
With the weather being rainy and humid, clothes take a long time to dry. Incorrect washing and drying can lead to unpleasant odors and stubborn mold issues...
1. 6 handy tips for quick clothes drying in prolonged and damp rainy weather
With the weather being rainy and humid, clothes take a long time to dry. Incorrect washing and drying can lead to unpleasant odors and stubborn mold issues...
Use hot water for laundry
To expedite clothes drying, use a washing machine with a hot water setting. If you don't have one, you can boil water and soak the clothes before wringing them out. This method allows the heat to evaporate quickly, resulting in faster drying.
Add fabric softener
It's better to use fabric softener in the first rinse to leave your clothes smelling fresh and clean. Whether handwashing or using a machine, let the clothes soak in fabric softener for 10-15 minutes to allow the fragrance to penetrate deep into the fabric, keeping your clothes and home smelling fresh for a longer duration, avoiding unpleasant odors and mold caused by bacteria prevalent during the rainy season.
During drying
Ideally, if your home has a spacious yard or rooftop, take advantage of sunny and windy weather to air-dry your clothes. They will dry quickly and smell fresh.
Also, set up an indoor drying space to prepare for rainy weather. If you have to dry clothes in the kitchen, be cautious as they might absorb food odors. If dried in a low-humidity bathroom, clothes may take longer to dry and develop a musty odor.

There are numerous ways to ensure fast clothes drying during the humid and rainy season. Photo: TL
Wrap in a thick cotton towel
If your home lacks any machinery for assistance, you can use a thick cotton towel to wrap the clothes you need to dry for a while, allowing the towel to absorb some moisture before hanging them to dry. If possible, invest in a dryer or a washing machine with a drying function. In low-humidity weather, if clothes are exposed to external moisture after drying, they may not dry completely.
Press (iron) clothes before wearing
This not only enhances the appearance of the clothes but also eliminates maximum moisture retained on the fabric during storage. Avoid hanging clothes to air-dry as it only increases condensation. It's advisable to press (iron) clothes before wearing. Ironing not only makes clothes look neater and more stylish but also eliminates remaining bacteria on clothes, leaving them smelling fresher, cleaner, and cooler.
Hang clothes inside out
For thick denim or fabric trousers, hang them inside out with the waistband and pocket openings facing downward. This method helps the trousers dry faster.