Laundry Care 101: A Guide to Hang Drying Your Clothes

Navigating the hang-drying decision-making process can sometimes feel like decoding a riddle. It depends on on a variety of factors. From the type of fabric to the garment's structure, color, and special features, the choice to hang dry can significantly impact the longevity and quality of your clothes.

Here's a bit of guidance for those moments when you're standing in front of your laundry, wondering, "To hang dry or not to hang dry?"

1. Read the Label

Maybe this goes without saying but, clothing labels are a treasure trove. They often contain valuable information about how a particular garment should be cared for. You can find clothing labels either by the tag of the item, or on an inside seam. Look for symbols or instructions related to drying. If you spot a little clothespin or a square icon with a circle inside, it's a green light for hang drying.

2. Fabric Matters

Different fabrics have different needs. Delicate materials like silk, lace, and certain knits are usually best friends with hang drying. Natural fibers like cotton and linen can handle it too. However, if you're dealing with a synthetic fabric, like polyester, it might prefer the gentleness of a low-heat dryer cycle.

If you’re not sure what type of fabric it is, check the handy-dandy clothing label!

BONUS: Denim

Jeans are the backbone of many wardrobes, and hang drying is their preferred spa treatment. Avoid the dryer to prevent unnecessary wear, maintain that perfect fit, and extend the life of your favorite pair. Denim experts (including Levi’s) pretty much universally agree it’s best to air dry your jeans most of the time.

BONUS: Activewear

Your workout gear has a tough job, and subjecting it to the high heat of a dryer can degrade its elasticity and moisture-wicking properties. Hang drying ensures that your activewear stays in peak performance shape.

3. Consider the Garment's Structure

The structure of the garment matters. Items with elastic components, like bras and certain types of activewear, might benefit from the support of a hanger rather than being stretched on a clothesline. Hang drying helps maintain the shape of delicate items and prevents them from losing their elasticity.

4. Color Consciousness

If the garment is bright and bold, it's wise to consider hang drying. Vibrant colors can fade in the heat of a dryer, and air drying helps preserve the intensity of hues. When in doubt, remember that the sun's rays can be both a drying and color-fading agent, so consider turning your colorful items inside out or drying them in the shade/inside.

5. Check for Special Features

Some garments come with special features that might not play well with the heat of a dryer. Sequins, delicate embroidery, or intricate beadwork could be damaged in the tumbling chaos of a dryer. Read: ballroom Hang drying gives these special items the individualized care they deserve.

6. The Texture Test

Run your fingers over the fabric. Does it feel delicate or prone to snagging? If so, it might appreciate the TLC of hang drying. Fabrics like silk and cashmere are notorious for their delicate nature, and air drying ensures they keep their luxurious texture.

7. Trust Your Instincts

You know your wardrobe better than anyone. If a particular item holds sentimental value or is a wardrobe staple, trust your instincts. If you feel uncertain about tossing it in the dryer, err on the side of caution and give it the hang-drying treatment.

8. Previous Experiences

If you've had success (or mishaps) with hang drying similar items in the past, let those experiences guide you. Your personal laundry history can be a valuable teacher when making decisions about the care of your clothes.

Benefits of Hang Drying

Energy Efficiency and Eco-Friendliness

Hang drying is the green superhero of laundry day. By skipping the dryer, you're not only saving energy but also reducing your carbon footprint. It's a small, eco-friendly step that can make a big impact, especially in the long run.

Clothes Preservation Magic

Dryers can be tough on fabrics, causing colors to fade and delicate materials to lose their luster. Hang drying, on the other hand, is a gentle approach. Your clothes will thank you by staying vibrant and maintaining their original softness for much longer.

No Shrinking!

Bid farewell to the heartbreak of a favorite sweater shrinking into oblivion. Hang drying prevents the heat-induced shrinkage that often occurs in dryers, ensuring your clothes maintain their original size and shape.

Additional Considerations

Timing Is Key

Hang drying takes a bit more time than the quick cycle of a dryer. Plan accordingly, especially for items you might need in a hurry.

Pro tip: Hanging clothes overnight gives them ample time to dry without feeling rushed.

Weather

If you're relying on the great outdoors for your hang drying endeavors, keep an eye on the weather forecast. Unexpected rain can turn your clothesline into a soggy situation. Always have a backup plan or a handy drying rack for emergencies.

Also, while the sun is a natural and effective drying agent, prolonged exposure can be harsh on fabrics. To prevent colors from fading, consider turning clothes inside out or hanging them in a shaded area.

Wrinkles

Hang drying can sometimes lead to wrinkles, especially if you're drying heavier items. Smooth out wrinkles before hanging, and consider giving clothes a gentle shake after they've dried to minimize any residual creases. You can steam or iron items. Another low-maintenance option for mild wrinkles is to hang those items in your bathroom while running a hot shower to create a DIY steam room.

What If You're Still Not Sure?

If, after considering all these factors, you're still uncertain, here are a few additional steps:

1. Google It

The internet is a treasure trove of laundry wisdom. A quick search with the fabric type and care instructions can often provide guidance from seasoned laundry enthusiasts and experts.

2. Consult a Professional

If the item is particularly precious or you're dealing with a unique fabric, consider consulting a professional cleaner. They can offer insights based on their expertise and may even provide specialized care tailored to your garment.

If you're uncertain about a particular item, choosing the hang dry option ensures that it receives the gentle, individualized care it deserves. The next time you stand before your laundry, pondering the hang-drying dilemma, trust your instincts, consult the labels, and embrace the personalized care that makes your wardrobe truly yours.

Poplin’s on-demand laundry services offers hang dry for any item. Just separate those items out before your order is picked up, and choose the “Hang Dry” option*.

*Hang Dry is not available on Express orders as the turnaround time is too short to accommodate hang drying.