The Benefits of Air Drying Clothes

Imagine a world where your clothes last longer, your energy bills are lower, and you contribute to a greener planet. This dream can become a reality by simply air drying your clothes. From preserving fabric quality to improving your health, the benefits of air drying clothes definitely outweigh the cons.

As we become more conscious of our environmental impact, air drying clothes emerges as an eco-friendly and energy-efficient alternative to using a clothes dryer. By line drying your garments, you significantly reduce energy consumption, decrease carbon emissions, and preserve valuable resources. Plus, who wouldn’t enjoy the fresh, natural scent that comes with air-dried clothes?

According to the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, clothes dryers can consume up to 3.3kWh per load, costing the average household around $114 a year in electricity . By air drying, you can cut down these costs significantly.

Air drying clothes can yield considerable energy savings compared to using a clothes dryer. Many Australian households have a gas or electric dryer, and the simple act of hanging your clothes to dry can save both energy and money on your bills. By opting for line drying, you’re not only being kind to your wallet but also to the environment.

Air drying clothes can significantly reduce the average household’s carbon footprint. According to Sustainability Victoria, using a clothes dryer can emit up to 3 kilograms of CO2 per hour of use . By choosing to air dry your clothes, you can reduce your household's carbon emissions and contribute to a greener planet.

Air drying clothing can help extend their lifespan by reducing wear and tear caused by machine drying and preserving clothing fibres. Research from Choice Australia indicates that machine drying can lead to significant fabric degradation, with fabrics losing up to 50% of their tensile strength after just 20 drying cycles . By opting for air drying, you’re not only saving money on your energy bills but also protecting your wardrobe investments.

Air drying can also help preserve the quality and appearance of your clothes by preventing shrinkage, fading, wear, and tear. Have you tried cleaning out your dryer’s lint filter? Now imagine how much fibre gets removed from your garments with every drying cycle. So, the next time you think about tossing your favourite outfit into the dryer, consider the advantages of air drying instead.

We’ve all experienced the disappointment of finding our favourite shirt or pair of jeans shrunk after a tumble in the dryer. Air drying clothes can help to avoid shrinkage caused by high heat exposure. To minimise shrinkage, it’s recommended to air dry clothing made of cotton or other natural fabrics. Adhering to the washing instructions on the care labels and hanging garments on a clothesline or drying rack in a well-ventilated space will help you avoid this issue.

Air drying clothes does not always result in fading. However, exposing clothes to sunlight just to eke out every bit of excess moisture could potentially cause fading of fabrics. To preserve colour when air drying clothes, avoid direct sunlight and use a clothesline that is in the shade or at least indoors to keep the pigments from being bombarded with UV rays.

Indoor drying clothes-airers can be a game-changer when it comes to indoor clothes drying. They offer enhanced space utilisation and efficiency as well as adequate air flow for air drying indoors. Selecting the right indoor drying rack involves considering factors such as size, portability, material, drop-down height, and the amount of laundry to be processed. Whether you opt for a metal, wood, or plastic rack, it’s essential to choose a rack that suits your needs and space constraints.

To maximise space when air drying clothes, use hangers to dry delicate pieces and hang clothes vertically to avoid wrinkles. For stretchy garments like sweaters or leggings, laying them flat on a drying rack can help maintain their shape. If you have plenty of laundry to dry, lay sweaters over two lines instead of the whole top of the rack, and do the same for towels and other delicate items so they dry faster.

Proper air circulation is key to effectively air drying clothes. To achieve maximum airflow, hang laundry in a manner that allows air to pass through, such as in a single layer or in a way that facilitates airflow. When air drying clothes with a fan or dehumidifier, position them near the clothes to facilitate air circulation and decrease humidity levels in the laundry room.

Air drying your clothes isn’t just good for your wallet, the environment, and your wardrobe – it’s also beneficial for your health. At Peggs, we offer a range of products designed to make air drying easier and more efficient. Check out our Handy Line® product range to find the perfect clothesline for your needs. The Handy Line® is designed to be lightweight, space-efficient, and perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, making air drying a breeze.

• Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
• Sustainability Victoria
• Choice Australia