Autumn laundry has a habit of turning you into a part-time weather watcher. You hang a load out, spot one suspiciously dark cloud and spend the rest of the afternoon peering through the window, wondering whether to rescue it before the rain does. Leave it too late and you’re left with clothes that feel cold and clammy – and smell like they’ve been sitting in a tent.
It’s tempting to give up and bring the airer indoors until spring, but washing can still dry outside in autumn. The trick is working out when the day is on your side, so you’re not spending all your free time repeatedly dashing out to check on a pair of damp jeans.
When is the best time of day to dry clothes this autumn and why?
Aim to get your washing out in the morning and bring it in before dusk. The sun is usually strongest between 10am and 2pm, according to the Royal Meteorological Society, so hanging clothes out early gives them time to make the most of the daylight.
But don’t judge a drying day by temperature alone. A cooler, dry day can do a better job than a mild but humid one, while a gentle breeze helps carry moisture away from the fabric. Check the forecast for a clear stretch, and look for washing that feels dry before bringing it in. Thicker seams and waistbands can take longer – so be aware of the difference between cold to the touch and actually wet.
More ways to dry clothes quickly
- Use the spin cycle. While still washing, and only if the care label allows, select a faster spin or add an extra spin cycle to remove more water before you hang clothes out. This can shorten the time they need on the line.
- Give each item room. Try not to bunch clothes together on the line. More space lets air move around the fabric, rather than leaving damp patches trapped between garments.
- Turn thick parts towards the air. Waistbands, pockets and seams tend to hold on to moisture, so position them where they’ll get the best airflow. If you’re using a movable airer, shift it to catch the breeze or follow the sun.
- Check the care label. It’s easy to assume everything can go straight on the line, but some items need to be dried flat or handled differently. Make sure to check the garment’s care instructions before drying.
Tips for avoiding musty smells
- Don’t leave a finished load in the machine. Move washing out as soon as the cycle ends. Clothes left damp in the drum can start to smell stale; if a load has been sitting for several hours and smells off, we advise rewashing it before drying.
- Bring washing in before nightfall. Clothes left out overnight can pick up dew or frost, leaving them damp again. Accidents happen, but if you forget, just know you’ll have to start the washing process all over again.
- If the weather turns, dry it somewhere with airflow. Bring the load inside rather than letting it sit outside in damp conditions. Choose a ventilated room and spread items out so moisture can escape.