The Proper Way to Hang Dry Your Laundry, According to Experts

We likely don’t need to remind you that investing in high-quality clothing is key to making your money go further and ensuring you look and feel your best. However, there’s an often overlooked aspect to prolonging the life of your wardrobe: proper laundry care.

For many, laundry is simply a task to check off the to-do list, and thinking about spending more time (or energy) on it isn’t exactly exciting. However, taking the time to wash and dry your clothes the right way can significantly affect both their appearance and their longevity. While commercial clothes dryers certainly have their place, professionals and garment specialists agree: One of the best ways to preserve your favorite jeans, sweaters, and shirts is by hanging them to dry, rather than relying on machine drying.

"We all know that the heat from the dryer is the main culprit when it comes to shrinking items made from natural fibers like cotton," says Jonathan Propper, founder and CEO of sustainable laundry brand Dropps. "However, the heat from the dryer also plays a role in causing brightly colored clothing to fade. Additionally, if you have a stain, putting the stained garment in the dryer before it's fully gone will essentially 'set' the stain, making it more likely to become permanent."

Air drying can help protect against these high-heat issues. Kelly Love, co-founder of Branch Basics, also credits hang drying with resolving other annoying laundry problems, like static cling. "I always air dry synthetic fabrics to avoid the static that can form in the dryer," she says. "It’s also an excellent way to tackle persistent odors (without just covering them up with fragrances) and keep whites bright." Adding air drying to your laundry routine can also lower your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint, which are both major advantages.

If the thought of hang drying your laundry (and the potential learning curve it involves) feels overwhelming, you're not alone. We’re here to guide you in developing a method that preserves your clothes' quality while also introducing a sustainable—and, dare we say, enjoyable—habit into your laundry routine. "It may seem small, but any activity that gets you moving is worth embracing," says Propper. "Chores like hanging your clothes to dry can be meditative, mentally refreshing, and a calming experience—especially if you do it outdoors." Below, we share our top tips for air drying your laundry, including how to handle specialty fabrics, structured pieces, and how to tackle stubborn scents and stains.

Tips for Hang Drying Clothes

Invest in the right equipment

To maximize your success with hang drying clothes, it’s a good idea to invest in the right equipment. If you're planning to line dry your clothes, look for a coated clothesline to prevent rust, which can reduce the risk of staining your garments.

Alternatively, drying racks come in various shapes and sizes, so choose one that fits your available space. Whether it’s a custom drop-down rack for your laundry room or a collapsible one that can be stored away in your apartment, there's a solution for every space. Lastly, opt for clothespins that are rust-resistant and won’t leave stains on your clothes—believe it or not, the classic wooden ones are often the best choice.

Sort before you begin

Before you start hanging your clothes to dry, sort them by fabric type—just like you would separate whites and colors before washing. Fabrics like cotton or linen can be hung to dry right away, while more delicate materials (such as wool or silk) may need a bit more care. "In general, most clothes should be hung right out of the washing machine," says Propper. "Shaking out the garments before hanging them can help smooth out wrinkles." Stretchy items like sweaters, which may lose their shape, should be laid flat to dry, so set those aside while you hang the others.

Hang by size

Start by hanging your clothes in order of size, beginning with heavier items such as jeans and towels, then moving on to lighter pieces like t-shirts, tanks, and undergarments. "Damp clothes need space to breathe and for air to circulate," says Propper. "Avoid overcrowding your drying rack with wet clothes, as this can slow down drying and foster bacteria and mildew growth." Organizing from large to small items also helps maximize space, allowing you to hang more clothes to dry at once.

If you're drying clothes indoors, try to place your drying rack in an area that resembles an outdoor environment as much as possible. "When drying clothes indoors, find a spot with good ventilation," advises Love. The last thing you want is a batch of clothes that end up musty—or never dry—because they’re trapped in a cramped laundry room all day.

Utilize the sun’s power

When it comes to drying your clothes, think of the sun as a valuable ally. "The sun is a fantastic way to freshen your clothes, accelerate the drying process, and eliminate VOCs from fabrics," says Love. "It’s also a great method for getting rid of stubborn odors, like smoke or strong perfume." Choose a sunny spot in your yard to hang your clothesline, or use a portable drying rack to follow the sun's path as it moves across your deck. If you’re concerned about fading or sun bleaching, Love suggests turning clothes inside-out before drying them in bright sunlight.

Handle any remaining problems

For many, using a commercial dryer is associated with benefits like extra fluffy towels or pleasantly scented clothes—but these perks are also achievable through hang drying. For the fluffiest linens, Propper suggests using a mineral-based fabric softener in your wash cycle. Wrinkles can usually be smoothed out with a good shake or a little hand-smoothing before hanging, though more stubborn creases might need a steamer after drying. If your jeans feel unusually stiff after hang drying, a brief tumble in the dryer (5 to 10 minutes) will help soften the fibers. Dealing with persistent odors? Love suggests spraying the garment with a mix of two parts vodka and one part water to eliminate them.

How to Hang Dry Different Clothing Items

Different garments require different drying techniques. The following tips will help you preserve the shape and integrity of everything from your favorite work blouses and blazers to your go-to jeans.

Pants

To hang jeans, chinos, or dress pants correctly, begin by aligning the inner leg seams and attaching the hems to the line, with the waistband facing downward. If you have extra space on the line, you can hang the pants unfolded, with both legs by the hems, which will help the garment dry more quickly.

Shirts and Tops

To dry shirts and tops, you have two options. You can either clip them by the hem using clothespins, making sure to attach them near the side seams to avoid creases, or you can hang them on a hanger and pin the hanger to the clothesline or rack.

Socks and Undergarments

For smaller garments like socks and undergarments, hang them using clothespins and ensure maximum exposure to the breeze and sunlight. Before you hang them, reshape items that require form maintenance, such as bra cups or shapewear with boning.

Linens and Towels

To dry large items like sheets or blankets, drape them in half over the line and pin them at the top. For towels, it’s best to hang them vertically and pin the corners to ensure they dry as quickly as possible.

What Not to Hang Dry

As a general rule, avoid hanging delicate or stretchable items to dry. However, this doesn’t mean you must throw them in the dryer. Wool sweaters or silk and lace blouses, which could snag, should be laid flat to dry on a drying table or rack. Always check the care label—if it says 'lay flat to dry,' don’t hang it. This advice also applies to damaged items, like vintage jeans with holes, as the wind can worsen the damage or make it permanent.