Can you let clothes air dry inside?

Author: Heber Schneider IV  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Clothes can dry indoors in winter, but it can affect air quality, humidity and lead to mould. Try avoiding drying laundry in the rooms where you spend the most time e.g., your living room and bedroom. Instead, place the drying rack in the bathroom, the kitchen or hallway where you spend less time.

Is it okay to air dry clothes indoors?

It's fine, as long as you let the air circulate out. If the humidity in your house is low, it might even help a little!

Should you let clothes dry inside out?

The trick is to rotate your clothes every couple of hours and to turn them inside out. They will dry more evenly when rotated.

Is it okay to dry clothes in the room?

It is not a good idea to dry laundry indoors because it leads to the growth and spread of dust mites and mold. They are unhealthy and cause sickness. It is a natural process for the water released from the freshly washed clothes to be released into the air.

Will my clothes smell if I let them air dry?

Air dried clothing can be smelly if they haven't dried fast enough and got mildewed, or got in the way of smoke in the air, for instance. Clothes can get smelly if they sit too long in the washing machine, too, or haven't dried thoroughly in the dryer.

How to dry clothes fast without a dryer

Is Air drying bad for your clothes?

On the other hand, air drying is free, easy on the environment, and actually better for your clothes. When you air dry them correctly, clothes retain their shape and color longer than after a spin in the drier.

How to dry clothes indoors without smelling?

Put a dehumidifier next to your clothes airer

Dehumidifiers work by drawing in air, removing the moisture, then blowing drier air back out into the room – so positioning one next to your drying rack can help to remove dampness from the air as your clothes or sheets dry out.

Is it okay to let clothes air dry overnight?

Abandon Your Clothes Overnight

Martha Stewart says leaving wet clothes overnight is “perfectly alright.” Martha's blog even says this can be a smart move if you're air drying the next morning—because sitting overnight helps get rid of excess water.

Why shouldn't we dry clothes at night?

Do not leave laundry outside at night as it risks humidity and bad odors. Better to spread it out during the day for good drying in the air fresh.

How long does it take clothes to air dry in a room?

The length of time it takes to air-dry clothes indoors depends on various factors, such as the type of fabric and the humidity level in the room. On average, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day.

Does fresh air help clothes dry?

The key to successfully drying laundry indoors is to ensure good air circulation in the space. Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate and help moisture escape. If it's too cold or impractical to open windows, consider using fans to promote air movement.

Should I dry hoodies inside out?

Yes, turning your hoodie inside out before washing helps protect the exterior from abrasion and colour fading... ...so it's a good idea to do so for better maintenance of your hoodie. Is it better to air dry or use a dryer for my hoodie? It's better to air dry your hoodie to maintain its softness and prevent shrinkage.

Why turn jeans inside out to wash?

First, always make sure to turn your jeans inside out. This simple (but usually neglected) step protects the outer color from fading and minimizes direct contact with chemicals and detergents. This step is especially important for dark-wash and black jeans that are more prone to color loss or transfer.

Is it okay to dry clothes inside out?

Do clothes dry better inside out? When you dry your clothes inside out, you're helping to prevent color fading and lint buildup on the outside of the items that may occur from tumbling in the dryer. Drying your clothes inside out helps to prevent damage to the garment as a whole.

Will clothes air dry in a cold room?

The laundry should also dry in a warm place and not, for example, in a cold bedroom. Because only warm air absorbs enough moisture. You can then move the moisture outside by ventilating the room several times. Meanwhile, you should briefly turn off the heating while drying your laundry.

Is it bad to air dry clothes inside?

Air drying clothes indoors can lead to several health risks like raised humidity levels that lead to mold or mildew growth. This can irritate asthma or allergies, and cause several breathing issues.

Is it OK to leave clothes wet overnight?

While it's best practice to place your garments in the dryer or on the clothesline right after the cycle finishes, it's perfectly okay to leave your wet clothes in the washer overnight, Martha says. "I mean, don't leave it for a long time—don't leave it for a week," she says.

What days should you not do washing?

One of the most prevalent New Year's superstitions is that on January 1 no washing should be done. However, some people go one step further and make it a custom to keep any dirty clothes unwashed from Christmas until New Year's Day.

Where is the best place to air-dry clothes?

Most surfaces in your bathroom are waterproof, so that's a good place to start air-drying clothes. Here are additional tips for drying clothes indoors: Air-dry clothes on a rod or lay them flat on a drying rack when air-drying garments inside the home. Keep garments separated to allow air circulation and faster drying.

Does air drying cause mildew?

Some downsides of air-drying include: It can encourage mold and mildew growth if items take too long to dry. Many materials stiffen if they're left to air-dry too long.

Do clothes dry better inside or outside?

However, if it's dry outside and possibly even sunny, drying laundry on the balcony is no problem even in winter. Due to the constant supply of air and the wind, there is even a good chance that your laundry will dry faster outside than inside.

How long does it take for clothes to air dry inside?

How long do clothes need to air dry? Well, 'How to Air Dry Clothes Indoor' depends on several factors like fabric thickness, room temperature, available space or rack, and hanging position. But on average, it takes 6 to 8 hours at 70 degrees, and on cold days, it might take a whole day to be completely dry.

Why do clothes smell bad after air drying?

The answer lies in three main culprits: trapped moisture, poor ventilation, and mould growth. Trapped moisture occurs when clothes are not dried properly, leaving excess moisture that gives rise to that damp smell.

Should you open a window when drying clothes?

Place a drying rack away from walls to prevent the moisture from being trapped. Hang items individually and with as much space in between them as possible so they will dry more quickly. Open windows to enable airflow.

Previous article
How do I find underground pipes in my yard?
Next article
Why is my iron on vinyl not coming off the transfer tape?