Beyond the Dryer: Why I Still Hang My Laundry Outside

Learn why I still prefer the sun’s natural touch for fresh, lint-free laundry. Discover how air-drying clothes in the sun has been a cherished tradition in my family.

My Mom Used to Wash By Hand

Growing up, my mom often washed clothes by hand. Although she had a washing machine, it was an old-fashioned model without rinse or spin cycles. Consequently, laundry became a time-consuming chore that occupied most of the day. However, she found that washing a little each day made the task more manageable, reducing the burden on weekends.

My Own Experience With Laundry

When I married nearly 28 years ago, laundry became more straightforward. By then, we had modern washing machines, and I only needed to hang the clothes outside to dry and then put them away. We didn’t own a dryer until about six years ago, so I became accustomed to air-drying clothes outdoors. Even now, I prefer to air-dry my nicer clothes outside, reserving the dryer for towels and linens. The amount of lint that comes off my clothes makes me hesitant to trust the dryer with delicate items; I believe it can damage them.

I also cherish the fresh scent of clothes dried in the sun—the sun’s rays seem to eliminate any lingering odors.

My Laundry Routine

My laundry routine is simple: I designate one day a week for laundry, doing as many loads as needed, drying the clothes, and putting them away. This process typically takes one or two days. About once a month, I air out my blankets and pillows. The sun helps eliminate bed bugs and disinfects my bedding. And once again—the scent is unbeatable!

Sun-Drying Advantages

Another advantage of sun-drying clothes is its natural bleaching effect. Recently, my son’s shorts had a stubborn stain that persisted even after washing. I hung them outside to dry, and by evening, the stain had disappeared. Initially, I was amazed, but then I recalled the sun’s bleaching properties, and it made sense.

So, even with the convenience of a dryer at home, I continue to hang my clothes outside to dry in the sun. Unless I’m in a rush or significantly behind on laundry, I plan to keep this practice.