One thing you should never do when drying clothes in the sun this summer

Drying clothes outdoors is a favoured summertask, offering a breath of fresh air and reduced energy costs. But have you ever pondered the actual impact of all that direct sunlight on your cherished outfits? It appears that those powerful rays might be more damaging than beneficial.

A cleaning expert from Lenor has cautioned that prolonged exposure to the sun can spoil both light and dark clothing. So, before you peg out your next wash, it's crucial to grasp the potential harm that could befall your garments.

We've delved into what damages can occur and how to avert them below.

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Why you should dodge direct sunlight

The Lenor cleaning specialist stated, "Direct sunlight breaks down dyes used in fabrics and leads to fading. When drying bright or dark items outside, turn them inside out and ensure your airer or clothesline is in the shade."

According to In The Wash, the sun emits ultraviolet radiation. When those rays meet a coloured fabric, they trigger a chemical reaction, causing the material to fade, reports the Express.

Unfortunately, once this happens, there's no reversing the fading on your clothes. The cleaning expert recommends using a fabric conditioner to help preserve the colour vibrancy and prevent fading.

Another tactic to shield against fading is to track the sun's trajectory and arrange white/brighter clothes to act as a barrier between the sun and your coloured items.

This way, the white garments serve as a barrier, minimising sun exposure to the coloured items. For those using a rotary clothesline, position your coloured garments on the central lines and arrange white items on the exterior lines.

Direct sunlight proves advantageous for white garments, as it naturally bleaches the fabric, whilst UV rays can efficiently eliminate troublesome bacteria responsible for unpleasant odours on items such as socks and underwear.

What else should you look out for?

The cleaning specialist cautions that individuals suffering from hay fever or other pollen-related allergies should avoid outdoor drying when pollen levels are elevated.

"Damp clothes, especially knits, attract allergens blowing in the air and could quickly become the scourge of your summer. Most weather apps will alert you-as well as when rain is on the horizon, of course."

Another tip concerns drying clothes carefully and quickly. The specialist suggested maintaining an inch gap between items to facilitate quicker drying.

Air must flow around garments to remove moisture and guarantee a thorough, uniform dry. When drying indoors, position clothes close to an air vent, extractor fan, or dehumidifier to accelerate the process.

It's crucial your garments are completely dry before storing away to help prevent musty-smelling mould and mildew from developing in poorly ventilated spaces, such as wardrobes and drawers.