Laundry is a chore that needs to get done one way or another; otherwise, you’ll have nothing clean to wear. You might have a drying machine to make the process easier, but if not, you may have to resort to the old-fashioned way and line dry. Regardless, they both get the job done, and that’s all you really need. That said, you might be wondering what is better for your clothes: line drying or the dryer.

Ahead, we speak with laundry and cleaning experts about the key differences between line drying and using a dryer. They even gave some tips on how to determine which is best for your clothes and needs.

Line Drying vs. Dryer: How Does It Dry Your Clothes

“Line drying involves hanging your damp clothes on a clothesline, drying rack, or rope—either outside under the sun or inside if the weather’s not great,” says Joy Ramos, operations manager of Bear Brothers Cleaning. “The air works, slowly drawing out the moisture as it circulates through your clothes.”

According to Mary Gagliardi, a cleaning expert and Clorox’s in-house scientist, using a traditional machine dryer involves blowing heated air through the dryer as the laundry tumbles, evacuating moist air until the load is dry.

Line Drying vs. Dryer: Pros and Cons

When deciding whether to use line drying or a dryer, the pros and cons should be considered.

Benefits of Line-Drying Clothes

  • It helps maintain the integrity and quality of your clothes. According to Matthew O’Connor, CEO of NoScrubs.com, line drying can extend a garment’s lifespan by reducing fiber breakdown, so you can have it for longer in better condition. For example, if you have a delicate shirt or dress that needs to be washed and dried, then you’re probably better off line drying it. That said, you’ll want to check the manufacturing instructions printed on a garment’s tag to see what they recommend.
  • It helps save on electricity. Line drying requires no cost aside from purchasing a drying rack or a line and pins. This is ideal for those on a tight budget or those who simply don’t want to spend money on something that can be done for free.
  • Natural benefits of drying in the sun. “Whites are naturally brightened, and bacteria is killed by sunlight,” says Ramos. “Your clothes also can smell fresher after drying outside.”

Drawbacks of Line-Drying Clothes

  • It’s a time suck. Line-drying clothes can be time-consuming in many cases, especially for thicker fabrics and textiles. Instead of taking 45 minutes, a load can take upwards of a few hours to dry.
  • Clothing and other garments can get distorted. “Wet laundry is substantially heavier, and when initially hung to dry, can potentially become distorted under the weight of the water on the fabric as it hangs,” says Gagliardi. “This mostly affects sweaters, delicately constructed clothing, and antique textiles.”

Benefits of Drying Clothes in the Dryer

  • It’s more efficient. “Machine drying is much faster than line drying except in very hot and dry climates,” says Gagliardi.
  • There’s typically more control. “Most drying machines are great at catching lint, pet hair, and dust,” says Ramos. Plus, it works any time, rain or shine so there’s no guessing involved.”

Drawbacks of Drying Clothes in the Dryer

  • Can cause shrinking or damage. As you may already know, repeated heating and tumbling, such as that done inside a drying machine, can shrink, fade, or damage fabrics.
  • Higher utility bills. Outside of the clothing itself, using a dryer can also increase your electric bill, as it uses a lot of energy for a load.
  • It can turn into a safety hazard if not well-maintained. Alicia Sokowlowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean, also mentions that there’s a safety risk associated with drying machines. “If not cleaned regularly, lint buildup can become a hazard,” she says. There’s even the possibility that maintenance issues may arise that need to be addressed with frequent use.

Line Drying vs. Dryer: Which Is Better for Your Clothes?

Smiling young woman drying clothes on rack by sofa in living roomWESTEND61/GETTY IMAGES

This really depends on the type of clothes you’re drying and the frequency. “I prefer line drying (indoors with a dehumidifier during cooler/wetter months) to prevent shrinkage and preserve color of items where that is an issue,” says Gagliardi. “I also prefer the convenience and speed of machine drying towels, bedding, socks, and underwear.”

Ramos recommends line-drying clothes to keep them looking fresh and bright. “It’s much gentler on the fabric, which means less wear and tear, plus it helps prevent shrinking or fading,” he tells Family Handyman.

Line Drying vs. Dryer: Which Costs More?

Using a traditional dryer costs more because you have to pay for not only the cost of the appliance itself but also the electric bills associated with it. This involves the energy required to run and potential maintenance when issues arise.

With line drying, you’ll need to invest in a rack and dehumidifier but those are one time purchases and will last you a long time.

Tips for Line-Drying Clothes

If you’re interested in line-drying your clothes, Ramos has some tips:

  • Leave ample room between items to allow air to circulate.
  • Turn colored or dark clothing inside out to prevent sun fading.
  • Lay delicate items flat to prevent straining.
  • Shake your garments thoroughly before hanging them up to lessen that stiff feeling.
  • Stick with plastic or wooden clothespins instead of metal one’s since those can rust and stain your fabric.

Tips for Drying Clothes in the Dryer

When it comes to using a machine dryer, Sokowlowski has some tips:

  • Clean the lint trap after every load.
  • Use dryer balls to reduce static and drying time.
  • Separate heavy and lightweight fabrics for more even drying.
  • Don’t overload the dryer – having good airflow matters.
  • When in doubt, use the lowest heat setting.

FAQ

Can you line dry clothes in the winter?

Yes, you can line dry clothes in the winter, but this depends on the weather in your area. “Warm, dry southern states will find this easier to do than cold, rainy northern regions,” says Gagliardi.

According to Sokowlowski, cold air can still dry clothes, but it just takes longer. “The water in clothes evaporates even when frozen,” she says. “Just expect it to be slower and avoid heavy rain or snow when drying clothes outside.”

Can you line dry clothes inside?

Yes, you can line dry clothes inside if you have the space. If you decide to do this, then Gagliardi recommends having a dehumidifier on standby to help get rid of the excess moisture and humidity.

What are the best fabrics to line-Dry vs. put in the dryer?

Again, this varies based on the type of fabric, size and manufacturing directions. “Terry cloth towels will dry more quickly in a machine dryer, but they certainly can be line dried to save energy,” says Gagliardi. “Sheets and other tightly woven fabrics can be either line or machine dried and wool items that allow hand washing or machine washing on the delicate cycle usually should be laid flat to dry, but some allow tumble drying on low heat.

About The Experts

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Casey Clark
Casey Clark is a freelance writer from New York City who specializes in commerce writing with emphasis on beauty, food, and lifestyle content. Casey's work has been featured in Women's Health, Allure, Byrdie, Cosmopolitan, etc. When she's not writing, you can find her swatching the latest lipsticks or out to brunch with her girlfriends.
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