A two room flat with laundry in the bathroom
Short answer: In many two room flats the washing machine sits in the bathroom, and laundry dries in the living room or on a rack in the bedroom. That leads to damp and smells if you are not careful. With a little planning, laundry can fit into everyday life.
A washing machine in the bathroom
In smaller flats the bathroom is often the only place with a water supply and drain for a washing machine. That works fine, but the room is already damp from showers. Leave the door and detergent drawer open after each wash so the machine can dry out. Take the laundry out as soon as the programme finishes, so it does not sit damp in the drum and start to smell before you get round to hanging it up.
Drying indoors
When there is no room for a tumble dryer, laundry dries on a rack. Every load releases several litres of water into the air. Put the rack in the room that is easiest to ventilate, and preferably not in the bedroom. Open a window slightly or run the cooker hood or ventilation. Shake each item well before hanging it, so it dries faster and with fewer creases.
Choose clothes that dry quickly
Thick fabrics such as terry towelling and heavy cotton take a long time to dry on a rack. Lighter fabrics dry faster and add less moisture to the flat over time. Sleepwear and loungewear in viscose are a good example. See night pants for men, which are light and dry fairly quickly, and bamboo hoodie for men if you want a warmer layer that is still light to dry.
Spread the laundry across the week
In a small flat it is better to wash a little often than a lot at once. One load a day or every other day means less on the rack at any time and less moisture in the air. Set up a regular rhythm so you are never left with full baskets and nowhere to dry anything. Bedding can be washed on a day when you have time to air the flat properly.
Keep an eye on moisture
Condensation on the windows in the morning is a sign that humidity is too high. Wipe the panes and air the room. A small hygrometer is inexpensive and shows whether the humidity is too high. Between 40 and 60 percent is a good level. If it is often higher, it is worth changing where and when you dry your laundry.
Sleepwear and loungewear
Sleepwear gets washed often, and in a small flat it is practical to have enough for a week so you are not washing midweek. Choose pieces that work both as sleepwear and as loungewear, so less goes into the machine. See sleepwear for light sets that suit everyday life where space is limited.
Frequently asked questions
Can I dry laundry in the bedroom
It is best avoided, especially overnight. Moisture from the laundry can lead to stale air and condensation on the windows.
How much water does a load of laundry release
Usually several litres, depending on how well it was spun. So air the room well while it dries.
Why does laundry smell after drying indoors
It dries too slowly. Hang it with space between items, air the room and choose fabrics that dry quickly.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
