8 Benefits of Line-Drying Laundry, According to Textile Experts Your clothes (and electric bill) will thank you. Close Credit: Louise Beaumont / Getty Images Technology and creature comforts are great and all. Machine dryers, for instance, are indispensable for the convenience they offer. However, the excessive heat and rapid motions of your drying can break down fibers over time—especially delicate or natural fabrics. Air-drying and line-drying your clothes is an ideal alternative. "Air drying reduces this wear, so your clothes maintain their color, shape, and texture for much longer," explains textile expert Frej Lewenhaupt. Read the benefits of line-drying clothes below. You may just be convinced to make the sustainable swap. Frej Lewenhaupt, textile expert, co-founder and chief product officer of Steamery Melia Long, laundry expert with Poplin, the first and only nationwide laundry service Alicia Sokolowski, co-CEO of AspenClean 01 of 08 Maintain Fabric Integrity Air-drying helps prevent the fabric shrinkage and distortion that often happens in the dryer, according to Alicia Sokolowski, co-CEO of AspenClean. “Clothes like jeans or sweaters keep their intended shape and fit when dried flat or hung properly,” she says. Laundry expert Melia Long agrees: "There is less pilling and shrinking, and the integrity of the clothes can be better maintained," says Long. 02 of 08 Whiten Your Whites Credit: Getty Images Sunlight can naturally bleach whites, making it ideal for items like bedding or socks, says Sokolowski. 03 of 08 Lower Energy Costs Dryers are among the most energy-hungry appliances in the home, so cutting back on their use can help lower your utility bill. “It’s also a small but meaningful step toward being more eco-friendly,” Long says. Line-drying is generally a more cost-efficient way to dry clothes as it only requires a one-time purchase of a drying rack or clothesline, explains Lewenhaupt. "Line drying uses zero electricity compared to a tumble dryer, helping you lower your household energy consumption and utility bills." 04 of 08 Improve Mental Health Credit: seb_ra / Getty Images Creating a sustainable routine can help you embrace a slower, more intentional lifestyle. "Air drying your clothes can feel generally more meditative and intentional," says Long. Taking the extra time and getting yourself out in the fresh air can be seen as a form of self-care. 05 of 08 Prevent Static Cling Letting your clothes dry naturally indoors increases the humidity in your home, which deters static cling, explains Lewenhaupt. This can also be beneficial to your home generally, especially in the dry winter months. (This also means no need for chemical-laden dryer sheets or fabric softeners, adds Sokolowski.) 06 of 08 Naturally Scent Your Clothes Credit: Canetti / Getty Images Line-drying your laundry gives your clothes that fresh, just-outside scent—no artificial fragrances required. The natural airflow and sunshine work together to gently deodorize and infuse fabrics with a clean, crisp smell that no dryer sheet can quite replicate. 07 of 08 Mild Antibacterial Effect Line-drying your laundry isn’t just gentle on fabric—it can be surprisingly tough on germs. Sunlight has a mild (and natural) antibacterial effect, thanks to its UV rays. Cheers to giving your laundry an extra layer of freshness without any added chemicals! 08 of 08 Keep Your Home Cool Credit: onurdongel / Getty Images In warmer months, using the dryer adds unnecessary heat indoors. "Line-drying keeps your living space cooler and reduces strain on air conditioning," says Sokolowski. Best Practices for Line-Drying Laundry “With a couple of hooks and strong string, you can set up a line anywhere in your home or in your outdoor space,” Lewenhaupt says. From there, be sure to heed the following tips for line-drying your laundry. Choose the right detergent: Long recommends a gentle, biodegradable detergent that doesn’t leave too much residue. “Leftover soap can be more easily detected on fabrics and stiffen them after drying,” she says. Avoid overloading your wash: It can leave your garments more wet at the end of the cycle, says Lewenhaupt, thus taking longer to air-dry. Skip the fabric softeners: These can coat fibres and make clothes stiff when line-dried, warns Sokolowski. Instead, use natural alternatives like a half cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle. Shake it off: Before hanging your clothes, Long suggests giving each item a quick shake to prevent wrinkles. Determine proper sunlight: “[Direct] sunlight is great for naturally brightening whites, but can fade darker or brighter colors,” explains Long. When drying more vibrant pieces, "try to dry in the shade or turn the clothes inside out when hanging them to protect them," she suggests. Be weather aware: Always check the weather forecast before starting a load you plan to air dry, says Sokolowski, as unexpected rain or humidity can affect drying time. "During colder seasons or on rainy days, drying indoors with a rack or retractable line is a convenient and effective alternative." Ensure proper airflow: Adequate airflow is vital when line-drying laundry, says Lewenhaupt. "It’s important that there is airflow wherever you set it up so your clothes can dry properly and not remain wet for long periods of time—which can lead to bacteria growth." Explore more: Cleaning & Organizing Laundry & Linens