Brits making the most of the summer sunshine are being warned to take extra care when hanging their laundry outside. Drying washing in fresh air can cut energy bills, keep homes cooler, and leave clothes smelling fresher. It is also gentler on fabrics than using a tumble dryer, helping clothes last longer. However, a common mistake could ruin treasured garments, according to experts at Brabantia.
The Problem with Clothes Pegs
Speaking to Ideal Homes, a Brabantia expert explained: "While a laundry staple, clothes pegs can sometimes leave pressure marks or small creases on clothing, especially when they are clipped too tightly or left on the line for too long." As pegs clamp onto clothing in one concentrated area, they place unnecessary stress on the fabric. Over time, this may lead to stubborn creases or dents, shiny marks, stretched shoulders and necklines, and even colour fading.
How to Protect Your Clothes
Fashion experts at Superdry recommend ditching clothes pegs altogether for delicate items. Instead, use an indoor drying rack and take it outside. They noted: "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. Take caution when using clothes pegs, as they can leave unsightly and potentially permanent pressure marks on delicate fabrics."
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." However, some fabrics, especially natural fibres like cotton, may become stiff if dried this way. To avoid this, partly dry outside and finish with a few minutes in the tumble dryer. Gently reshape garments to smooth out creases before hanging, which also reduces ironing.
How to Hang Clothes Outside
To cut down on ironing, shake clothes before hanging and avoid overcrowding, as reported by The English Home. Spread items out, unbutton shirts, unzip jackets, and unroll sleeves to help them dry evenly and reduce creases. Hang tops from the bottom and trousers from the waistband to prevent stretching. Delicate knitwear should be dried flat, as hanging wet jumpers can stretch them out of shape. For shirts, drying them neatly on hangers or clipping by the bottom edge minimises wrinkles and makes them easier to put away.
