The clothes airer in the living room
Short answer: A clothes airer in the living room is practical, but it adds moisture and takes up space. Place it near a window or a radiator without touching it, hang items with space between them, air the room as you go, and fold the airer away once everything is dry.
Why use an airer
Air drying is gentle on textiles. Clothes shrink less, elastic lasts longer and colours hold up better than in a hot tumble dryer. Viscose made from bamboo particularly benefits from drying on a hanger, because the fibres are soft and can tighten up at high heat. An airer uses no electricity and folds flat. Many people use one all year round, even if they own a dryer, for the items they want to take extra care of and keep looking good for longer.
The right spot
Place the airer near a window or a radiator, but do not let the clothes touch the radiator. Warm air rises and carries moisture away, and regular airing lets the damp air out of the room. Avoid corners with no air movement or a spot right against an outside wall, where moisture can settle and cause problems later. A room with the door closed and a window open is ideal if you have that option in your home.
Hang items with space between them
Laundry dries faster and more evenly when air can move around each piece. Hang heavy items such as jeans and towels on the outer rails and lighter pieces in the middle. T-shirts can hang on hangers along the edge of the airer. A viscose night T-shirt for men dries quickly if it hangs freely rather than folded over a rail. Shake every item before you hang it so it dries with fewer creases and needs less ironing.
Large items such as sheets
Sheets and duvet covers are hard to fit on a standard airer. Fold them lengthways and drape them over several rails so they are not doubled up too tightly. Turn them after a couple of hours. Many people prefer to dry bedding on a line or over a door. Smaller sheets such as bamboo split sheets fit more easily because each piece is narrower. Standard bamboo sheets dry fairly quickly when they are given enough room.
Moisture in the living room
A full load of washing can release several litres of water as it dries. That moisture goes into the air and can cause condensation on windows and a heavy feel in the room. Open windows for a through draught a couple of times while the laundry dries, and spin at the highest speed the clothes allow. In winter, when the air is dry, a little extra moisture can actually be welcome, but in autumn and in damp homes it is wise to keep an eye on a hygrometer.
When the laundry is dry
Take the clothes down as soon as they are dry and fold them straight away. It saves ironing, and the airer is not left standing out longer than necessary. An airer folded and stored behind a door brings more calm to the living room. Check seams and waistbands before you put clothes away, as these dry last. Clothes put away while still damp can develop a sour smell that is hard to get rid of.
Frequently asked questions
How long does laundry take to dry indoors on an airer
Usually between 6 and 24 hours, depending on the fabric, temperature and humidity. Light fabrics dry fastest.
Can clothes hang directly on the radiator
It is not recommended. Clothes can turn stiff and smell, and the radiator cannot give off its heat properly.
Does the airer add moisture to the living room
Yes, quite a lot. Air the room as the clothes dry and watch for condensation on the windows.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
