Tips for Drying Clothes Without Damage

The drying process is where many garments meet their untimely end. Shrinkage, fading, loss of shape, and fabric degradation often occur not during washing but during drying. Whether you rely on Australia's abundant sunshine or use a tumble dryer, understanding proper drying techniques protects your clothes and can significantly extend their lifespan.

Australia offers ideal conditions for line drying much of the year, but our intense UV exposure and occasional extreme weather require thoughtful approaches. Meanwhile, dryers are essential for many households, particularly in apartments without outdoor space or during wet weather. This guide covers best practices for both methods to help you dry clothes effectively while minimising damage.

The Fundamentals of Fabric Drying

Drying removes water from fabric through evaporation. Heat speeds this process but also stresses fibres. The balance between speed and gentleness determines how well your clothes survive repeated drying cycles.

Different fabrics respond differently to drying methods. Natural fibres like cotton and linen tolerate heat better than synthetics, which can melt or become misshapen. Protein fibres like wool and silk are particularly vulnerable to heat damage. Understanding your garment's fabric composition guides appropriate drying choices.

Line Drying: The Australian Way

Australia's sunny climate makes line drying practical and economical for most of the year. Beyond saving energy, line drying is gentler on clothes, naturally sanitises through UV exposure, and can help whiten whites. However, our harsh sun can also cause fading if items are dried incorrectly.

Setting Up for Success

The ideal drying location combines good airflow with protection from direct midday sun for coloured items. A Hills Hoist or rotary line allows you to position items strategically, while a covered area or verandah provides shade for sun-sensitive garments.

Ensure your clothesline is clean—dirty lines can transfer marks to wet clothes. Wipe down lines periodically, and check pegs for rust or damage that could mark fabric.

Hanging Techniques

How you hang items affects how they dry and whether they maintain their shape:

• Shirts and blouses: Hang from the bottom hem rather than the shoulders to prevent stretching. Alternatively, use wide, padded hangers that support the shoulder shape.
• Trousers: Hang from the cuffs or waistband. Hanging from cuffs lets gravity help smooth wrinkles; hanging from the waist works well for heavier fabrics.
• Knitwear: Dry flat or draped over the line (not pegged) to prevent stretching and peg marks. Better yet, use a mesh drying rack.
• Sheets and towels: Fold over the line to reduce wind stress and ensure even drying of thick fabric.

Managing Australian Sun

Australian UV levels are among the highest in the world, and prolonged sun exposure fades colours and degrades fibres. Dry dark and coloured items in the shade or during low-UV hours (early morning or late afternoon). Reserve full sun exposure for whites and items that benefit from natural bleaching.

In summer, clothes dry quickly even in shade due to low humidity. There's no need to risk sun damage for faster drying.

Using a Tumble Dryer Effectively

When line drying isn't practical—during winter, in apartments, or for specific items like towels—dryers are invaluable. Used correctly, modern dryers can be reasonably gentle on clothes.

Understanding Dryer Settings

Most dryers offer multiple heat settings and cycle types. Using the right settings dramatically affects garment longevity:

• High heat: Use only for durable items like cotton towels, sturdy jeans, and bedding. These items can tolerate heat and benefit from the sanitising effect.
• Medium heat: Appropriate for most everyday clothing—cotton shirts, synthetic blends, casual wear. This balances drying speed with fabric care.
• Low heat: Best for delicates, items prone to shrinking, and synthetic fabrics that can be damaged by high temperatures.
• Air dry/fluff: Uses no heat, just tumbling. Ideal for refreshing items or final drying of nearly-dry clothes. Gentlest on all fabrics.

Preventing Over-Drying

Over-drying is a common mistake that causes shrinkage, static, and unnecessary wear. Clothes don't need to be bone dry when removed—slightly damp items can finish drying on hangers or laid flat, resulting in less shrinkage and fewer wrinkles.

Many modern dryers have moisture sensors that stop the cycle when clothes are dry. Use these features rather than timed drying, which often over-dries. If your dryer has only timed settings, check clothes before the full cycle completes.

Dryer Balls and Alternatives

Wool dryer balls reduce drying time by separating clothes and improving air circulation. They also soften fabric naturally and can reduce static. Unlike dryer sheets, they're reusable for thousands of loads and don't leave chemical residue on clothes.

Tennis balls work similarly for large items like duvets and pillows, helping to maintain loft and ensure even drying. Don't use them with regular clothes, as the rubber can mark fabrics.

Flat Drying for Delicates

Some items should always be dried flat to prevent stretching and maintain shape. Knit sweaters, cashmere, wool items, and anything that stretches when wet benefit from flat drying.

Use a mesh drying rack that allows air circulation both above and below the garment. Reshape items while damp—gently pulling seams straight and adjusting proportions. Large towels underneath absorb excess water and speed drying.

For heavy knits, you may need to flip the garment halfway through drying and replace the damp towel underneath to ensure complete drying without mildew risk.

Drying Specific Items

Jeans

Denim can shrink significantly in high-heat dryers. For best results, line dry jeans inside out to prevent fading. If using a dryer, choose medium heat and remove while slightly damp. The wearing-in will return any minor shrinkage to comfortable fit.

Towels

Towels benefit from tumble drying—the heat and tumbling action lift fibres and maintain fluffiness. Line-dried towels can feel stiff. If you prefer line drying, give them a 10-minute tumble on low heat afterward to restore softness.

Bed Linens

Cotton sheets dry well on the line but may need ironing for a crisp finish. Tumble dry on medium heat, remove promptly, and fold or make the bed immediately to minimise wrinkles. Fitted sheets dry better when periodically paused and reshaken during drying.

Troubleshooting Drying Problems

Clothes Coming Out Wrinkled

Overloading the dryer prevents clothes from tumbling freely. Reduce load size and remove items promptly when the cycle ends. Hanging or folding immediately prevents wrinkles from setting.

Static Cling

Static occurs from over-drying, especially with synthetic fabrics. Use dryer balls, reduce drying time, or add a damp washcloth for the last few minutes of drying. Line drying eliminates static entirely.

Shrinkage

If shrinkage is occurring, lower the heat setting and reduce drying time. For items that have already shrunk, try soaking in lukewarm water with hair conditioner, gently stretching, and drying flat—this can partially reverse shrinkage in some fabrics.

By matching your drying method to your fabric type and taking care not to over-dry, you can keep your clothes looking newer longer while also saving energy and money.