Air drying laundry inside tends to take more time, potentially leaving dried items with a musty smell, Karpova says.
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.
Generally, yes. If the clothes are taken out of the washing machine and hung separately, they would typically be dry. Thick parts like jean seams may need more drying time but, most other things should be able to dry easily. Adding a fan for additional air movement is an option to insure your clothing is dry.
Lint and Residue: Over time, lint and detergent residue can build up in the dryer, contributing to odors if not regularly cleaned. To prevent this issue, it's best to remove clothes from the dryer promptly after the cycle ends and ensure they are completely dry before putting them in.
Consider a dehumidifier
Or if you have an air purifier, check to see if it has a dehumidifier function; many do. “By reducing excess moisture in the air, these devices help clothes dry faster and prevent musty odors,” explains Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning.
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.
Hung outside, the ultraviolet light from the sun kills bacteria effectively in your laundry.
Leave an inch between garments to allow faster drying. Indoors, place clothes near an air vent, extractor fan, heat source or dehumidifier to speed up the process. Always have a window ajar when possible to allow fresh air to flow freely.
Experts have found that clothes put on drying frames or draped over warm radiators raise moisture levels in our homes by up to 30 per cent, creating ideal breeding conditions for mould spores – and one in particular called aspergillus fumigatus, which can cause potentially fatal lung infections.
Air drying clothes is more environmentally friendly, saves money, reduces wrinkles and creases, and increases the lifespan of your clothes. However, air-drying clothes is dependent on the weather, takes more time and requires a little more effort. Tumble drying your clothes is quick and requires minimal effort.
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.
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.
Sweat, the natural oils from skin, and dead skin all contribute to the stubborn odor that is so hard to remove from clothing. When it comes to athletic clothing, this problem is exacerbated by the types of fabrics used. Spandex and Lycra are most commonly used because these materials stretch and are sweat-wicking.
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.
Ventilation is key if you want to dry clothes inside without them smelling damp, which means that opening a window and spacing out your clothes on an airer is essential. But that's not the only option.
When you're drying clothes indoors, try to position your washing near an open window or somewhere with good airflow. Avoid layering too many clothes on top of one another as this can delay the drying process.
Drying clothes outside is cheaper and healthier, as the sun's UV rays kill bacteria and dust mites, and can even bleach away stains.
If there is water in the air, it will take longer for your clothes to dry. Moreover, garments can smell damp because of excess moisture in the atmosphere. So, we recommend using a dehumidifier in the room where you hang your clothes to dry. If you don't have one, try drying your clothes in an airconditioned room.
'However, leaving clothes damp for too long can cause bacteria and mildew to grow, which also leads to bad smells. Sometimes, it's just a matter of not using enough detergent or the right kind of detergent to break down organic stuff. '
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.
If you're hanging clothes to dry in the summer, it's important to dry them inside out because it drastically reduces the chances of your clothes fading. When they are inside out, it will protect them from the sun's UV rays because the more sun exposure your clothes get, the more chances of colours fading.
For those who need to dry their clothes inside the home, fans and dehumidifiers can be a saving grace when drying laundry without a tumble dryer. If you place a fan in front of the laundry area, it aids in air circulation which speeds up the evaporation process.