Air drying is one of the easiest eco-friendly habits to adopt, and the warmer months make it especially effortless. Whether you’re cutting back on energy use or just love the smell of sun-dried laundry, summer is the perfect time to skip the dryer and go au naturel.
Here’s how to make the most of air drying this season — with less stiffness, fewer wrinkles, and all the freshness.
Why Air Dry?
Let’s start with the big wins:
- Energy savings: Dryers are one of the most energy-hungry appliances in your home. By skipping it, you reduce your carbon footprint (and your utility bill).
- Longer garment life: High heat can break down fabric fibers over time. Air drying is gentler, especially on delicates, activewear, and baby clothes.
- Naturally fresh: Sunlight not only dries your clothes — it also acts as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer.
And yes, that sun-dried scent is the real deal.
Tips to Make the Most of It
Air drying might sound simple, but a few adjustments can make a big difference:
Use the right space: A shaded outdoor spot is ideal. Direct sun is fine for whites, but it can fade colors quickly. Indoors? A drying rack near a sunny window works wonders.
- Give clothes some space: Overcrowding your drying rack slows things down and leaves creases. Hang items with airflow in mind.
Shake before you hang: Give your laundry a good shake before hanging to reduce wrinkles and stiffness. - Use hangers for shirts: To avoid shoulder marks from clothespins and save on ironing later.
- Flip halfway through: If clothes are drying unevenly or you’re in a humid climate, turn them around for even drying.
Avoiding Stiff Towels (and Other Textures You Don’t Want)
Towels and jeans can get a bit crispy when air dried — especially without wind or movement. Try these tricks:
- Add a vinegar rinse: Add ¼ cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle for softness without residue.
- Tumble briefly: A 10-minute low heat tumble after air drying can soften fabrics without wasting a full cycle.
- Use natural scent boosters: Your towels stay soft and smell amazing (and you’ll skip synthetic softeners)
The Planet-Friendly Bonus
Air drying your laundry is one of those simple switches that makes a big impact — just like ditching plastic jugs or avoiding harsh detergents. It’s a way to slow down, save energy, and be more mindful about the routines we often rush through.
And when you pair it with laundry sheets made from plant-based ingredients and scent boosters that smell like actual nature, you turn laundry into something surprisingly enjoyable.
