Hey, let’s talk laundry! Specifically, about those winter months where you don’t have a dryer and need to get creative with where and how you hang up your clothes to dry. It can be a real challenge, can’t it? Clothes sprawled everywhere, taking ages to dry… But don’t worry! We’ve got some awesome tips to get your laundry dry, nice and quick.
Quick Tips for Faster Drying
First off, did you know your washing machine has a secret weapon for faster drying? Yep, it’s the spin cycle! This super handy feature gets rid of a lot of that excess water, meaning your clothes will dry a lot faster once they’re out. People often skip it thinking it’ll make their clothes super wrinkled, but trust us, a good spin (especially at high speeds) is your friend when it comes to laundry day.
Here’s a tip: when you’re hanging up your clothes, do it carefully to avoid creases, and you might even skip the need to iron!
Using Heat Safely :
Using a heat source can speed things up, too! Pop your drying rack in front of a radiator, a warm oven, or even a fireplace (with caution!). Just make sure that your clothes aren’t too close together – they need good air circulation to dry effectively, and you want to avoid any unwanted damp smells.
Remember: If you’re using a stove for heat, keep that room well-ventilated to avoid mold!
Finding the Perfect Drying Spot
It’s essential to find a spot in your home that’s not too humid for drying. If every room seems a bit damp, the bathroom, with its radiator and shower warmth, might be your best bet. But do make sure to dehumidify the room as much as possible for optimal drying conditions.
If you’re in need of a dehumidifier, did you know you can DIY one using salt? Just:
- Put 150g of coarse salt in a bowl and let it chill in the fridge overnight.
- The next day, put the salt into a funnel (or a plastic bottle).
- Place it in the humid room and wait a few days for it to work its magic, absorbing that excess moisture.
- Replace the salt once it’s dark or very wet, ideally every four days.
- And don’t forget to air out the room daily! It’s crucial to keep the air fresh and avoid damp odors.
A Few More Anti-Humidity Tips
You might also consider using salt lamps, which not only add a cozy vibe to your room but also help improve air quality. Certain houseplants like orchids, ficus, and Boston ferns can also help absorb humidity and purify the air.
Why Does Laundry Dry Faster in Cold Weather Anyway?
And just in case you were wondering: laundry tends to dry faster in cold weather because cold air holds less moisture. So, when you hang your clothes out, the moisture from them evaporates into the air more easily. Less humid air = faster drying times!