Professor Hans Rosling, a renowned Swedish doctor, academician, and public speaker, argued that the washing machine was the most significant invention of the industrial revolution. He contended that it transformed a person’s wash days from mundane chores into opportunities for reading and other activities.
However, there is another challenge thrown your way if space or weather constraints don’t allow you to dry them. Those living in small apartments in cities like Mumbai, for instance, find it extremely challenging to dry their washed clothes in the absence of balconies and other open space in their studio apartments, especially during monsoon. Attempt to do so make the whole house a laundromat and cluttered.
In view of this problem, Housing News brings you some effective ways to dry your clothes without turning your home into a laundry room.
Wall-mounted clothing racks in bathroom
A good place to keep your laundry concealed from the generally used areas would be to install a wall-mounted clothing racks in bathrooms. The multiple bars in this rack can simultaneously dry several clothes. During the installation, keep it foldable so that you can make the space look clutter free. In this area, you can keep the material sturdier as this will not move from one place to another.
Washstand in bathroom
A washstand in bathroom is sturdy enough to handle any kind of load, away from everyone’s eye. It serves the twin purpose of drying and handling clothes on a regular basis.
Balcony-mounted clothing racks
In houses that do have a small balcony, installing a balcony-mounted clothing racks would be a relief. This will take care of two things. First, the clothes will be in direct sunlight and air. Second, moisture will not get trapped inside houses.
Wall-mounted clothing racks in bedrooms
Source: Pinterest (366621225924039474)
Just like the wall-mounted multiple racks in bathrooms, one can also install a wall-mounted airer in bedrooms. This is another private area, so less of an intrusive distraction when racks are not folded.
Ceiling drawer rack
For small houses, ceiling drawer pulley racks can do wonders, especially for night drying. A ceiling drawer rack is mounted on the ceiling. It consists of drawers or shelves that can be pulled down for easy access to store items, maximising vertical space, and providing convenient organisation.
Tripod drying rack
Source: Pinterest (746964288265350435)
Those who prefer the ease of doing business, a portable tripod drying rack would do the trick. This is especially true as it can fit conveniently in a corner that gets maximum sun and wind.
Pullout dryers’ racks in kitchen
Source: Pinterest (Source: Pinterest)
A versatile and space-saving solution that can be helpful for those living in apartments, pullout dryer racks offer a practical solution for drying clothes. Pullout racks can be installed in small or narrow spaces, utilizing unused areas.
Steel bars along living room ceiling close to window
More of a permanent solution, this arrangement is quite helpful for families whose laundry needs are frequent. To ensure no big or small accidents happen while spreading clothes for drying, invest in a foldable ladder.
Plastic, portable cloth drying racks
This one is a lifesaver. This gives you an option to dry many small clothes in any area of the house. All you should do is just hook it up at a convenient location.
Portable, foldable cloth horses
Popularly known as cloth horses, these airers are designed to be folded and transported easily, making them ideal for use in small living spaces and apartments. Lightweight and compact, these racks typically consist of a frame made of metal or plastic with multiple bars or lines for hanging clothes.
Curtain rails in bathroom
Curtain rails, also known as curtain rods or curtain tracks, typically consist of a long metal, or plastic rod, or track that is mounted horizontally above window or door frame. This multipurpose element would be a great addition to your bathroom.
Laundry rods
Laundry rods can be installed both indoors and outdoors, depending on the available space and preference. Laundry rods may be made of materials, such as metal, plastic, or wood, and can be mounted horizontally or vertically.
Retractable accordion racks
A retractable accordion rack is a versatile storage solution, providing easy access to stored items. It typically consists of a series of horizontally arranged bars or shelves that can be expanded or contracted, much like an accordion, hence the name.
Over-the door mountain lock drawer
Source: Pinterest (435582595226822971)
Retractable accordion racks are designed for easy installation, with options for mounting on walls, inside cabinets, or on the back of doors. For small houses, this could work wonders.
21 Tips to dry clothes faster indoors
Drying wet clothes indoors can lead to dampness and moulds in houses as it introduces an excess of moisture into air. It can cause damage to wallpaper, carpets, furniture, and windowsills. Besides, clothes not dried property ooze and carry musky smell making them unfit to wear. It is important to take note of the following points.
Ensure proper ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential to avoid dampness and mould formation when drying clothes indoors. This means windows must be kept open to ensure air circulation.
Keep clothes exposed to sun
If your clothes are in sunlight, they would dry quickly. For rainy days, running the fan would do the trick. Another method to reduce moisture is to use an air conditioner or extractor fan.
