Line Drying Clothes: Is It Better Than Using a Dryer?

You’ve carefully curated a closet full of clothing, and you’ve got plenty of choices when it comes to maintaining it. Machine wash or dry clean? Liquid detergent or pods? And finally: dryer or line dry?

Whether you’re focused on caring for specific fabrics, increasing your clothing’s lifespan, saving on energy costs, or simply making things more convenient, there are a few factors to consider when choosing between line or machine.

A Quick Note: Air Dry vs. Sun Dry

There are big differences between air dry vs. sun dry. Air drying simply means letting clothes dry on a clothes drying rack without artificial heat, indoors or outdoors. Sun drying adds the element of UV exposure, which may help speed up drying but might not always be fabric-friendly.

Air drying is typically best for delicate fabrics, dark fabrics, and heat-sensitive clothing, while ultraviolet rays (UV) from the sun can kill bacteria, leaving your clothes smelling fresh and feeling crisp. Sun drying is also great for light-colored items, anything that smells musty, or fabrics that need natural stain treatment from UV rays.

But is it bad to dry clothes in the sun? Sometimes. Too much direct sunlight can fade bright colors and weaken delicate fibers over time.

When Is Line Drying Appropriate?

Is air drying clothes better? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Here are a few scenarios in which skipping the dryer and doing things the old-fashioned way may be your best bet.

When you’re cleaning delicate fabrics or items with elastic.

If you’re worried about keeping your nicer fabrics in great condition (think materials like linen, wool, silk, or cashmere), go for an air dry. By letting them air dry gently inside, you can help preserve the very qualities that make these fabrics so valued, like their texture and shape.

Think similarly when cleaning clothing items with a lot of elastic, like workout gear and bras. The dryer can slowly break down the fibers in elastic, causing your snug, compressive items to become damaged and stretched.

When you want to conserve energy (and money!)

Hanging the laundry out to dry is the more energy-efficient option of the two, which is ideal if you’re conscious of energy consumption and hoping to further reduce your carbon footprint. Even incorporating line drying sporadically between using your dryer can make an energetic difference.

However, clothes dryers have made great strides in energy efficiency. When shopping for a new dryer, consider Energy Star-certified options. Certified dryers can use about 20% less energy than conventional options.

If air or line drying simply isn’t possible for you, but you still care about energy conservation and savings, you’re not out of luck. There are several different ways to cut your energy bill on laundry day, even when running your dryer.

When the weather is sunny and warm.

In the warmer months, drying clothes in the sun is quick and offers several benefits. If you’ve got the space to hang a clothes line, your clothing can get fast, even dry on a sunny day without the wear and tear that sometimes results from a tumble dryer.

When you’re focused on preserving a color’s clothing and pristine fabric.

Throwing clothes in the dryer repeatedly can sometimes result in faded colors and fabric piling. If you’ve got items that you want to remain in “like new” condition for as long as possible, you may be better off letting them dry on a drying rack indoors. While this means they take a bit longer to dry than using a dryer or hanging clothes outside in the warmth, you can maintain the items’ crisp colors and delicate textures without any fading from the dryer or direct sun.

When Is a Dryer Your Best Choice?

Sometimes, drying laundry outside is not better or even feasible, and chucking it into a dryer is the clear winner.

However, before you put anything in the dryer, make sure to check the tag. It offers specific instructions and symbols for caring for certain materials.

When the weather isn’t ideal.

Thunderstorms on the forecast? Cold temperatures? Sometimes, the weather simply doesn’t allow for a line or air dry. It’s also wise to use your dryer when humidity levels are high. Not doing so can result in musty, unpleasant-smelling clothing—and who wants that?

When time is of the essence!

When you’ve got places to go and people to see, you might not have time for air or line drying. It’s usually much faster to run your laundry through a machine rather than drying clothes outside. Ultimately, dryers are the most convenient option for anyone with big families, tight schedules, or urgent clothing needs.

During allergy season.

Line drying can be a bad idea during allergy season, as pollen can cling to fabrics and make your situation even worse. Moreover, dryers often have high-heat or sanitizing settings that can work to kill pesky allergens in your clothing and bedding. Don’t underestimate the power of dryer heat sanitation!

When you have limited space.

You don’t have a backyard for a clothes line, and the idea of scooting around drying racks sounds miserable. Dryer it is! If you have limited space, you’re probably focused more on washing, drying, and putting away your belongings as quickly as possible. In this case, using your dryer can be a space- and sanity-saving approach.

If you don’t have the time, space, or desire to air-dry your clothing, but you also don’t have a washer and dryer in your apartment or house, it may be time to consider renting-to-own. While purchasing a washer and dryer can feel like an intimidating step, Rent-A-Center makes it easy to own your own way using the rent-to-own option.

When you’re worried about lint or pet hair.

Dryer lint traps prove their value every time you empty them! They collect little pieces of lint, fuzz, and pet hair while your clothing dries, giving dryers a clear benefit over line drying. If you share your home with a furry friend or two, this may make your decision easier.

When you want your items to be ultra soft and fluffy.

There is nothing quite as cozy as warm, fluffy bath towels or blankets straight from the dryer, and quite frankly, line or air drying simply can’t replicate this. Tumble drying can help keep items fluffed and soft, while air drying can make certain fabrics feel stiff. When coziness is the goal, the dryer is the way.

Air drying can be great—when the weather cooperates. If you’re ready for more control over your laundry routine, explore flexible washer and dryer options at Rent-A-Center. Your laundry, your schedule.