Drying clothes on the washing line is a popular cost-effective method that saves energy and reduces creasing, with sunlight helping to remove odours and brighten whites. However, a laundry expert warns that three common items can be ruined by outdoor elements such as high pollen counts, dangerous UV indexes, and strong winds.
Towels Should Be Tumble-Dried
Deyan Dimitrov, CEO of Laundryheap, advises against drying towels on the line in windy conditions. He explains: “It can be tempting to place your damp garments on the washing line when it's blowing a gale. Wind speeds up the drying process and can give sheets that crisp, dry feeling. But for some clothes, like towels, jeans and hoodies, the wind is a harsh opponent. It can leave garments feeling rough, scratchy and less soft. For these items, it’s best to stick to a tumble dryer.”
Dark-Coloured Clothing Vulnerable to UV Damage
Strong UV rays can damage clothes, especially dark-coloured items. According to Deyan, UV light breaks down clothing fibres and encourages colour fading by “degrading the dyes” in fabrics. He adds: “It also acts as a natural bleach. Dark clothes that are black, navy, or grey are particularly vulnerable. Brightly coloured clothes and printed items can also lose their vibrancy when exposed to sunlight for too long.” To protect these items, avoid drying them on the line in direct sunlight; dry them indoors or in the shade instead.
Textured Fabrics Attract Pollen
The expert warns that pollen is another outdoor enemy. He says: “Pollen loves to stick to absorbent fabrics like cotton, and it can get trapped in the tiny surface pockets of textured fabrics like corduroy and terry cloth.” Hayfever sufferers should avoid drying cotton shirts, corduroy shirts, or towels on the washing line during peak pollen seasons.