Use rock salt
Put rock salt into a bowl and leave it on windowsills to absorb water from air as a makeshift solution.
Lay clothes flat
Laying out clothes flat helps them dry faster. Rotate clothes regularly to ensure even drying.
Layer them properly
If you are going for layering, large clothes must be placed at top and small ones below them as large ones require more heat to dry.
Invest in dehumidifier
Place a dehumidifier in rooms and close doors. They help prevent condensation and dampness. This will absorb moisture from clothes faster, helping them dry quickly.
Use spin cycle
Use a spin cycle to reduce moisture from clothes before you hang them out to dry. While doing so, avoid fabrics, such as cotton and linen.
Use ceiling heat
In case you have a ceiling drawer rack, place wet clothes closer to the ceiling, utilising warm air. This guarantees quick drying.
Work with small piles
Working with huge piles of clothes would take much time to dry, giving bad smell. Working with small piles helps maintain an odourless cycle.
Go for foldable airers
Lightweight and foldable drying options are the best. Invest in these.
Fan to rescue
Run a fan while leaving a window open for fast drying.
Towel treatment
To save on drying time, wrap your clothes in a towel. This would help remove excess water and save drying time.
Put dry towel during drying cycle
If you put a dry towel with your wet clothes for the first 15 minutes of the drying cycle, it can speed up drying by absorbing moisture.
Buy heated clothes horse
You can also buy a heated clothes horse to make the drying process faster. When drying clothes outdoors, using a protective cover made of cotton, polyester, or nylon can protect them from UV rays, sunburns, and sunspots.
Less washing frequency
Reducing the frequency of washing clothes has numerous benefits, including water and energy conservation, reduced consumption of laundry products, less water pollution, and extended clothing lifespan.
Dry clothes at night
Drying clothes at night offers several benefits, such as preventing fabrics from sun-bleaching and fading, while also enabling garments to dry swiftly and effectively in cooler, and less humid air.
Use dryer balls
Designed to be reused again and again, dryer balls can reduce drying times by about 25 percent.
Place drying racks away from walls
The drying rack must be placed away from walls to prevent moisture from being trapped.
Proper spacing
Make sure there is space between them so that they are surrounded by air and will dry quickly.
Open blinds
Open curtains and blinds of the room.
Use rugs
Using rugs and mats on wooden and stone floors can also help to make rooms warmer by providing extra insulation.
Use hair dryers if needed
Hair dryers can be used on small clothes, such as under-garments and socks. However, they are not easy on energy bills and must be used sparingly.
Use top floor for drying
In case of multiple-storey apartments, use top floors for drying clothes as it has high temperature compared to other rooms.
Housing News Viewpoint
Drying clothes indoors can be done effectively with right techniques. The tricks include choosing a well-ventilated area, fans, and dehumidifier, avoiding overcrowding, rotating clothes, utilising warmth, choose the right time, using towels to remove excess moisture, and consider overnight drying. Applying these tricks, you will be able to dry your laundry in no time with best results.
FAQs
Which is the best place to dry clothes indoors?
The best place to dry clothes indoors is the most ventilated area of your house.
How to dry clothes indoors during winters?
Use the power of natural elements like sunlight, wind, and humidity to dry clothes indoors during winters.
What factors should be considered when buying indoor clothes drying racks?
When selecting an indoor drying rack, consider the size, airflow, materials, available space, and many type of clothes.
What is a tripod drying rack?
A tripod drying rack is a portable laundry rack that typically consists of three legs arranged in a triangular shape, resembling a camera tripod. It usually has multiple arms or bars extending from the central hub, providing hanging space for clothes. These racks are lightweight, collapsible, and easy to move around, making them convenient for indoor or outdoor use.
How to remove smell from clothes without washing them?
Sunlight and fresh air can help remove bad smell. Try hanging clothes outside in a sunny day.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal, Sunita Mishra brings over 16 years of expertise to the fields of legal matters, financial insights, and property market trends. Recognised for her ability to elucidate complex topics, her articles serve as a go-to resource for home buyers navigating intricate subjects. Through her extensive career, she has been associated with esteemed organisations like the Financial Express, Hindustan Times, Network18, All India Radio, and Business Standard.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sunita holds an MA degree in Sanskrit, with a specialisation in Indian Philosophy, from Delhi University. Outside of her work schedule, she likes to unwind by practising Yoga, and pursues her passion for travel.
sunita.mishra@proptiger.com
