Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Better Life

Mum's clever hack will dry your clothes in half the time

Without a dryer. - by Livia Gamble
  • 01 Aug 2022

Hanging your clothes on the line to dry might be energy efficient and better for your clothes. Still, it takes longer - especially during winter. 

Watch: How to remove sweat stains from white clothes

Luckily, there's a solution for that.

How dry clothes faster without a dryer

A mum has taken to the Facebook page, Mums Who Clean, to share a tip that will cut your drying time in half. 

"I have recently been staying with my elderly parents. While there, I did some washing for them," she says. 

"Mum said to me, 'Don't forget to do an additional spin cycle after the cycle has finished.'

"Her response was that it wouldn't take as long for the washing to dry on a cold winter's day when there isn't as much sun.

"And guess what, she was right!"

how to dry clothes fast
Getty

The mum tried it for herself when she got home, saying it helped to dry her clothes quicker.

"Since returning home this week to Sydney and the rain, I tried this on a load of towels (bath sheets) before putting them in the dryer," she says.

"Normally, the load would take one and a half to two hours to dry, and they took just under 60 minutes."

Other group members were impressed with the hack, with many saying they would give it a go. 

"Oh wow, I'm going to give this a go!" said one commenter. 

Another added: "What a great idea! I'm going to do this now too!"

Others said they'd been doing this "for years".

"My mum also taught me this! Except I don't have a dryer, but it helps them line dry quicker," one said.

dry wet clothes
Getty

Best way to dry clothes fast: more tips

While the extra washing machine spin will help remove any excess water, there are some other things you can do to speed up your drying time.

  • Spread clothes out - when hanging clothes on the line, ensure they are spread out evenly and not bunched up. 
  • Don't share pegs - it might be easier, but it doesn't help you dry your clothes any faster. Leaving space between clothes allows more airflow, which is what you need to get your clothes dry - fast.
  • Hang sheets over multiple lines - Hanging your sheets over one line reduces airflow and drying time. Hang them over a few lines to speed things up. This also works for other heavy items like blankets and thick jumpers. 
  • Give clothes a light shake if they need it - if your clothes are a little bunched up or tangled, give them a very light shake to prepare them for drying. But be careful not to over-shake and stretch your clothes. 

You might also like:

5 ways to makeover your laundry

The 15 best laundry hacks of all time

Why you shouldn't always use the quick setting on your washing machine

Livia Gamble
Based in Newcastle, Livia Gamble will not sleep until she has discovered every possible way to use bi-carb soda and vinegar. When she isn’t reporting on ways to improve your home and garden, she can be found knitting socks (by choice) and will never say no to pizza.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

8 best ways to dry your clothes quickly

8 best ways to dry your clothes quickly

How to whiten and brighten laundry

How to whiten and brighten laundry

How to wash clothes by hand

How to wash clothes by hand

This is how often you should be washing your bras

This is how often you should be washing your bras

{headline}

{headline}

How often should you wash your duvet?

How often should you wash your duvet?

How to stop bedding tangling in the dryer

How to stop bedding tangling in the dryer

How to wash up the right way

How to wash up the right way

{headline}

{headline}

Five things the French know about laundry

Five things the French know about laundry

How bad is it to skip washing your sheets every week?

How bad is it to skip washing your sheets every week?

How long can I leave wet washing on the clothesline?

How long can I leave wet washing on the clothesline?

Genius laundry trick means never losing a sock again

Genius laundry trick means never losing a sock again

The laundry mistake that could be ruining your clothes

The laundry mistake that could be ruining your clothes

Brilliant trick for cleaning containers

Brilliant trick for cleaning containers

How to solve every laundry mishap

How to solve every laundry mishap

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription