To put washing out means to hang or lay laundry to dry after it has been washed, maximizing efficiency and preventing damage. The core principle is to ensure adequate air circulation around each item, which speeds up the drying process.
Understanding the Basics of Drying Laundry
Efficiently drying your laundry involves more than just placing it on a line or rack. It's about optimizing airflow, securing garments, and choosing the right method for different items and environments.
Key Principles for Effective Drying:
- Maximize Air Circulation: The primary goal is to allow air to flow freely around and through your garments. This means avoiding overcrowding and ensuring items are spread out.
- Maintain Distance: Clothes should be spread out or hung staggered. The greater the distance between items, the better the air circulation, leading to faster drying times.
- Secure Your Laundry: Especially when drying outdoors, it's crucial to secure items to prevent them from falling, getting dirty, or blowing away. Use clothespins or clothes hangers specifically designed for outdoor use.
Preparing Your Laundry for Drying
Before you even hang your clothes, a little preparation can make a big difference.
- Shake Out Each Item: Give each garment a good shake to remove excess water and reduce wrinkles. This also helps to open up the fabric, promoting better airflow.
- Untangle and Unfold: Ensure sleeves aren't twisted and pant legs aren't bunched up. Flatten collars and cuffs.
- Check for Stains: Address any lingering stains before drying, as heat can set them permanently.
Methods for Putting Washing Out
Whether you're drying indoors or outdoors, there are specific techniques to follow.
1. Outdoor Drying (Clothesline or Rotary Dryer)
Outdoor drying is the most energy-efficient method and leaves clothes with a fresh, natural scent.
- Utilize Sunlight and Wind: Hang clothes in a sunny, breezy spot for the quickest drying. Sunlight also has natural bleaching properties for whites and can help sanitize items.
- Secure with Clothespins: Always use sturdy clothespins to secure items to the line.
- Shirts and Tops: Hang from the bottom hem to avoid pin marks on shoulders, or use hangers on the line if the weather is calm.
- Pants and Jeans: Hang by the waistband, securing with two pins on either side, allowing the legs to hang freely.
- Socks and Underwear: Pin by one end, leaving most of the fabric exposed.
- Bed Sheets and Towels: Fold over the line once and secure with multiple pins to distribute weight and prevent sagging. Ensure they are spread as wide as possible.
- Staggered Hanging: To optimize airflow, don't hang items directly touching. Stagger heavier items with lighter ones. For example, hang a shirt, leave a gap, then hang another shirt, or alternate with smaller items.
2. Indoor Drying (Drying Racks or Hangers)
Indoor drying is suitable for all weather conditions and delicate items. Proper technique is key to preventing dampness and mildew.
- Choose a Well-Ventilated Area: Place your drying rack or hangers in a room with good air circulation, preferably near an open window or a fan.
- Use Drying Racks: These are excellent for smaller items, delicates, and items that might stretch on a hanger.
- Lay Flat: Sweaters and other knits should be laid flat on a mesh drying rack to prevent stretching and maintain their shape.
- Utilize Tiers: Most racks have multiple levels. Distribute items evenly to ensure no part is overly crowded.
- Use Hangers: For shirts, dresses, and trousers, hanging them on clothes hangers helps maintain their shape and reduces wrinkles, similar to how you'd store them in a closet.
- Space Them Out: Hang clothes on hangers with sufficient space between them to allow air to circulate.
- Consider a Dehumidifier: In humid environments, a dehumidifier can significantly speed up indoor drying and prevent musty odors.
Quick Guide to Hanging Different Laundry Items
| Item Type | Recommended Drying Method | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Shirts/Blouses | Hang on a sturdy hanger or clip by the bottom hem (outdoors). Stagger for air. | Prevents shoulder bumps, maintains shape, reduces wrinkles. |
| Pants/Jeans | Hang by the waistband with two pins (outdoors) or fold over a rack/hanger (indoors). | Allows legs to hang freely, faster drying. |
| Delicates/Lingerie | Lay flat on a mesh drying rack or hang on a padded hanger if appropriate for the fabric. | Prevents stretching, snagging, and damage to delicate materials. |
| Sweaters/Knits | Lay flat on a drying rack. Never hang wet. | Prevents stretching and loss of shape due to water weight. |
| Socks/Underwear | Pin by one end to a line/rack, or drape over rack bars. | Maximizes surface area for drying, quick for small items. |
| Bed Sheets/Towels | Fold over the line/rack, spread as wide as possible, secure with multiple pins. | Large surface area needs maximum exposure and support to dry evenly. |
Benefits of Air Drying
- Energy Savings: Reduces electricity consumption by avoiding a tumble dryer.
- Fabric Longevity: Gentler on clothes, extending their lifespan by preventing heat damage and shrinkage.
- Freshness: Outdoor drying imparts a natural, clean scent.
- Environmental Impact: Lower carbon footprint.
By following these guidelines and ensuring proper spacing and security, you can effectively put your washing out, resulting in dry, fresh, and well-maintained laundry.
