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We all want our clothes to last longer, look better, and stay fresh wash after wash. But did you know that how you dry your laundry can make just as much of a difference as how you wash it?
Let's break down the difference between line drying and tumble drying, the pros and cons of each, and when to choose one over the other.
The Basics: What's the Difference?
Line Drying involves hanging your clothes on a clothesline or drying rack, usually outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Tumble Drying uses a machine dryer that tumbles clothes with heat and air to remove moisture quickly.
The Pros of Line Drying
- Gentler on Fabric
Line drying helps prevent shrinkage, fading, and fabric wear, making it ideal for delicate items like lingerie, swimwear, and athletic gear.
- Energy Efficient & Eco-Friendly
No electricity needed! Air drying cuts down on energy use, reducing your carbon footprint (and your utility bill).
- Naturally Fresh Scent
Sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant and gives your clothes that fresh, outdoor smell no synthetic fragrances required.
- Reduces Wrinkles
Hang clothes properly, and you'll need less ironing later. Gravity does some of the smoothing work for you!
The Downsides of Line Drying
- Weather Dependent
Rain, humidity, or freezing temps? Not ideal for line drying.
- Takes Time
Air drying is slower, especially for thick items like towels or jeans.
- Stiffness
Line-dried clothes can feel a bit stiff. Pro tip: Give garments a shake before hanging and use Nellie's Oxygen Brightener for softness and brightness.
The Pros of Tumble Drying
- Fast & Convenient
Need your favourite jeans in a hurry? Toss them in the dryer for a quick turnaround.
- Fluff Factor
Tumble drying keeps towels, blankets, and knits soft and fluffy.
- Great for Cold or Rainy Days
Perfect when line drying isn't practical.
- Boost Performance with Dryerballs
Tumble drying doesn't have to mean waste or static. Add Nellie's Lamby Wool Dryerballs to your dryer to reduce drying time, naturally soften fabrics, and eliminate the need for synthetic dryer sheets. Made from 100% New Zealand wool, they're reusable for up to 2 years and help you dry smarter, not harder.
The Downsides of Tumble Drying
- Can Damage Delicates
Heat and friction can cause shrinkage, fading, or stretching in some fabrics.
- Consumes Energy
Machine drying uses a significant amount of electricity.
- More Wear and Tear
Clothes tumbled frequently may wear out faster, especially seams and elastic.
Nellie's Tip: Read Your Care Labels!
Not sure whether to line dry or tumble dry? Always check the clothing care label. Look for these symbols:
- Square with a circle: Tumble dry (dots indicate heat level)
- Square with a line: Line dry
- X over the circle or square: Do not tumble dry
Final Verdict: So, Which Is Best?
It depends! Here's our cheat sheet:
- Cotton: Tumble dry low or line dry
- Denim: Line dry to prevent shrinkage
- Delicates: Line dry only
- Towels & Bedding: Tumble dry with Lamby Wool Dryerballs
- Activewear: Line dry to protect stretch
- Wool & Cashmere: Lay flat to dry
Both line drying and tumble drying have their place in the laundry routine. Choosing the right method for each item will keep your clothes looking newer, longer. With Nellie's Laundry Soda, Oxygen Brightener, and Lamby Wool Dryerballs, you've got the dream team for laundry success - start to finish.