As long as I can remember, I’ve had a strong interest in hanging my clothes to dry rather than putting them in the dryer. There’s something charming to me about the whole thing, it seems like something out of a quaint European village, or a Pinterest post about green living. Hanging clothes to dry saves energy, reduces the friction of washing, and makes your clothes smell clean and fresh.
However, not everything can be dried to perfection in the breeze.
You could easily end up with stinky towels, stiff jeans, or worse, mold in your blankets. Therefore, today, I’m going to share six kinds of clothes that you shouldn’t ever hang to dry, along with examples of how you might run into problems if you try to.
And, let’s work together to protect your clothes from preventable disasters.
1. Towels: The Smelly Monsters Hiding in Plain Sight
For years, I proudly hung my towels to dry in the bathroom because I thought I was saving energy by doing so. But eventually, my towels started smelling like a damp basement after just a few uses. What I learned was that towels are generally much thicker and absorbent than other items of clothing, which make them harder to dry. As a result of the difficulty in drying them, a moist environment is created for bacteria and mildew to thrive in. Eventually, the towel will not only have a bad smell, but it will lose its ability to absorb water as well. In extreme cases, your “clean” towel can actually cause skin irritation, especially for those who have sensitivities or eczema.
To date, I’ve resolved to dry my towels on a medium heat setting in the dryer or hang them to get started and then complete the drying process in the dryer for 15 minutes to fluff them. Trust me, your nose will thank you.
2. Heavier Denims (Jeans): The Harder Stiffness, the Smellier
Hanging to dry jeans is often considered a safer alternative to prevent shrinking and fading from the high heat in the dryer. Jeans are basically denim tanks; the seams are thick, the waistband has layers, and the pockets create uneven drying surfaces.
I once hung jeans that were dry on the outside but still damp in the waistband the next morning. That’s an invitation for a mildew outbreak. Also, jeans can become stiff cardboard when air-dried completely.
Instead, I recommend hanging your jeans halfway to dry and then finishing off the drying process on a low heat setting for a short period of time. Plus, it’s good practice to always hang your jeans inside-out. It helps to prevent fading and promotes the proper drying of the correct areas.
3. Activewear/Performance Fabrics: The Sweat-Filled Stink Fest
I am ashamed to admit that I’ve made this mistake many times before. I thought I was preserving the stretchiness of my activewear and performance fabrics by air-drying them. Unfortunately, air-drying activewear has a number of potential downsides.
Activewear is designed to draw sweat away from your skin, therefore, it excels at keeping sweat oils. When activewear doesn’t dry quickly and completely, bacteria will remain, and the worst part, the smell will become permanent.
I had a sport top that smelled like an old gym locker even though I had washed it recently. Nothing helped. Today, I utilize a low-heat dryer cycle (based on the label, of course), or, at the least, hang the garment in a very well ventilated area with a fan blowing directly at it. Always use sports detergent to wash your activewear, as general detergents won’t eliminate the funk.
4. Bedding and Thicker Blankets: From Cozy to Creepy
Bedding is a disaster. It’s large, it’s heavy and it appears harmless enough. Nevertheless, air-drying bedding and larger blankets creates the perfect conditions for mold, dust mites and that damp smell that refuses to disappear.
At one time, I attempted to air-dry a comforter on my balcony. By the third day, it was still damp inside, and I know I grew some mold colonies in there. These types of allergens represent a serious health threat for individuals who suffer from allergies. Dust mites love damp environments and mold spores represent a serious issue.
To avoid these issues, I use a large capacity dryer, or I ensure that it is a warm and windy day when I hang to dry my bedding. Sunshine is your ally, but airflow is your BFF.
5. Socks and Underwear: Small Problems = Big Issues
It’s simple to overlook considering socks and underwear when thinking of everyday mistakes related to air-drying. They are small, they tend to dry quicker, or at least we believe they do. In addition, they come into contact with your most delicate skin, and if they aren’t dried properly, you’re essentially smothering yourself in bacteria.
I discovered that even when they appear to be dry, I’ll occasionally notice an unusual smell on my socks. And please, don’t pile multiple layers of socks on a hanger, the middle layers will always stay wet longer than the outside layers.
Heat is the answer to this problem. A short trip to the dryer guarantees they’re completely dry. And, when you choose to hang to dry them, give each individual layer plenty of room to breathe, no stacking please!
6. Air-Drying Indoors Without Proper Ventilation: The Perfect Storm for Mold Growth
All of us have hung clothes in the bedroom or bathroom when it’s raining outside. It’s a great convenience, however, drying clothes indoors without proper ventilation is inviting disaster. For an entire winter, I did this and I couldn’t understand why I was experiencing persistent headaches and a strange damp smell in my apartment.
When drying a large quantity of clothes indoors, the humidity is increased. Excess moisture is absorbed into walls, ceilings, and fabrics, creating a food source for mold growth. This negatively impacts indoor air quality, aggravates allergies and can damage paint and/or wallpaper.
In the future, I will either open windows, use a dehumidifier, or simply reduce the amount I dry indoors. If you live in a humid climate, this is a lifesaver.
Know When to Let Go of the Hang-Dry Method
While I’m not suggesting that air-drying is inherently evil, in many instances, it’s acceptable for delicate or specialized fabrics. The context is important. Understanding what not to air-dry can help you avoid numerous problems including unpleasant odors, distorted clothing, and health risks due to mold.
Always read the care labels of your clothing. Consider factors such as airflow, humidity, and cleanliness. Be willing to mix things up. Sometimes, the dryer is your best friend.
The next time you hang your clothes to dry, take a moment to assess whether your towels or thicker blankets need to be hung to dry. Your future self, and your nose, will be grateful.
