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How can I dry hand washed clothes

27 replies

Ahhffs · 07/06/2026 12:02

My washing machine has broken, new one comes on Tuesday but until then I need to hand wash clothes for the kids/school uniform etc

how on earth do I dry it? Unfortunately I am very unorganised so have no clean towels even to try and wring them out with

I do have a dryer but surely I can't put them in that soaking wet?

no car so can't go to a laundrette

OP posts:
Chiapotayto · 07/06/2026 12:03

Give each item a really good squeeze then put in dryer.

Samewrinklesnewname · 07/06/2026 12:05

A laundrette local to me will do a collection and drop off service -can you make a few phone calls to see if this is available ?

beigetriangle · 07/06/2026 12:05

I wouldn't hand wash.

I would be happy to wash a load for a neighbour or friend in your situation.

Selkie33 · 07/06/2026 12:06

could you wring out, put the clothes on a hanger and let them drip dry (initially) over the bath/shower. Then into tumbler

ppaaWWss · 07/06/2026 12:32

I saw someone on another thread recommend using a salad spinner to dry small items after handwashing. I haven't yet needed to try it but it sounds pretty plausible!

singthing · 07/06/2026 12:37

Just use the towels, I'm guessing they are just post-bath/shower, not covered in dogshit and blood?

Roll items up in them and march on the spot on top to get most of the water out, then hang up/outside to dry the rest of the way.

Or just ask a neighbour if you could do a load in their machine. I would willingly do so for any of mine without batting an eyelid and wouldn't take cash even if offered.

MrsCarmelaSoprano · 07/06/2026 12:39

Hand wash and wring really well, hang up then dry in the tumble drier when half dry. Don't put them in the drier soaking wet.

I would ask a neighbour if you can, I have done in the past and have don't the same for friends and neighbours.

YourWinter · 07/06/2026 12:40

My neighbour and I would happily let each other use our washing machines in an emergency.

BringBackCatsEyes · 07/06/2026 12:41

beigetriangle · 07/06/2026 12:05

I wouldn't hand wash.

I would be happy to wash a load for a neighbour or friend in your situation.

This. Over the years I have both offered my machine and asked friends.

HelenaWilson · 07/06/2026 12:48

Assume you have no outside space, or it's raining?
If no neighbour to help,
I would squeeze (not wring) as much water out as possible - or use the towel method, but then you have wet towels to deal with - then spread the items on a clothes airer and stand it in the bath/shower.

For underwear, socks, can you get to Primark or wherever and buy new? They'll always be useful.

donthowlbenjy · 07/06/2026 13:01

I’ve had occasion to put dripping
wet towels in the dryer (washing machine spin cycle failed). It takes a lot longer, but will get there in the end. So just use your dryer!

tiramisugelato · 07/06/2026 13:10

Just put them in the dryer.

MrsCarmelaSoprano · 07/06/2026 14:21

tiramisugelato · 07/06/2026 13:10

Just put them in the dryer.

Don't if you don't want your drier to break down too!

OneThreadOnlybyN · 07/06/2026 14:25

Chiapotayto · 07/06/2026 12:03

Give each item a really good squeeze then put in dryer.

No, don't do that.

Dont you have a washing line or an airer?

ask a neighbour if you can wash some things at least spin them in theirs.

put them on hangers over the bath.

but no, don't put hand wrung things in the drier..

Happytaytos · 07/06/2026 14:27

Ask a neighbour.

Use the laundrette.

Wring out and put in the dryer.

sontamol · 07/06/2026 14:28

First things first. Wring them out best you can by hand. Have you outside space/washing line/is it dry out there? If so, put them on the line/airer, but I'm sure you've thought of that. And I'd only wash the shirts, spot clean anything bigger/heavier. They will survive!

Otherwise, ask neighbour. Even if you hand wash, neighbour could spin them for you, then you can put in your drier.

fluffiphlox · 07/06/2026 14:29

On the line? Or somebody else’s line?

LoSlo3toGo · 07/06/2026 14:32

Like others I’d ask a neighbour or go to laundrette

anyone would understand needing to get kids’ uniforms done

tiramisugelato · 07/06/2026 14:43

MrsCarmelaSoprano · 07/06/2026 14:21

Don't if you don't want your drier to break down too!

Well, our dryer has miraculously survived it so far.

MimiGC · 07/06/2026 14:44

I don’t have a dryer and haven’t been to a launderette for decades. What happens if you put wet clothes into a dryer? I thought that was what they are for.

BringBackCatsEyes · 07/06/2026 14:52

MimiGC · 07/06/2026 14:44

I don’t have a dryer and haven’t been to a launderette for decades. What happens if you put wet clothes into a dryer? I thought that was what they are for.

They are not designed for sopping wet clothes, but ones which have been spun.
You risk putting to much pressure on the [insert fancy dryer mechanical words]

MyThreeWords · 07/06/2026 15:15

You risk putting to much pressure on the [insert fancy dryer mechanical words]

The converse desiccator?
The xerothermic circuit?
The aridity valve?

HelenaWilson · 07/06/2026 16:06

The dithithium crystals?
The warp nacelles?
The space-time continuum?

I agree tumble dryers aren't designed to handle that much water.
'Ye cannae change the laws of physics, Captain.'

Allogy · 07/06/2026 16:44

Amazing vocab!

Keep everyone in same PJs. You just need outfits for Monday, and clean tops & underwear for Tues.

Wash these, squeeze as best you can and hang. I would risk a small amount at a time in the dryer - one top & underwear change per kid for example, for Monday. Maybe hang the trousers overnight and finish off in the dryer in the morning.

Have you got any other linen like cotton duvet covers, tea towels, tablecloths you could roll the damp clothes if the towels are really beyond use?

Allogy · 07/06/2026 16:47

also I have ironed things dry on occasion... carefully!

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