WHEN the sun finally shows its face, most of us race to hang our laundry outside but if you’re reaching for the pegs, you might want to think twice.
According to experts, those little plastic clips could be silently wreaking havoc on your favourite outfits, especially if you’re drying delicate fabrics.
Fashion brand Superdry have issued a warning to laundry lovers, urging Brits to take extra care when drying their clothes outdoors this summer.
Superdry said: “Take caution when using clothes pegs, as they can leave unsightly and potentially permanent pressure marks on delicate fabrics,” they said.
If you’ve ever pulled your favourite dress off the line only to find weird dents in the shoulders or waistband, pegs are likely the culprit.
The advice they gave was to skip the pegs altogether when it comes to delicate items, and if it’s breezy out, don’t risk your clothes flying away either.
Instead, pop them flat on an airer or dry them indoors where you can keep an eye on them.
There are plenty of ways to give your whites that sunshine-fresh feel without the side effects.
Superdry suggests spritzing your laundry with white vinegar before hanging it out, this boosts the sun’s natural whitening power without damaging fabrics.
But it’s not just about marks and dents.
Some natural fibres, like cotton and linen, can dry stiff and scratchy after baking outside all day.
To keep your clothes soft, try bringing them in while they’re still slightly damp and finish them off in the tumble dryer for a few minutes.
Cleaning expert Sarah Dempsey, from MyJobQuote, also warns that summer isn’t always the best drying weather, especially when it’s humid.
She said: “High levels of humidity in the air can result in longer drying times, so you may find that clothes dry much more quickly on a cold winter’s day than they would on a humid summer day.”
She also recommends ditching a full clothes line for a foldable airer outside, it is just as effective.
It saves space, prevents indoor damp, and won’t ruin your flowerbeds.
Experts also warn against the classic radiator-drying trick, which may seem convenient but can lead to mould and rising energy bills.
“Drying your clothes on radiators can increase the moisture in the air and cause health risks,” Sarah said.
“If you must use them, add a dehumidifier into the mix.”
And for the love of your clothes, don’t let them sit in the washing machine for hours.
Leaving damp laundry in the drum can cause nasty smells, mildew, and permanent damage.
Instead, get them straight out and onto a line or airer while they’re still fresh.
So ditch the pegs and treat your wardrobe to a bit of TLC this summer.
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