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Original poster

Whats the greenest way to dry clothes in cold wet weather?

32 replies

EmsMum · 21/09/2007 14:27

I've been trying to line dry more (well, I use an airer actually cos don't have line, and that has the advantage of being able to get it all inside quickly when it rains).

OK in summer, even this one. But whats best now the season has changed? We're trying not to have the central heating on yet so can't hang over radiators.

And is there any way to get non-crispy towels other than tumble dry?

OP posts:
NAB3 · 21/09/2007 14:28

How big is your siring cupboard? I have an airer in there and things dry over night.

Tottie32 · 21/09/2007 14:29

i put on airer overnight

DumbledoresGirl · 21/09/2007 14:32

I only have a line outside or an indoor airer. No tumble dryer, no radiators and airing cupboard is full of water tank so no room in there either.

I put washing outside whenever possible (even half an hour outside makes a difference) or else hang the clothes on the airer and hide the airer in the dining room. I find one load of washing on the airer takes 24 hours to dry so that fits quite well most of the time with one wash every night.

Original poster
EmsMum · 21/09/2007 14:32

Quite big but it always seems to be full of damp towels (used ones I mean). I do use it for some stuff already - flat-drying woolies etc.

Like the typo. siring cupboard sounds like special place to introduce my dog to a nice little bitch .

OP posts:
ellehcim · 21/09/2007 14:33

Only way to avoid the crispiness that I've found is to put them away slightly damp but the danger is that they then don't dry off properly and smell musty.
Despite all of my green efforts I just can't bear to part with the tumble drier where towels are concerned.

southeatsastras · 21/09/2007 14:33

i hate drying clothes this time of year. i've resorted to sticking things in front of the oven to dry before.

fingerwoman · 21/09/2007 14:33

our stuff just gets put on clothes horses.
try putting some white vinegar in with your towels, that should soften them a bit (won't be quite as good as tumbling though)

NAB3 · 21/09/2007 14:33

Didn't even notice!!! There should be an edit button.....

flamingtoaster · 21/09/2007 14:38

If I can't dry the washing outside it goes on an airer in the bathroom with the window open and the door closed. Even on damp days it's amazing how well it will dry.

Minum · 21/09/2007 18:47

Towels go on the banister upstairs, shirts etc on hangers in doorways and small things on the airer - all dry overnight, so I can put them away first thing.

Whats the problem with crispy towels ? Fantastic for a quick all over exfoliation after a shower.

Rowlers · 21/09/2007 18:52

Agree with Dumbledoresgirl - I hang washing out in the middle of winter on a clear, breezy day.
If you use an airer in the house, ensure you open windows as the water will need to escape somewhere!

Highlander · 21/09/2007 20:08

Ijust hanfg them on airers in the house. In winter I tumble dry my towels and sheets

Tottie32 · 21/09/2007 20:50

i prefer crispy towels dont like them soft...

southeatsastras · 21/09/2007 20:57

so do i, more absorbent

FrannyandZooey · 21/09/2007 20:58

We have constant airer in kitchen, and will use tops of doors and landing if necessary

I don't actually have a washing line I have a thing about having my knickers hung outside for people to see

southeatsastras · 21/09/2007 21:01

f & z

i put mine, arranged in the washing basket and leave it in the sun. no-one can see your pants then.

FrannyandZooey · 21/09/2007 21:02

ooh they could if they peered SEA

FrannyandZooey · 21/09/2007 21:03

not that my pants these days are much to write home about, actually

but by god they used to be

southeatsastras · 21/09/2007 21:04

oo-er

NannyL · 21/09/2007 21:14

Mine go out on the line for afew hours while its not raining.... then they arnt soaking and spend about a day in the airing cupboard and hey presto dry clothes!

I find that if it isnt raining my clothes get mostly dry on the line... but then it i a VERY high line and always seems to have a good breeze even when not windy

AeFondKiss · 21/09/2007 21:26

I have a shed which is great for cold wet days, it has a roof and two sides....

f&z the briefest of knickers dry so quickly, and I like mine to get a good airing... though I live in the middle of a field, so there are no washing line voyeurs to inspect my undies...

Original poster
EmsMum · 21/09/2007 21:45

The problem with crispy towels is that DD thinks it is cruel and unusual punishment. Ditto stiff pyjamas.

I shall rethink airing cupboard shelving and see if I can make it accommodate an airing rack.

Thanks, and I'm glad someone managed to subvert the topic onto undie voyeurism a bit.

OP posts:
Tottie32 · 21/09/2007 22:03

does ironing them take the crispy bits out?

Bodkin · 28/09/2007 10:29

Can I just add.... Sheila Maid! Airing rack on pulleys so you can hoist it up to the warmer air at the ceiling. Fab. Sort of nice and homely looking too

Lulushmulu · 28/09/2007 10:49

We have a ceiling airer in our utility room, not on pulleys but fixed to the top of the wall at each end of the room. The washing dries overnight in the heat from the boiler - even nappies. It hangs over the washing machine and dishwasher (oops, shouldn't admit to having one of those ) so it doesn't get in the way. I can just about reach to hnag out the washing if I stand on tiptoes.

It is adjustable to fit any size room and has 5 lines of drying space, enough for a full machine load. We got it from a DIY shop, either Homebase or B & Q, can't remember which. I think it cost under £30.

If you haven't got a utility room could you put an airer over the bath?