Easy outdoor drying tips that work

Line-drying is one of the simplest ways to cut laundry costs, especially if you normally use a tumble dryer.

Clothes can dry outside in more types of weather than you might think; the key is airflow, spacing and checking the forecast.

If you need to finish clothes indoors, keep rooms ventilated so you save energy without causing damp or condensation.

Drying laundry can add to your energy bills, especially in busy households where the washing machine is always on. Tumble dryers are useful when you really need them, but they are also one of the higher-energy appliances in the home. Smart Energy GB reports that a vented or condenser tumble dryer could cost around £1.21-£1.56 per cycle, depending on the model and power rating. 

That’s why line-drying is worth making part of your routine whenever you can. It costs nothing to run, is gentler on many fabrics and helps reduce avoidable energy use. Here are some easy ways to make outdoor drying work, even when the weather is mixed.

You don’t need hot weather to dry outside

You don’t need a hot summer day to dry clothes outside. A dry, breezy day can work well, even if it feels cool. Wind and airflow are often more helpful than heat, because they move moisture away from the fabric.

Try checking the forecast before you put a load on. If there is a dry window of a few hours, get laundry outside early so it has the best chance to dry. Even if clothes come in slightly damp, you may only need a short indoor finish instead of a full tumble-dryer cycle.

Outdoor drying tips to save time and energy 

Overcrowding the line slows everything down. Shake items out before hanging them and leave a gap between pieces so air can circulate. Peg shirts, tops and trousers from the strongest seams where possible, and hang socks or underwear with space between each item.

For faster drying, put thicker items at the sunnier or breezier end of the line. If you use a rotary airer, turn it now and again so each side gets the best of the weather.

Towels, bedding, jeans and hoodies hold a lot of water. Before hanging them out, use your washing machine’s fastest suitable spin setting, or run an extra spin cycle if the load is very wet. This uses some electricity, but it can remove more water before drying begins and may reduce the time needed outside or indoors.

Give heavy items the best spacing. Hang towels lengthways, not folded over too thickly, and avoid putting two bulky items right next to each other. For bedding, peg sheets over two lines if you have room so air can reach both sides.

Clothes can start to feel damp again if they are left outside too late, especially in spring and autumn when the temperature drops quickly. If you can, bring washing in before dusk and check what still needs finishing.

Items such as T-shirts and lightweight clothes may be dry enough to put away. Thicker seams, waistbands and pockets often need longer, so separate these out rather than leaving the whole load indoors.

Indoor drying tips

Sometimes outdoor drying only does part of the job. If you need to finish laundry indoors, choose one warm, well-ventilated space and use a drying rack rather than covering radiators. Drying clothes on radiators can block heat from warming the room and may add extra moisture to the air.

Keep the rack spaced out, open a window for short bursts and use an extractor fan if you are drying near a kitchen or bathroom. Smart Energy GB advises that indoor air drying should be done in a warm, well-ventilated room because drying clothes inside can contribute to condensation.

When to use a tumble dryer instead

There will be times when a tumble dryer is the safest or most practical option, especially for families, carers or households with limited space. When you do use it, try to dry full loads rather than lots of small ones, clean the lint filter regularly and avoid over-drying clothes. If items are almost dry, finish them on a rack instead.

Which tips will work best for me?

Every home is different. LEAP’s free energy advice service can help you understand where energy is being used, find practical ways to reduce bills and check whether you may be eligible for extra support. LEAP advice is available to homeowners, private renters and social housing tenants who are at risk of fuel poverty, so apply for a free LEAP energy advice call today and get simple, tailored tips to help your household save energy and stay comfortable.