As autumn graces the UK, we’re occasionally treated to that rare sunny day perfect for airing laundry outdoors, offering a chance to reduce energy costs which tend to rise during these cooler months.
Not only is outdoor drying energy-efficient and cost-saving, but it also infuses clothes with a fresh scent that’s challenging to replicate indoors.
However, clothing experts have sounded an alarm over the use of pegs when hanging laundry outside, cautioning that these items might damage your favourite outfits.
The specialists at Superdry have compiled some top tips for keeping your attire in prime condition and prolonging its life, including identifying unexpected culprits that could be wreaking havoc on them. They advocate for making the most of nature’s drying power by waiting for a clear day to hang clothes outside.
But they suggest it might be time to abandon clothes pegs in favour of placing your drying rack outdoors, reports the Express.
According to the pros: “This helps extend the lifespan of your clothing by minimizing wear and tear caused by heat exposure. Sunlight offers natural antimicrobial properties and acts as a gentle whitening agent for fabrics.”
They also warned: “Take caution when using clothes pegs, as they can leave unsightly and potentially permanent pressure marks on delicate fabrics.
“To protect delicate items, avoid using clothes pegs altogether, and be careful not to leave items outside in the wind, as they could be blown away.
“Additionally, you can enhance the whitening effect further by lightly spritzing clothes with white vinegar before hanging them outdoors, helping the sun to keep your whites looking fresh.
“However, some fabrics will become stiff if dried in this way, especially those made from natural fibres like cotton. To avoid this, trying partly drying outside and finish off with a few minutes in the tumble dryer.”
You can also gently pull garments into shape to remove creases before hanging out or placing on the drying rack and you’ll reduce the amount of ironing needed, which is always handy.