Just hanging

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What

We’re not asking you to wear smellier clothes - promise! In fact, you’ll infuse your laundry with the soft scent of nature by hanging dry instead tumble drying.

You could be losing up to £120 a year by using a tumble dryer; they are the most energy-intensive household appliance. The average British household spends £60 a year to run one, and emits as much CO2 as driving five hours from London to Newcastle.

just-hanging

Benefits

For People
Tumble driers gobble up energy and cash. Based on three cycles a week, the most efficient dryers will cost around £23 to run a year, while the least efficient will cost you more than £140.

Not only will your clothes last longer if you air dry them, tumble drying can damage certain fabrics and make clothes unwearable.

For Planet
Tumble drying consumes most of the carbon emitted per wash cycle. Switching to a clothes rack cuts the carbon impact of your laundry by nearly 75%.

How

Come cloud or shine
It doesn’t have to be full sun outside to dry your clothes, although obviously that helps. If it’s dry outside and clothes are out in the open, you’ll get more drying than you think.

On rainy days
If it’s raining outside, hang them on a rack and spread them out well to allow air to circulate between the fabric. Check out these tips for faster air drying.

Ventilate well
Drying clothes indoors can increase the amount of moisture in the air, and if rooms are not well ventilated, this can lead to health complications. Do your research if you have a compromised immune system or have asthma or other respiratory conditions.

References

Berners-Lee, M. (2010). How Bad are Bananas?

The Guardian