Understanding the Basics of Drying Clothes: Air Dry vs. Machine Dry

Growing up, my mother insisted on air drying everything. From delicates to jeans, sports uniforms, even basic cotton tees, there was always freshly washed laundry hanging from the backs of chairs or laid out neatly by the windows. As I got older and started doing my own laundry, I followed my mom’s example and largely used the air drying method for all my clothes. 

It wasn’t until I had my own kids, when my time and free space for air drying clothes evaporated overnight, that I started relying on a dryer. But after throwing everything into the dryer to save time and shrinking or ruining a variety of garments, I decided I needed to find a balance. This is where I put on my research hat and did some learning. 

I figured out (embarrassingly late in life) that there isn’t just one best way to properly dry clothes. Rather, it all comes down to understanding the type of fabric you are washing, the weather where you live (yes, the weather!), and your personal preferences. 

Let’s take a closer look at these factors to help you make better decisions when doing your laundry, to help you feel empowered when deciding how best to dry your clothes. After all, drying methods vary and impact the shelf-life of your clothes and the sustainability of your household, and the overall cost per load definitely affects your household budget. 

Can’t wait to help you tackle this part of your laundry routine! Ready to dive in and get it done together?

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Drying Method

Before skipping straight to throwing all of your clothes in the dryer, there are a few things to consider that will set you up for success:

Fabric type

First things first—what kind of fabric are you dealing with? Is it something delicate like wool, silk, or linen? Or is it a tougher material like cotton, denim, or polyester? Figuring this out is super important so you can dry it the right way and avoid any fabric disasters.

Energy efficiency and environmental impact

Another thing to think about is energy use and how it impacts the environment. Did you know a standard dryer uses anywhere from 1800 to 5000 watts of energy? The size of your load and the heat setting you choose can make a big difference too. 

If you’re looking to shrink your home’s environmental footprint, try shorter, cooler cycles—or skip the dryer altogether and air-dry your clothes instead!. Residential laundry was estimated to produce 179 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2019—and it has likely only increased since then!

Cost of air drying versus machine drying

It’s also worth thinking about the personal cost of drying your clothes. Using a dryer means higher energy bills, but air drying can take up a chunk of your time with all the hanging and waiting. It’s all about finding the balance that works best for you and your lifestyle!

Space availability and climate

If you live somewhere with cold or rainy weather, air drying might only be an option during certain times of the year. Take my family in Seattle, for example—while I love air drying in the summer, I’m stuck drying clothes inside for most of the year. On the flip side, my friends in sunny Southern California get to air-dry their laundry outside year-round.

Next, think about where in your home you can air-dry your clothes. You’ll need a well-ventilated spot with enough space for a drying rack or hangers. And if you’re lucky enough to live in a warm, dry climate, string up a clothesline outside. Clothes dried outside often feel fresher because of the natural airflow and sunlight, which can help eliminate odors and even act as a natural disinfectant. There’s just something about that crisp, clean smell that’s hard to beat.

Convenience and time

Your time is valuable, so it’s all about choosing a drying method that works for your lifestyle and schedule. Let’s be honest here—air drying takes more effort. You have to hang each piece of clothing, and it takes longer for everything to dry completely, and a lot can go wrong even though it seems simple enough.

If you’re a busy mom or juggling a packed schedule, machine drying might be the better option. You can toss in a load, and in under an hour, it’s dry and ready to go. It’s quick, efficient, and a lifesaver when you’re short on time. At the end of the day, it’s about what fits best with the rhythm of your life.

Advantages of Air Drying Clothes

Aside from my mother’s deep-rooted belief in air drying, this drying technique also offers a range of benefits. Some of the biggest advantages of air drying clothes are:

• Environmentally friendly: Since no machine is required, this method has no energy consumption, which reduces your home’s carbon footprint.
• Gentle on fabrics: High temperatures can shrink and damage your clothes. Air drying prevents shrinkage, fading, and wear caused by heat.
• Preserves garments: This gentler method improves the longevity of your clothes and maintains their shape, texture, and color.
• Cost-effective: No energy costs are required for air drying. The only cost you may encounter is for equipment like a clothesline or a drying rack.
• Safe for specialty fabrics: Air drying is suitable for specific items like delicates, wool, athletic wear, and embroidered fabrics that would otherwise get damaged in the dryer.

Disadvantages of Air Drying Clothes

Air drying also has drawbacks that are worth considering: 

• Time-consuming: This method requires more drying time, making it less than ideal if you want to wear your clothes within 24 hours of washing.
• Weather-dependent: Air drying clothes is difficult during the winter or in humid conditions (if drying outside).
• Space requirements: Air drying requires using drying racks or outdoor space.
• Risk of improper drying: Clothes can become stiff or develop mildew if improperly dried.

