How to dry laundry quickly indoors when it gets colder
Drying rack with wet laundry (photo: Styler)
When temperatures outside drop, drying freshly washed clothes becomes increasingly difficult. If wet laundry is left in the apartment for several days, it will not only take longer to dry but also increase humidity indoors.
RBC-Ukraine explains how to properly dry laundry at home when the weather gets colder.
Why does laundry take so long to dry in an apartment?
When wet clothes are drying, water evaporates into the air. If the air indoors is already sufficiently humid or does not circulate well, the drying process slows down.
The Scottish Government’s recommendations state that increased humidity in a home can be reduced through ventilation. In particular, they recommend keeping ventilation openings clear, regularly airing rooms, and using extractor fans.
Drying clothes indoors is another cause of increased humidity. Therefore, when temperatures drop, it is important not simply to put a drying rack in the room but also to ensure that moisture can escape.
How to properly dry laundry at home
- Spin clothes thoroughly. Before hanging up laundry, make sure as much water as possible has been removed from the fabric. If allowed by the clothing manufacturer, you can use an additional spin cycle.
- Do not hang clothes too close together. Leave space between individual items so that air can circulate. Large items should be spread out fully rather than folded into several layers.
- Place the drying rack near a window. Experts recommend placing the drying rack near a partially open window. However, they note that clothes should be dried outdoors whenever possible.
- Dry laundry in the bathroom if it has ventilation. Oxford City Council recommends using a bathroom with the door closed and the window open when drying clothes indoors. This helps prevent moisture from spreading throughout the apartment.
- Do not block ventilation. Ventilation openings and air inlets should not be covered by furniture or other objects. Air should circulate freely so that moisture can leave the room.
- Do not dry clothes on radiators. This method can increase the amount of water vapor in the room. Instead, it is better to use a separate drying rack and ensure proper ventilation.
What should the humidity level be in an apartment?
You can check the humidity level using a hygrometer. According to recommendations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, relative humidity indoors should ideally be kept below 60%, with 30–50% considered the optimal range.
If water droplets regularly appear on the windows, this may indicate excessive humidity. In this case, it is important not only to wipe away condensation but also to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and improve ventilation.
If necessary, you can use a dehumidifier. It helps reduce the amount of moisture indoors, especially if you regularly have to dry laundry inside.
