No Dryer, No Problem. Here's How To Dry Clothes Without A Machine

Not having a dryer in your home doesn't mean you have to settle for damp clothes or run down to the laundromat and waste your quarters. There are several quick and easy techniques you can employ to effectively dry your clothes at home. The first thing you'll want to do is spin your clothes out using the high-speed setting on your washing machine. This will remove excess water and reduce the drying time when you hang them up — if you have outdoor space, you can set up a clothesline. Just be mindful of sun exposure to prevent color fading.

If you don't have an outdoor drying area, don't worry. Just position your clothing near heat sources like sunny windows, fireplaces, or radiators. To optimize the drying process and prevent wrinkles, always remember to shake out your garments. In a pinch, smaller clothing items, like socks and undergarments, can actually be dried out in your oven. But, you might not want to gamble on that, considering it can take up to an hour to fully dry them — and it wouldn't be fun to somehow scorch your underwear!

When outdoor line drying is not possible, you can easily create an indoor drying space. Purchase a foldable drying rack or use existing structures like shower curtain rods or door frames to hang your clothes. Depending on the type of garment, hang your clothes on a normal clothes hanger. Alternatively, if you're lying them flat, adding a towel underneath will help absorb the moisture.

To ensure good airflow, keep windows open or use a fan to prevent the buildup of humidity and musty odors. Depending on the material, size, and drying environment, air drying can take anywhere from 1 to 24 hours. If you choose to dry your garments on heating vents or radiators, be sure to carefully read the care label instructions. Look for specific warnings or recommendations regarding heat exposure. Some fabrics are highly flammable or may contain materials that can melt if exposed to high heat. Silk, satin, or lace often require extra care, so it's best to just let those air dry.

If you're in a rush and need to dry a specific garment quickly, a hairdryer can come to the rescue. Lay the damp garment on a flat surface and position the hairdryer a safe distance away, rotating it frequently so that it dries evenly. Make sure to not overheat the fabric because it can either shrink or damage it. Using a bath towel can also be a highly effective tool in your quest for dry clothing. Begin by wringing out the excess water from the garment as much as possible. Lay a clean bath towel on a flat surface and spread the clothing item on top of it, keeping it as flat as possible. Tightly roll the towel so that it encases the garment inside. Gently apply pressure to the rolled-up garment. The towel will act as a sponge, drawing out the remaining water from the garment.

The last technique is the iron and towel trick. Lay a clean towel on top of the damp garment and set your iron to high heat. Gently iron the towel, making sure that both sides of the garment receive heat. The combination of the warmth from the iron and the absorbent properties of the towel will help channel moisture out of the fabric. Never place a hot iron directly onto wet clothing because it can scorch and burn the fabric. Remember to switch out the towel once it becomes damp.