Introduction
Ah, the family laundry! A subject that is so fascinating and dear to past and present generations. But why on earth is it so important not to dry laundry inside the house? Why go to the trouble of hanging wet clothes outside?
The answer, my dear friends, lies in the nebulous recesses of indoor air, humidity, health and others barbaric terms such as humidity level, mold and even mites. Let's have fun and find out why you shouldn't hang laundry in the house!
The risks associated with drying laundry indoors
Increased humidity in the house
Bring in the Scottish researchers and their infinite knowledge! According to them, drying laundry indoors increases humidity in the air. And who says humidity in the air says.proliferation of mites and mold? Bravo, elementary my dear Watson!
We now know that it is important to maintain a good humidity level in the house to reduce the risk of disease and allergic reactions .
Spread of mold and mites
What's nicer than a good old hodgepodge of pathogenic organisms? Mold and dust mites love humidity, it's their reason for living (or proliferating). When we dry the wet laundry indoors, we literally invite them to party in our sweet home.
And who pays the price? Our respiratory tract and our health, of course! Headaches, feelings of fatigue and asthma symptoms are not welcome with us! Nick Osborne, professor of environmental health at the University of New South in Sydney, Australia, confirms this sad truth.
Also read: How to get linen that smells soft?
Impact on health
We saw above that increased humidity can lead to development of allergies and respiratory illnesses. People with asthma are particularly at risk! Mold and dust mites can cause a variety of allergic reactions and worsen asthma symptoms.
Alternatives to indoor drying
Drying laundry outside
One of the solutions to avoid transforming our home into a tropical ecosystem of diseases is to dry the laundry outside. The sunrays are excellent natural disinfectants.
What if the dry clothes no longer had any bad odors? We prefer this to the wet house, don’t we? And in winter, well we make do! As long as it doesn't snow, we can always try it.
Using an electric dryer
Another alternative: use an electric tumble dryer. This can be an easy solution, especially if we don't have a garden or balcony to dry our wet clothes outside. Be aware that this can increase your heating bills. Remember to choose a high-performance and energy-efficient electric dryer.
How to dry your laundry indoors?
So, what should you do if you really have no choice and you absolutely have to dry the wet laundry inside? Here are some simple tips to limit the impact on our health and comfort:
- Ventilate the room of a house where the laundry is located by opening a window or by ensuring air renewal regular.
- Choose a suitable drying rack, avoid a direct heat source like a radiator and opt for a cool corner in the room.
- Use hangers and clothes pegs to space out wet clothes as best as possible and make it easier to dry them quickly.
- Invest in a humidity absorber to limit damage like a dehumidifier.
Winter, a special season for drying laundry
Where to dry your laundry in winter?
In winter, the situation gets tougher when it comes to drying our laundry. With low temperatures and a lack of sunlight, drying laundry outside can be a real hassle. However, it is important to maintain a healthy humidity level inside your home. Don't panic, here are some solutions:
- If you have a covered balcony, you can temporarily install a drying rack there.
- Use an electric dryer. Be sure to choose a high-performance and energy-efficient model.
- If you must dry laundry indoors, follow the tips mentioned above.
How to dry your laundry in winter?
To speed up drying of laundry in winter (and avoid the proliferation of undesirable molecules), here are some tips:
- Slightly increase the ambient temperature inside the home.
- Open a window in the room where the drying rack is located to create a draft and encourage renewal.
- Wring the clothes as much as possible before hanging them out.
- Do not overload the drying rack, space damp clothes well to facilitate air circulation.
How long does it take for laundry to dry?
The drying time of laundry depends on several factors such as ambient humidity, temperature, ventilation and the drying technique used. In general, laundry takes between 6 and 48 hours to dry, depending on outdoor and/or indoor conditions.
Indoors, drying the laundry with the open window is a good idea. Keeping laundry away from the corner of the walls is another!
What temperature to dry laundry outside?
Ideally, the outside temperature for drying laundry should be at least 10°C. Below this temperature, the drying process will be slowed down and the quality of the result may be impaired. Always keep an eye on the weather to ensure you take advantage of the best times to hang laundry outside.
How to dry your laundry quickly?
Here are some tips to speed up the drying of your laundry:
- Wring the clothes as much as possible before hanging them out.
- Do not overload the drying rack and space damp clothes well apart.
- Create a draft by opening windows or using a fan to help evaporate moisture.
- Place the drying rack near a heat source (without direct contact to avoid the risk of fire) or in a cool corner well ventilated to promote drying .
How to dry your laundry when it rains?
When it rains, here's what to do to dry your laundry:
- Use an electric dryer.
- If you have to hang your laundry indoors, follow the advice mentioned above and take a few extra precautions:
- Ventilate the room even if it rains (by briefly opening a window to ensure fresh air) and make sure to maintain an ideal humidity level.
- Arrange the drying rack away from walls to limit condensation and avoid infections in sensitive subjects.
- Opt to use a moisture absorber to minimize the impact of drying laundry indoors.
With all these tips in your pocket, you should be equipped to tackle drying laundry whatever the situation (and the weather)!
Drying is also a specific criterion when purchasing a
In summary
Drying laundry inside the house is like offering a VIP invitation to mold and dust mites to come and dance salsa in our respiratory tract.
To avoid the risk of respiratory illnesses, bad odors and headaches, it is recommended to dry laundry outside or use an electric dryer.
We can never repeat it enough: well-managed damp laundry is the key to comfort and health! So take care of your laundry. and your lungs!
FAQs and tips for drying laundry
Why shouldn't you dry your laundry indoors?
Drying your laundry indoors increases humidity, promoting the proliferation of mold and dust mites, which can lead to health problems, such as allergies and asthma symptoms.
Why shouldn't you leave laundry outside at night?
Leaving the laundry outside at night may expose it to nocturnal humidity and reduce the quality of drying. Additionally, it can attract insects and reduce the effectiveness of sun drying.
Where to hang your laundry in the house?
If you have to hang your laundry indoors, choose a suitable drying rack and avoid direct heat sources. Opt for a cool corner, ventilate the room regularly and use a humidity absorber.
Where to dry your laundry in a house?
Ideally, dry your laundry outside to enjoy the natural benefits of sunshine and fresh air. Otherwise, use an electric tumble dryer or follow the tips above to minimize the impact of drying indoors.
Mis à jour le 7 novembre 2023
