Clothing experts have shared a common laundry drying mistake that could leave unsightly and potentially permanent marks on your garments. One of the quieter pleasures of decent weather - when it eventually arrives - is being able to hang the washing outside. It is cost-effective, faster than drying indoors, and leaves your clothes, bedding and towels smelling wonderfully fresh.
However, there is a widespread blunder that numerous people make during this routine task. According to clothing specialists at Superdry, this mistake could ultimately ruin your beloved garments. The team has put together some useful advice on improved clothing care to extend their longevity and quality, while drawing attention to surprising factors that could be causing damage without you even realising it.
Harness the Power of Nature
When it comes to drying clothes, one crucial approach is to harness the power of nature by taking them outdoors. However, the experts suggest perhaps ditching the clothes pegs and putting your drying rack outside instead. The experts explained: "This helps extend the lifespan of your clothing by minimising wear and tear caused by heat exposure. Sunlight offers natural antimicrobial properties and acts as a gentle whitening agent for fabrics."
Caution with Clothes Pegs
Take caution when using clothes pegs, as they can leave unsightly and potentially permanent pressure marks on delicate fabrics. To protect delicate items, avoid using clothes pegs altogether, and be careful not to leave items outside in the wind, as they could be blown away. They added: "Additionally, you can enhance the whitening effect further by lightly spritzing clothes with white vinegar before hanging them outdoors, helping the sun to keep your whites looking fresh."
Dealing with Stiff Fabrics
However, some fabrics will become stiff if dried in this way, especially those made from natural fibres like cotton. To avoid this, try partly drying outside and finish off with a few minutes in the tumble dryer. You can also gently reshape garments to eliminate creases before hanging them outside or placing them on a drying rack, which will also reduce the amount of ironing needed, always a welcome bonus.
