air drying – a traditional method with many advantages
Air drying is the most natural and safe way to dry clothes. This method reduces the risk of fabric damage and leaves clothes smelling fresh.
- Outside – If possible, hang clothes outside in the sun or shade. UV rays help kill bacteria and freshen clothes, but be careful – light colours and whites are best dried in the shade to avoid fading.
- Indoors – drying indoors is especially effective in winter or on rainy days. It is worth opening a window to ensure proper air circulation, which will speed up the drying process and prevent moisture from forming.
3. Dry flat – ideal for delicate fabrics
Drying flat is a method that minimizes the risk of stretching and deforming fabrics, so it is recommended for clothes made of wool, silk and other delicate materials.
- How to do it? Spread the wet garment on a towel and place it on a flat surface, such as a clothesline or table. It is worth gently squeezing out excess water with a towel first, which will speed up drying.
- Avoid the sun – delicate fabrics are best dried in the shade or indoors so that they do not lose their colour and structure.
4. Tumble drying – a quick and convenient method
Tumble dryers are quick and convenient, but not all clothes are suitable for this drying method. Too much tumble drying can weaken the fibers and cause clothes to shrink, especially those made of cotton or wool.
- Choose the right program – most dryers have different programs, including modes for delicate fabrics, sportswear and bedding. Choosing the right program will reduce the risk of damage.
- Tumble Dry on Low Heat – Delicate fabrics such as silk or wool should be tumble dried on low heat. Tumble drying on high heat can cause the garment to shrink.
- Partial Drying – If you want your clothes to be smooth, you can dry them only halfway in the dryer and then hang them outside to help prevent creasing.
5. Drying with hangers – a way to avoid creasing
Hanging clothes on hangers is a method that reduces the risk of creasing and stretching fabrics, and also speeds up drying.
- Shirts and blouses – hang them on a hanger, preferably while still wet, which will allow the material to straighten naturally.
- Sweaters and delicate fabrics – for sweaters, choose wide, contoured hangers that do not deform the material. Avoid hanging heavy fabrics on hangers so as not to stretch the material.
6. Avoid drying clothes on the radiator
Although drying on a radiator may seem like a quick way, it is worth avoiding this method. Direct exposure to high heat can cause fabrics to shrink and colors to fade.
- Alternative : If you need to dry quickly, place the dryer near a radiator, but not directly on it. This way, the heat will be in contact with the clothes but will not affect them directly.
7. Drying towels – a way to make fabrics soft and absorbent
It is best to dry towels outdoors or in a tumble dryer, which helps to keep them soft and absorbent. Drying on a radiator can make the towels rough and less absorbent.
- Tumble Dry – Choose towel or intensive drying mode for soft and fluffy fabrics.
- Air Dry – If you prefer to air dry, gently shake out your towels before hanging them to make them fluffier.
8. Avoid drying in direct sunlight, especially for colored clothes
The sun is a natural disinfectant, but it can be a threat to colored clothing. Prolonged exposure to direct UV rays can cause fading and weakening of the fibers of the material.
- It is best to dry the colours in the shade or in a well-ventilated place to maintain their intensity and prevent fading.
- White clothes – can be dried in the sun, as UV rays help maintain the snow-white colour.
9. How to care for a tumble dryer?
If you use your tumble dryer frequently, regular maintenance is crucial to its efficiency and safety.
- Filter cleaning – remove dust and lint from the filter after each use. A clogged filter can reduce drying efficiency and cause the device to overheat.
- Regular descaling – If your dryer requires water, descale the appliance regularly to avoid scale build-up.
Drying clothes may seem like a simple task, but choosing the right method can make a big difference in how long your clothes will last and how they will look. Whether you choose to air dry, lay flat or tumble dry, it’s a good idea to match your drying method to the type of fabric and manufacturer’s recommendations. This will help your clothes look newer for longer and save you money on frequent clothing purchases.
