The myth that clothes must dry in the sun to get clean
Short answer: Clothes get clean in the washing machine, not on the line. The sun smells nice and can lighten stains a little, but it can also fade colours and weaken delicate fibres.
What actually makes clothes clean
The cleaning happens during the wash. Water, detergent, movement and temperature loosen dirt, grease and sweat from the fibres, and rinsing carries it away. When clothes come out of the machine, they are clean. Drying is about removing the water quickly enough to avoid a musty smell. Whether that happens on a line in the sun, on a rack indoors or in a tumble dryer makes no difference to how clean the clothes are once they are dry.
What the sun really does
Sunlight contains UV radiation, which can lighten some stains a little and reduce certain bacteria on the surface. That is why many people feel white tea towels look fresher after a day in the sun. But the effect is limited and uneven, and it does not replace a proper wash. The pleasant smell of clothes dried outdoors mostly comes from the fresh air and from the clothes drying quickly in the breeze rather than from the sunlight itself.
The sun fades colours
The same UV radiation breaks down dyes. Dark and bright colours quickly turn dull if they hang in direct sunlight for hours at a time. You see it especially on shoulders and along seams, where the fabric is most exposed. Turn coloured clothes inside out and hang them in shade or partial shade. They still dry well as long as there is plenty of air around them, and the colours will last noticeably longer.
Delicate fibres and elastane
Viscose, including viscose from bamboo, and elastane do best with gentle treatment. Long periods in strong sun can make elastic less springy and fibres more brittle. This matters most for underwear and sportswear, where the elastane has to hold its shape. Dry such items flat or hanging in the shade, and do not leave them out in the sun once they are already dry. See bamboo sports bra.
The best way to dry clothes
Shake clothes out well when they come out of the machine so the creases smooth out. Hang them with space between each item so air can circulate. Knits and heavy jumpers should be laid flat so they do not stretch out of shape. Hang socks by the toe so the water runs out. Indoors it helps to open a window or switch on a fan. Clothes that dry too slowly can develop a sour smell and will need washing again. See bamboo socks for women.
When the sun is a good idea
White cotton, tea towels and bed linen cope well with sunshine, and here the light bleaching effect can be useful. Coloured clothes, delicate materials and anything with elastane are better off in the shade. If you want the fresh air, hang the washing out on an overcast day or in a shady corner of the garden. Underwear such as bamboo panties dries quickly in the shade because the fabric is thin.
Frequently asked questions
Do clothes get cleaner from drying in the sun
No. Clothes are cleaned during the wash. The sun can lighten stains slightly, but it does not make clothes any cleaner.
Can sunlight damage clothes
Yes. UV radiation fades colours and can weaken elastane and delicate fibres with long exposure.
How should coloured clothes be dried outdoors
Turned inside out and hung in the shade with good air flow around them.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
