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Original poster

Washing at night!

212 replies

fandjango · 04/04/2025 21:17

Controversial I know but is hanging your washing out at night a really bad thing?

I know I know, Spider Penises and Bugs etc but don’t these things also happen during the day?

We are a Family with small people with lots of washing and our tumble drier has recently broken down, plus cost of living and all that plus the sunshine early morning.

Husband is horrified i’ve hung some washing out on the line and also hung two clothes horses worth of clothes under our canopy this evening.

I just want to get the washing done!

Surely it’s not just me!?

OP posts:
EBearhug · 04/04/2025 22:13

It can get covered in dew, though that's probably not a problem the last few days. 8n winter, it might freeze.

According to my mother, only slatternly types leave washing on the line overnight but she's dead, so she won't be commenting.

Spiders have pedipalps rather than penises, but I think they do the same sort of thing, but they can also use them for walking and handling food. And probably laundry, but not in a helpful way.

Obviously it going to get darked on, but if you want to live life on the edge, it's your choice...

I'll just be off training the local spider population to fold dry washing neatly into the washing basket.

newmanagernotcoping · 04/04/2025 22:11

LyndaSnellsSniff · 04/04/2025 22:06

I do it frequently in the summer. I do worry that my pants might be scared of the dark, but they're big girl pants, so they'll just have to get on with it.

Edited

Lolol

persisted · 04/04/2025 22:11

I work full time office hours. For 20 years I have got home from work and put the washing machine on. If the forecast is dry It gets hung on the line until I get home the following day.
Never occurred to me that I shouldn't and its never been a problem.

LyndaSnellsSniff · 04/04/2025 22:06

I do it frequently in the summer. I do worry that my pants might be scared of the dark, but they're big girl pants, so they'll just have to get on with it.

Studyunder · 04/04/2025 22:06

I know someone who hangs hers out even if it’s raining (but not too heavy) as “it’ll dry eventually”. You can’t deny her logic 🤷🏼‍♀️

Frostynoman · 04/04/2025 22:04

Thanks for the reminder!

PluckyBamboo · 04/04/2025 21:59

It used to be a problem as everyone would light their coal fires at night to heat the water etc and the damp night air would draw the smokiness down and your clothes would smell smoky.

Don't think that's been a problem for a few decades now though....

Just spider willies to worry about 😆

NC28 · 04/04/2025 21:58

Do it all the time (got one out right now). Saves me a job in the mornings during the week when I’ve got a toddler, work etc. The spiders can rub their willies over it if they want; as long as I’m less busy, I couldn’t care less!

StartAnew · 04/04/2025 21:58

Only problem is that it can be damp overnight even without raining. Other than that, why not? Great to catch the early morning sun.

Springhassprungxx · 04/04/2025 21:54

Done it a few times and will be doing it again

LeaveTaking · 04/04/2025 21:51

AffableApple · 04/04/2025 21:47

Perhaps you're new to Mumsnet washing threads... You have nothing to worry about. (Unlike the OP, whose laundry will get darked on, and covered in spiders wiping their willies everywhere.)

Show quote history

I leave mine out overnight all the time. I just wasn’t aware the spiders were having their wicked way with my laundry!

CleaningAngel · 04/04/2025 21:50

TipsyMaker · 04/04/2025 21:18

No, I've hung it out the night before so that its out ready in the morning to dry 😂

Me too, that's my theory ready for the morning!!

Lundier · 04/04/2025 21:49

It will get darked on. I don't know why this isn't just an obvious stop on your insanity.

AffableApple · 04/04/2025 21:47

LeaveTaking · 04/04/2025 21:28

I have to ask… spider penises? Is this a known issue?

Perhaps you're new to Mumsnet washing threads... You have nothing to worry about. (Unlike the OP, whose laundry will get darked on, and covered in spiders wiping their willies everywhere.)

Flossflower · 04/04/2025 21:44

I always do this in the summer. In some hot climates people always put their dark and coloured items out at night and bring them in in the morning so the colour doesn’t get bleached out by the sun.

BashfulClam · 04/04/2025 21:42

My mum used to talk about bringing the washing in ‘before the dampness comes down’. The air is damper at night and I find the washing smells weird.

FidosMum84 · 04/04/2025 21:41

I’ll happily leave it out overnight if it’s not dry by teatime. I have no shame and I don’t care what anyone thinks of me or my washing.
If there are spider penises nearby they’re the only ones in my life so I can cope.
You do you.

DrFoxtrot · 04/04/2025 21:38

I can’t bring myself to leave washing out overnight 🙈. The few times I’ve forgotten to bring it in there were webs all over it. The risk of webs seems lower during the daytime 😬.

Liz1tummypain · 04/04/2025 21:34

Always do it when it's warm enough. Go for it

pizzaHeart · 04/04/2025 21:32

I was ok with this but once do birds walking along my washing line in the early morning, since then I try to bring washing in.

Mum2jenny · 04/04/2025 21:31

I put my washing on the line when it’s ready. Currently got a load on, if it finishes before I go to bed, it’ll be put on the washing line. If not, it’ll be going on the line at 7am

LeaveTaking · 04/04/2025 21:28

I have to ask… spider penises? Is this a known issue?

RandomMess · 04/04/2025 21:28

In the heat wave in the SE of 2023 I put my washing out in the evening and brought it in dry in the morning.

stargazer02 · 04/04/2025 21:28

Mines on clothes horses at back door ready to be lifted out in the morning (don't have a permanent line outside atm)

I'd love a canopy covered space to put it in though!

loropianalover · 04/04/2025 21:26

I’ve got two lines full of bedsheets and pillow cases out there now for the night. We’re on the coast so there’s a great breeze.

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