How to Air Dry Clothes and Linens: Dos and Don’ts

By learning how to minimize or eliminate reliance on conventional drying methods, you can slash energy use, cut costs, and foster a healthier planet. Clothes dryers rank among the most energy-intensive appliances, consuming anywhere from 1.5 to 5 kWh per load. Do you ever pause to think about the hidden energy costs lurking behind each load of laundry? Yes, air drying reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating the need for a dryer. By avoiding the harsh conditions of a dryer, your garments can last longer and look better.
Instead, lay sweaters, jackets, and heavy knit shirts on a flat rack like this easy-to-fold, mesh drying rack from OXO Good Grips. That way, you can make the most efficient use of space on the line. This 2-level drying rack from SONGMICS was the top pick in our researched guide to the best clothes drying racks. If you suffer from hay fever or other pollen-based allergies, it’s wise to avoid drying clothing outside on days when pollen counts are high. It clips right to your clothesline, belt loop, or drying rack. Once you confirm that you’re in the clear, follow these dos and don’ts for great results.
If you wash five loads a week, that translates to savings of $1.50 to $5.00 monthly or $18 to $60 annually. Depending on your local rates, using a dryer can add $0.15 to $0.50 to your bill per load. These include energy costs and the time and convenience involved in this practice. When deciding whether air wincrown drying clothes saves money, several crucial factors come into play.

DON’T dry bright and dark fabrics in direct sunlight.

You might also find that simply seeing freshly hung clothes around your living space adds a peaceful, homey ambiance. Reducing dryer use and air drying garments extends their lifespan by eliminating harsh tumbling and high heat exposure. This closed-loop heat exchange technology delivers 20–60% energy savings compared to conventional models and reduces wear on fabrics. Maximize spin speed efficiency by following care labels for delicate items and separating heavy towels from lightweight synthetics.

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When hanging sheets, towels, and clothing on the same clothesline, start with the sheets, then hang the towels, and hang your clothing last. If you’re planning to upgrade, look for ENERGY STAR certified washers and dryers. Shake garments before hanging to loosen fibers, reducing folds and speeding evaporation.

• By skipping the dryer, you can save approximately $0.15 to $0.50 per load on electricity bills.
• In addition to choosing ENERGY STAR® models, you should consider a front-loading washer, which uses about 45% less energy and 50% less water than top-loading models.
• Hanging clothes outside or in a well-ventilated space can speed up the process.
• Shaking fabric fresh out of the washing machine helps fluff up its fibers to prevent stiffness and keep it from clinging to itself.
• It’s funny how some old habits, like does anyone still have a landline, stick around because they still offer simple, reliable benefits — just like air drying laundry.
• Limited space can be a deterrent for those considering air drying as a laundry option.

Full sun is also the best for air-drying socks and underwear, because the sun’s UV rays quite effectively kill the bacteria that cause odor on these types of garments. Take advantage of the sun to help bleach out white clothing and linens by setting these fabrics in full-sun, slightly breezy locations. When air-drying dark or bright garments outside, the rack or clothesline should be in a shaded but warm spot, preferably with a slight breeze for better airflow. Direct, intense sunlight breaks down the dyes used on fabrics and leads to fading. Hanging wet laundry properly helps it to dry quickly and with few wrinkles. A gentle breeze is ideal when you’re air-drying clothing outside, because it whisks away moisture, and creates good airflow around the wet laundry.

DON’T air-dry down garments or bedding.

• One load of laundry with an ENERGY STAR® machine can cost as little as a quarter, adding up to a savings of over $100 a year.
• Embracing air drying can be a simple yet effective way to save money while caring for your clothes and the environment.
• Each of these steps helps reduce energy consumption per load, saving you money and extending the life of your dryer.
• If you have clothing that needs to be washed in warm or hot water, separate your loads based on this criteria.
• Furthermore, minimizing energy consumption lowers overall utility bills, translating to more savings.

Sunlight is the cheapest, cleanest laundry booster you will ever own. Most people underutilize vertical space. The secret is choosing a setup that matches your space and how you actually do laundry. We only recommend products we genuinely love for low-waste living.
Additionally, without the tumbling action of a dryer, garments are more prone to wrinkling. While I think that these pros are pretty amazing, we should also consider some of the cons of air drying laundry. Sunlight and fresh air can naturally eliminate odors and impart a crisp, fresh scent to garments. Air drying helps maintain the fabric’s integrity, preserving the quality and longevity of clothing items.
There are many good reasons to air dry your garments and linens, not the least of which is that fresh, crisp scent and feel you only get from laundry that blows in the breeze. If you routinely transfer your clean laundry directly from the washing machine into the adjacent dryer, it may be time to break the habit. Perhaps most powerfully, these practices help reduce your household carbon footprint.
To boost spin efficiency, avoid overloaded drums and select the highest spin speed compatible with your fabrics. Air drying has minimal upfront costs, such as a drying rack or hangers, while a dryer can cost between $300 and $1,500. With just a little planning and the right techniques you can enjoy the benefits of fresher laundry and lower utility bills. Supporting this practice promotes sustainability and conserves valuable resources, benefiting both you and the planet. Let’s explore the potential savings and benefits of this eco-friendly practice together. It’s funny how some old habits, like does anyone still have a landline, stick around because they still offer simple, reliable benefits — just like air drying laundry.