Air Drying vs. Tumble Drying
Air Dry vs. Tumble Dry
Air dry uses no heat. Tumble dry uses heat to dry clothes in a machine. Tumble drying is faster than air drying. But tumble drying can shrink or damage some fabrics. It is best to follow fabric care labels on clothing. These recommend if tumble drying is safe and what heat setting to use.
Some fabrics that should not be tumble dried include: silk, wool, leather, sequined fabrics, clothes with prints, appliques or embellishments.
The benefits of air drying clothes include: less energy use, which saves money; gentler on fabrics; less likely to shrink clothes.
The downsides of air drying include: takes more time; can stretch fabrics if hung up improperly; may need ironing if dried lying flat.
Choosing the best method depends on: fabric type; care label recommendations; available drying space and weather; time constraints.
Pros and Cons of Air Drying
Benefits of Air Drying
- Less energy use, which saves money
- Gentler on fabrics
- Less likely to shrink clothes
Downsides of Air Drying
- Takes more time
- Can stretch fabrics if hung up improperly
- May need ironing if dried lying flat
Factors Influencing Drying Method Choice
Choosing the best method depends on:
- Fabric type
- Care label recommendations
- Available drying space and weather
- Time constraints