THE warm weather is here and many of us are likely taking advantage of the great drying conditions.
But before you go hanging your clothes on the line, make sure you avoid air drying these four garments.
Most of us are aware of the items to keep out of the tumble dryer, but there are also clothes that you should avoid putting on your line, reports The Daily Express.
While the fresh scent of an outdoor air dry may be tempting, as well as the expensive-free aspect, you should keep certain items indoors for drying.
The sun’s natural bleachingpropertymeans yourwhite clothes and sheetswill get even brighter but not all your items will fair so well.
Some can end up looking worse for wear when dried outside, according to laundry experts.
Certain items can’t be line dried due to potential damage, including stretched fabrics, as well as exposure to elements such aspollenor mould.
Laundry experts broke down the top items to avoid hanging on your line.
DENIM
People ten to avoid tumble drying denim as it can be prone to shrinking.
The material is often line-dried to prevent this and preserve colour, however this often leaves it feeling scratchy and stiff.
Sammy Wang, senior scientist at P&G Fabric Care, explained that the tumble dryer is actually the best option in this case.
However, she recommended using it on a low or no heat setting when drying denim.
You should also check the care label beforehand to prevent accidental shrinkage.
Sammy suggests using a dryer sheet with machine-dryable denim to help soften and prevent wrinkles.
CUSHION COVERS
While you are likely washing your cushion covers less frequently than other items, you still need to take care to handle them correctly.
Cushion covers, unlike pillow cases, must be reinstalled over the inserts while the fabric is still wet.
You should gently stretch the damp fabric over the cushion, reversing relaxation shrinkage and ensuring it still zips shut.
Mary Gagliardi, laundry expert for Clorox for Gagliardi, explained that cushion covers that are allowed to dry before reinstalling will not fit.
To thoroughly dry the covers, place them on your cushions and prop them up for good air circulation.
If drying indoors, experts suggest using a dehumidifier to speed up the process.
THICK JUMPERS
Thicker jumpers, especially those made with wool, often can’t be washed in a standard cycle.
You should wash wool on a gentle, cold cycle to prevent shrinking and damage to the fibres.
The P&G Fabric Care scientist explained the best way to dry these garments.
As thick fabrics tend to become heavy when wet, hanging them out to dry may cause them to stretch out and become misshapen.
Sammy Wan recommended swapping a washing line for an airer or mesh drying net.
Rolling a jumper in a clean towel and squeezing it to remove excess moisture can save drying time.
Finish the process by reshaping the item and laying it flat to finish drying.
BATH MATS
Bath mats get their deepest clean when machine-dried rather than being hung on a washing line, according to Wan.
She explained that mats won’t be damaged from line drying but it will take much longer.
During this time your bath mat “may end up flat and matted”;;.
Tumble drying your mat is ideal for optimal fluffiness when stepping out of the bath or shower.
Make sure to read the instructions on the care label for heat recommendations.
