How to get that just dried outside feel and smell to your laundry all year around, according to the experts...
We all know that doing laundry is tougher in pretty much every season other than summer, and even then, it’s no guarantee. We’re not all lucky enough to have spacious utilities, so many of us are left with the usual washing challenges…Where do you dry it? How do you dry it? And how can you dry it more quickly?
The good news is, new research from homewares brand, Brabantia, reveals a surprising truth about drying laundry outdoors in the winter: it’s the wind that’s the real game changer, even in higher temperatures.
According to leading meteorologist Jo Farrow, the magic combination for successful outdoor drying is a temperature of 12°C coupled with a brisk wind speed of 15mph. However, don’t be deterred by cooler temperatures; even at 5°C, windy days can still effectively dry your laundry. And seeing as 43% of us depend on tumble dryers in the winter months, this news is great for us, our wallets and the planet!
Transform Your Laundry Routine with top tips from laundry expert, Laura Mountford.
Embrace Natural Cleaning Power: Ditch harsh chemicals and try the following:
- Bicarbonate of soda: This stain fighter pre-treats stains by mixing it with water into a paste and applying it for an hour before washing.
- Soda crystals: Boost your detergent’s effectiveness and keep colours vibrant by adding a scoop with your usual detergent. They also clean your washing machine! Run an empty hot wash with them for a fresh and clean appliance.
- White vinegar: Achieve naturally fluffy towels by adding a cupful to the fabric softener dispenser.
Rescue Shrunken Clothes:
Don’t despair! If you’ve shrunk something, Laura suggests soaking it in warm water with a few tablespoons of hair conditioner for 30 minutes, then gently stretching it back to its original size. For future prevention, opt for cooler wash temperatures and natural drying.
Harness the Power of the Outdoors:
Whenever possible, embrace the fresh air by drying your laundry outdoors. Even on cooler days, clothes can dry naturally as long as the weather is dry.
The Magic of Steaming:
Steaming is a fantastic way to refresh delicate fabrics like silk, wool, and cashmere. It removes odours and relaxes wrinkles without damaging the fibres. Simply hang the garment securely and use a steamer to gently hover the steam over the fabric. This removes odour-causing bacteria and leaves your clothes wrinkle-free and ready to wear again.
Establish a Routine:
Take control with a laundry routine! Utilise your washer’s timer to finish clothes early in the morning, allowing them to hang outside as soon as you wake up, maximising drying time in good weather. During warm summer months, you can even leave your laundry drying outdoors overnight.
Now, you can transform your laundry routine from a chore and into a breeze, leaving you with more time to focus on the things you love.
To view the Drying Digest and more information on the laundry weather index, please visit Love your laundry | Brabantia.
