03 Aug 2025
Drying your laundry isn’t just about speed or sunshine, it’s about the wear on your clothes, the energy you're using, and the emissions you're (not) making. Tumble dryers might win for speed and convenience, but line-drying steals the show when it comes to saving carbon, cash and clothes. Here’s what you need to know…
The washing machine’s finished, the laundry's washed, and now it needs to get dry.
Do you hang it on the line and let the sunshine and wind do its thing? Or do you chuck it in the tumble dryer and turn it on?
Perhaps it’s not something we think about very much, but drying the washing shouldn’t just be a simple afterthought. Because how we dry our clothes can impact:
- how long they last,
- how much energy we use,
- and how high our next energy bill climbs.
So here’s the laundry-drying-lowdown.
line-drying.
Line-drying means you hang your clothes in fresh air, whether that’s outside under clear blue skies or inside by the radiator (if the rain’s come to town). It’s old school and slower but better for the planet.
Here are the wins:
- Free to run. No electricity, no drama.
- Lower carbon footprint (one of the greenest things you can do with your laundry).
- Kinder to clothes. No high heat, or tumbling about to add extra wear and tear.
- Enjoys a fresh line-dried smell that’s proven by science!
What’s not ideal:
- It takes time (unless it’s a really hot summer’s day).
- Weather matters. A damp dark atmosphere makes drying tricky.
- You need an outside space.
In summary: if you’ve got the time (and the pegs), line-drying is the gold standard for protecting your clothes and the planet.
tumble-drying:
The tumble dryer gives fast results which can be a lifesaver in today’s busy world and when you need that clean top NOW!
Why it wins:
- Speed. Your laundry could be dry in minutes.
- Convenience. Dry clothes whatever the weather.
- Some models even reduce wrinkles (leave the ironing for another day).
What’s not great:
- High energy use. Tumble dryers are one of the biggest power-guzzlers in your home.
- Can damage clothes. The heat and friction can fade colours and wear out elastics.
- Expensive to run. Especially with current energy prices.
- Detergent and fabric conditioner fragrances won’t last as well.
In summary: great when you’re in a rush, but not the best if you’re trying to cut waste or wear.
what’s best for your clothes?
Every tumble-dry cycle is going to take its toll on the fibres in your clothing. Not a big deal once or twice, but over time, day in and day out? It makes a difference. If you must use the dryer, aim for a low heat and avoid over-drying, you should also always check your clothing care labels.
Line-drying on the other hand helps to:
- Stop fabric shrinkage.
- Protect colours, prints and embroidery.
- Extend the lifespan of delicate items.
what’s best for the planet?
The numbers speak for themselves.
Line-drying = zero emissions.
Tumble-drying = approx 1.8kg of CO₂ per load (depending on your energy source).1
So, even switching just a few loads per month from tumble to line can shave serious carbon off your laundry routine (and save you a bit on the energy bill too).
Overall smol verdict: try both, but line-dry when you can.
drying FAQs.
is line-drying really better for your clothes?
Yes! It avoids high heat and friction, which helps clothes keep their shape, colour and softness for longer.
how much energy does a tumble dryer use?
It varies by model, but many use around 4kWh per cycle1 and they are one of the most energy-hungry appliances in your home.
can I line-dry inside?
Absolutely. Check out how to line-dry inside here.
will line-dried clothes feel stiff?
Sometimes! Giving them a shake before hanging and again once dry, helps. Using a fabric conditioner will also help guard against this and you can always do a short tumble-dry at the end (just 5 mins) to soften things up.
Want your laundry to be heavy on clean, lighter on the planet?
Try smol’s super-concentrated laundry capsules and line-dry for the win.