4 Methods To Dry Clothes Without Dryer

It is essential that you know how to dry clothes without dryer. Learning this skill will one day come in handy, especially when you are on a month-long vacation and out of the country. Or when you are in a dormitory where you are not allowed to use a tumble dryer.

How to dry clothes without a dryer?

Doing the laundry is one of the household chores that everyone often avoids because it is exhausting. However, you cannot let it sit for too long as you will end up being burdened more, especially when the dirty clothes pile up.

Though we are at the age where there is an available tumble dryer in the market, it is still necessary that you know how to dry clothes without a dryer. Keep in mind that it can be demanding, but at least you get to do your part in helping conserve the energy. Moreover, it contributes to the longevity and durability of your clothing.

Try line-drying or hang your clothes to dry

One efficient and eco-friendly way of drying your clothes is using a clothesline, plastic or steel clothes hangers, or simply drying racks.

To create a clothesline, all you need is a string or a rod and an open space where you can hang your clothes to let them dry naturally. It is best to give each piece of clothing a little room to provide proper air ventilation for them to dry quickly. [How Long Does It Take To Air-Dry Your Clothes?]

Another one is by using plastic or steel hangers to hang your clothes one hanger at a time. And lastly, if you do not have enough space in your house or backyard to prepare a clothesline, you can invest in a durable drying rack.

Use a hairdryer

A hairdryer is often used to dry wet clothes for people who are always in a rush. Though you may be in a hurry, it is not advisable to use high heat as it will only damage the clothing fibers. Move back and forth the surface of the hairdryer. Do not let it stay at one point for quite a long time, for this will leave your fabric damaged.

Use of the iron and the towel trick

Another way to dry your clothes without using a tumble dryer is the iron and towel trick. All you need to do is to place your clothes on top of the ironing board.

Afterward, put an additional layer of a clean towel on top of your clothes. Set the heat to the maximum level, then iron it. The towel and iron trick help transfer the heat into the fabric, which then absorbs the moisture.

Another purpose of putting the towel is to avoid it from burning the clothes. Take note that you should not directly iron a wet piece of clothing and towel. This will only sabotage the fabric.

Dry using the oven

This method is only applicable for small-sized clothing and fabrics such as undergarments, handkerchiefs, and socks. However, it may take some time and may cause you a lot on your electricity bill.

But if you want to try drying your clothes using the oven, make sure to preheat it up to 100 degrees and place your piece of clothing on top of the baking sheet as if you are baking cookies.

Keep in consideration that this is not the best method to use as your oven may be prone to damage. To avoid damaging it, make sure that you have entirely squeezed out excess water on your clothes before placing it in the oven.

What is a drying rack?

A drying rack is made of either plastic or metal used for hanging washed clothes and left to dry. It is also known as a clothes rack or a clothes horse. You will often see this inside every home, and it also serves as an alternative for a dry line or a washing line that is usually located outside.

What are the recommended drying racks?

Drying clothes without a dryer will not take much of your energy. Though it may take a while to completely dry, you have done your part in saving mother earth by conserving energy in your simple ways.

There are different varieties of drying racks that you can choose from, which you can use to dry your clothes without the help of a tumble dryer.

Learn how to make DIY clothes drying rack by watching the video below

Star-shaped drying rack

As its name implies, the star-shaped drying rack is shaped like a star and is considered one of the most extraordinary and unconventional drying racks invented. Apart from its unique shape, it can also be done by yourself. There are a lot of tutorials you can search online on how to create a star-shaped drying rack.

Crib spring drying rack

We are in an age where people declutter the things they do not need. However, some things still have a purpose, and all you have to do is let your creativity flow.

As per the crib spring drying rack, it is just made out of an old crib spring. To make it look brand new, just paint it over and use it as a drying rack hanging it on the ceiling.

Heavy-duty drying rack

The heavy-duty rack is an adjustable stainless steel rack that can be folded flat up against a wall when you do not intend to use it. Thus, it is also one of the space-savvy drying racks.

Apart from its feature where it can be folded back, it is reasonably around 43 to 59 inches long. It is long and durable enough where you can also hang your comforters, blankets, and other beddings aside from your clothes.

Sheila-maid clothes drying rack

The sheila-maid clothes drying rack is the most favorite drying rack used in Great Britain, where it is common in every home. It either has six or four rails that come in various lengths with a pulley system.

Whitmor Clip and drop hanger

The Whitmor clip and drop hanger, also known as the compact drying rack, is familiar to most households, predominantly in Asian countries. It is cheap and tight as it can be folded back when not in use.

It looks like a cute little octopus when its arms are spread out. It has 3 to 4 clips in each component, depending on its length.

Double-duty radiator

Although the purpose of the radiator is to keep you warm during the freezing season, it can also serve as your drying rack. However, it is not meant to dry heavy laundry and can only handle a few clothes.

Cresnel Stainless Steel Clothes Drying Rack

The Cresnel Stainless Steel Clothes Drying Rack is perfect for sweaters, sneakers, and other clothes to be dried flat. It is sturdier than most drying racks simply because it is made of stainless steel.

Moreover, like most drying racks, it does not take much storage as it can be folded to 3 inches and lay flat. However, make sure to avoid this rack being in contact with saltwater because it will get rusty in no time.

Bartnelli Accordion Wall Mounted Drying Rack

Your interior designers, who are experts at maximizing every interior space, will tell you that verticality is the solution for tight spaces. The Bartnelli Accordion Wall Mounted Drying Rack does its job to help you maximize your space.

This drying rack has 8 durable stainless steel rods with an accordion system that folds flat on the wall when not in use. Since it is made of stainless steel, it can carry at least 60 pounds of laundry.

Storage Maniac Sweater Drying Rack

As the name of this rack implies, it allows you to hang your sweaters flat as they should be. Similar to undergarments like bras, it is not advisable to have your sweaters dry cleaned.

The mesh of this drying rack then allows the air to circulate correctly around the sides of the garment while it is still drying. It also permits drying several sweaters simultaneously. Always remember that sweaters are supposed to be dried horizontally and not hung to dry.

5 Tips on how to dry the laundry faster

Knowing how to dry clothes without using a tumble dryer is one thing but learning how to dry it quickly is another. Listed below are some tips on how to dry the laundry faster.

Squeeze out excess water using a high spin

Make use of the high spin feature of your washing machine to squeeze out the excess water. As stated by the Energy Saving Trust, you do not spend much energy using this compared to running a tumble dryer.

Do not overload the washing machine

Doing the laundry is one of the draining household chores everyone tries to avoid. Hence, people tend to put everything on the washing machine just to finish the chore faster.

However, that is not how it works. The more you overfill, the more it will take you longer. Just leave enough space so that your clothes will be adequately washed — and it will not take you much time on the drying process.

Turn your clothes periodically

Though this may be a tedious process, if you want to dry your clothes faster and evenly, take time to turn clothes around from time to time.

Right location of the drying rack

It is crucial that you locate your drying rack somewhere that has at least direct sunlight, a heat source, and adequate air circulation for your clothes to dry rapidly.

Lifehack tips would include setting up your drying rack somewhere near a boiler, a radiator, beneath the aircon, fan, or a window. Just ensure that you do not put the wet clothes directly on open wiring as it may cause an electrical hazard.

Give ample space to each clothes

Hanging wet clothes side by side will not expedite the drying process. Make sure that you give them enough space from one another for the proper air ventilation.

Conclusion

Practice conserving energy often, especially now that you have learned how to dry clothes without a dryer. Always remember the tips and tricks on how to do so. It always comes in handy, especially when you are not in the comfort of your home and there is no dryer around.