Advantages of Machine Drying Clothes

I think I can safely say that machine drying clothes is a total game-changer for convenience. The speed and efficiency are obvious perks, but there are plenty of other benefits too. If you’re curious, here are a few more reasons why machine drying can be a great option:

• Effective for large, bulky items: This is one of the best ways to dry large and bulky items like towels, sheets, and curtains.
• Year-round use: You never need to worry about your clothes getting rained on! Your dryer can be used year-round, regardless of weather conditions.
• Suitable for a variety of fabrics: Many modern dryers offer multiple settings to suit different fabrics such as delicates or items needing a lower-temperature dry cycle.

Disadvantages of Machine Drying Clothes

Of course, machine drying clothes isn’t a perfect system. Here are some disadvantages that come with machine drying clothes:

• Can be harsh on delicate fabrics: The high temperature of dryers may cause shrinkage, fading, and wear over time, even if dried on a “cooler” cycle.
• High energy consumption: Be prepared for higher utility bills, especially if you do multiple loads a week.
• Not eco-friendly: Unfortunately, home dryers are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and add to your home’s carbon footprint.
• Requires maintenance: Like any machine, dryers require upkeep. The more use your dryer gets, the more you’ll need to clean lint traps, vents, and so on. 

When You Should Air Dry Clothes

Now, it’s time to decide how to dry your clothes. Here are some situations where air drying is the best option for your clothes: 

• You’re drying delicate fabrics: Silk, wool, cashmere, and lace can be damaged by high heat and should always be air-dried to avoid damage.
• You’re trying to lower your home’s energy usage: For households trying to reduce their electricity usage and save energy, whether for a cheaper utility bill or to better the environment, air drying is your cost-effective solution.
• You have warm, sunny days: This weather is perfect for outdoor drying, which can also help disinfect clothes and give them a fresh scent. 
• You want to avoid shrinkage and stretching: Air drying is best for items prone to changing shape, like knitted fabrics.
• Your item has special care labels: Clothes that specify "line dry" or "lay flat" should always be air dried to avoid damage to the garments. Always defer to the instructions on the item’s care label for the best results!

When You Should Machine Dry Clothes

Sometimes, machine drying clothes is the best option for you. Here are some scenarios when you should machine dry clothes:

• When you need clothes quickly: Dryers are fast and efficient for large loads or emergency drying.
• The climate is cold or wet: In cold, rainy, or humid climates, air drying isn’t practical because it is difficult to get clothing fully dried.
• You’re drying sturdy fabrics: Towels, jeans, and bedding can withstand the heat of machine drying.
• You’re drying large items: Comforters, blankets, and other heavy fabrics are cumbersome to hang to dry and take too long to air dry.
• When you use specific dryer settings for care: If you have a modern drying machine, low heat or air fluff settings can be used for gentle drying.

Tips for Effective Air Drying

Air drying can go wrong quickly, leading to mold or mildew smells developing in your clothes. Here are my top tips to air dry your clothes effectively: 

• Use hangers, drying racks, and clothespins to properly space wet clothes for faster drying.
• If your dried clothes feel stiff, shake them out to soften them by hand after they dry.
• If you air dry clothes indoors, it is important to hang your clothes in a space with plenty of air flow to prevent mildew and ensure proper ventilation.

Tips for Effective Machine Drying

Machine drying is super easy, but things can go sideways pretty fast if you’re not careful. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tips that have totally transformed my laundry routine and helped me avoid those annoying mishaps:

• Use appropriate settings for fabric type. Low heat, tumble-dry, or air fluff are especially useful for minimizing damage.
• Add dryer sheets or dryer balls to prevent static and reduce wrinkles.
• Regularly clean the lint trap and check the dryer vent for better efficiency and safety.
• Avoid overloading the dryer for better drying performance.

Making the Right Choice for Your Clothes

As I mentioned earlier, there is no one way to dry your clothes. Though my mom and many others swear by air drying, machine drying offers benefits like efficiency and ease for people with small spaces. What’s most important is that you make a choice that works for your clothes and lifestyle. Consider your fabric care, time constraints, and environmental considerations to help you make the right choice for your clothes. 

I encourage you to try out both methods and find the balance that works best for you and your family. For me, it’s all about mixing it up—my sheets and towels always go in the machine, while my delicates and activewear are strictly air-dried. Experiment and see what feels right for you!

If you found this article helpful, share it with your friends on social media. Who knows? It might just save them a laundry headache or two!