I’m a weather expert – the exact temperature you need to get your laundry dry outside, and it’s right around the corner
A WEATHER expert has revealed the exact temperature you need to get your laundry dry outside.
While the sun has proved elusive so far, we are apparently in for some sunnier days in coming weeks.
But you don't have to wait for a "boiling hot day" to put your washing on the line.
In fact, Netweather meteorologist Jo Farrow explained that temperatures of 12 degrees Celsius, with windspeeds of 15mph, make the ideal outdoor drying conditions.
"Most think that it’s to do with the temperature and it needs to be a boiling hot day, but it’s more to do with the wind," Jo said.
"A warm temperature is almost a bonus believe it or not!"
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In fact, it's even worth putting washing out when it's just five degrees Celsius outside.
However, if you are going to get your washing on the line, it's important to put it out first thing.
That's because you need to get it in by around 4pm, before it starts getting damp.
Jo also shared some more top tips, as she said: "If you are putting stuff on the line, do it properly.
"If the air can’t reach it and no wind is going through it, it won’t dry."
As well as that, "towels and denim hold a lot of water, so will take the longest to dry".
"Whereas polyester doesn’t hold water well, meaning it’s quick to dry," she added.
And don't even think about putting your clothes out if it's foggy.
"Fog is essentially a cloud on the ground and contain lots of moisture – not ideal for drying clothes, something only 43 per cent know," Jo said.
Despite Jo's remarks, research conducted by Brabantia showed that 22 per cent of people actively avoid drying clothes outside when it’s windy.
The poll also showed that the typical Briton spends 4.9 hours a week on laundry, with 11 per cent of people analysed spending 10 or more hours dealing with washing, drying and clothes aftercare.
"Jo’s analysis into the perfect outdoor drying conditions for colder weather is going to make doing the laundry far more of a breeze for families across the country," Twan Verdonck from Brabantia said.
“Brits spend a huge amount of time on washing and drying their clothes and, not only that, they’re also spending hard earned pounds on unnecessary tumble drying.
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“We want to encourage people to think about their current drying habits and start to utilise the great outdoors in providing a natural and cost-effective way to dry their laundry."
Brabantia has teamed up with Netweather to launch a Drying Index, which can tell you how effective outdoor drying is in your area, based on localised weather conditions.
