In the summer, fresh laundry gently fluttering in the breeze is a common sight in British back gardens.
Balmy temperatures help clothes and sheets dry within a matter of hours, saving both time and money and – for those who don't usually use a tumble dryer – significantly reducing the risk of mould indoors.
For all these benefits, however, air-drying your washing does come with one well-known drawback: stiff, scratchy fabrics.
That's because, unlike in a mechanical dryer, the fabrics remain stationary, allowing any soap residue left in the fibres to dry into a thin film that bonds them together, resulting in that all-too-familiar crispy texture.
Synthetic fabric softeners may offer a quick fix, but over time, they can do more harm than good over time, coating fabrics in a thin, waxy film that reduces breathability, traps odours, makes towels less absorbent and even increases flammability.
Thankfully, there's a simple, natural alternative – and chances are it's already sitting at the back of one of your kitchen cupboards. According to laundry experts, white vinegar is a natural fabric softener that works wonders for clothes and bed sheets dried outdoors.
As Ian Palmer-Smith of household appliance repair service Domestic & General, explains, the ingredient helps dissolve traces of detergent trapped in fabrics, preventing them from getting stiff as they dry.
"Add in a cup of white vinegar to the cycle to break down any residue from the laundry detergent, keeping the fibres in tip top condition without compromising on softness," he says.
Ian also advises against the use of a range of other ingredients to keep household fabrics soft. "You should also look to avoid certain laundry products, such as brightening laundry detergents," he says.
"Detergents marketed as ‘brightening detergent’ contain ingredients such as bleach and benzoyl peroxides. These ingredients can be harsh on towels and can result in deterioration of the fibres, leading to towels with a rough and flat texture.
"Dryer sheets have a similar build-up effect, so I would recommend avoiding this."
Instead, rely on the power of a thorough wash, a little white vinegar – and a good shake. You can mimic the agitating effect of a tumble dryer by giving each item a vigorous shake before hanging it on the line, helping fibres separate and realign before they dry.
It's a simple extra step that can take your favourite clothes and bedding from crunchy to cosy without compromising them.
Wanda Sachs is the Multiplatform Writer for Country Living and House Beautiful, exploring the latest in gardening, wildlife and sustainable living alongside interiors and property. She is particularly interested in human-interest stories, the intersection of design and pop culture, and the evolving relationship between urban and rural life. Previously, she served as Associate Editor at The Berliner in Berlin, where she reported on culture and fashion. Wanda studied English and German at the Goethe University Frankfurt and Exeter University.
