Asked on Jan 24, 2017

I don't have a dryer- how can I take care of my air drying laundry???

Hillela G.
by Hillela G.
When we moved, we had to give away our dryer because our new apartment's laundry nook didn't have enough space for 2 machines.
For the most part, it wasn't a problem because even when we had a dryer, we usually air-dried it to go green and save ect.icon
BUT- in the icon coldest and icon rainiest parts of the winter, it can take days for our laundry to dry. And sometimes, it leaves over a bit of a damp smell or a stiff texture.

Any suggestions?
Thank you!!!!
  14 answers
  • Cindy Hagemann Cindy Hagemann on Jan 24, 2017

    There are a couple of air-drying tools that I like to use: a good hanging source (either a portable clothesline or a free-standing hanger); good ventilation (you may have to create air flow with a fan or heat source); and a sweater drying rack. Allowing the clothes to hang freely with good air flow should do the trick, try not to hang clothes in the bathroom because of excessive moisture. When you do your wash - be sure to use fabric softener (make your own or purchase) - that will help with the clothes being softer when they finally dry! There are also lots of portable clothes dryer options on the market now - never tried any of them but they might be worth a look! https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Dry-Portable-Clothing-Heater/dp/B015242TKW

  • William William on Jan 24, 2017

    I go along with Cindy! You can also use an oscillating fan to assist in the drying.

  • Helen Helen on Jan 24, 2017

    I have a heating vent right next to my bathtub - so I hang my clothes on hangers over the shower curtain rod until they are dry, usually within a few hours. This is in the winter - summer - I hang outside on the line.

    • See 1 previous
    • Irish Pack Irish Pack on Jan 26, 2017

      Mine has a heater as well. I was looking at fold out drying racks at Wal Mart and there are a few good candidates--be sure to read the reviews--the more expensive ones are not necessarily the best. Some can even be put inside the tub. Gonna try the shower rod first (since it is free and free is my buzzword)

  • Shannon Shannon on Jan 26, 2017

    I have this rack from wal Mart. It's great because it folds flat for easy storage. I'm considering buying another so I can do two loads. I set it in a sunny spot, and over a heat vent whenever possible. If I'm in a hurry I'll use a fan. I never use fabric softener. Instead I use straight vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser in my washer. It's the BEST fabric softener and ive heard it helps keep pipes clean.

  • Ronda Torbic Ronda Torbic on Jan 27, 2017

    The stiffness is from hard water. Put white vinegar in your fabric softer cup instead of fabric softener. You wont believe how soft everything will be. And no you will not smell it on your clothes. Faster drying requires air circulation more than heat so fans.

  • Teresa Teresa on Jan 27, 2017

    Hi Hillela, Before we had our home built, I had to was by hand, and dry by hand. I had one of these: Its a 3 arm free standing dryer.

    We did have some plugs so I use to put a small fan on the floor so there was circulation when it was damp. It worked and cost about $10 for a small fan and about $30 for in the dryer. Plus it folds away and fit in my closet!

    • See 3 previous
    • Teresa Teresa on Feb 01, 2017

      I bought mine at Canadian Tire.


  • Sandy Slade Sandy Slade on Jan 29, 2017

    Hi ,Have you thought about using a de-humidifier as well.

  • Skeg Skeg on Jan 29, 2017

    I like the idea of humidifier also

  • Susan Susan on Jan 29, 2017

    if you can afford it - why not go with STACKABLES - sell your washer to pay for it?!


  • Debby Debby on Jan 30, 2017

    I found a wooden 'accordian' dryer rack at Goodwill for $3. I just found one at Home Depot $17 (I'm sure you can find others for less $$). Easy to use and folds up nice and flat when you are done.

  • Chris Chris on Jan 30, 2017

    I have a hall near my laundry room and another near my bedroom. I placed a spring loaded shower curtain between the hall walls and I hang my washed clothes on hangers on the rod. If possible, leave a window open in the vicinity to aid in the drying process. Works well and most things don't require ironing...a bonus!

  • Sylvie Granville Sylvie Granville on Jan 30, 2017

    If your washing machine is a front loader, just fix the dryer on top!

  • Paulette Paulette on Jan 31, 2017

    I shared this before somewhere. I have a nail on top of the window frame, diagonally across from a door frame with a nail. I string a rope, knotted so loops just slip on. I dry overnight in this room. And bonus, there is a ceiling fan in this room that I leave on low. I have a dryer, but so many clothes shouldn't go in the dryer. I dry them about five minutes in the dryer to get the wrinkles out and hang on plastic hangers. Been doing it for years. Can't hardly see the nails.

  • Deanna Nassar Deanna Nassar on Jan 31, 2017

    My mother had one of those like Shannon's. Worked great when she had a floor furnace. Also helped keep some moisture in the air. I tried one on my floor furnace but had to stop when the kids were small and constantly running through. I can remember Granny running a line or two across the large kitchen we had and hanging the wash on rainy days.