Monsoon brings relief from scorching heat, but it can make laundry a frustrating task. High humidity, cloudy skies and frequent rainfall slow down evaporation, leaving clothes damp for hours and sometimes causing an unpleasant musty smell.
Fortunately, a few simple changes to your laundry routine can help clothes dry considerably faster.
1. Use the Washing Machine’s Extra Spin Cycle
One of the easiest ways to speed up drying is to remove as much water as possible before hanging your clothes.
After the regular wash cycle, run an extra spin cycle. This extracts additional water from the fabric, reducing the amount of moisture that needs to evaporate.
For heavier clothes such as jeans, towels and sweatshirts, an additional spin can make a noticeable difference.
2. Leave Enough Space Between Clothes
Avoid hanging clothes tightly together.
When garments are packed closely, air cannot circulate properly and moisture remains trapped between layers. Keep sufficient space between each item and, whenever possible, hang shirts, trousers and dresses fully open.
Turning thick garments inside out halfway through the drying process can also help expose damp areas to moving air.
3. Use a Fan or Dehumidifier
During rainy weather, indoor airflow becomes particularly important.
Hang clothes in a well-ventilated room and place a fan nearby to keep air moving across the fabric. If humidity is extremely high, a dehumidifier can be even more effective because it removes moisture from the surrounding air.
Avoid keeping wet clothes in a closed room without ventilation.
4. Hang Clothes Near a Window or Balcony
Whenever the weather allows, take advantage of natural airflow.
A balcony, covered terrace or open window can provide better ventilation than a closed indoor room. Even without direct sunlight, moving air can help moisture evaporate faster.
However, bring clothes indoors immediately if rain begins.
5. Use a Towel for Extra Moisture
For particularly wet garments, try the towel method.
Place the damp garment on a clean, dry towel and roll them together. Press firmly to help the towel absorb excess moisture. Then hang the garment normally.
This technique can be especially useful for delicate clothes that should not be put through repeated high-speed spinning.
Extra Tips to Prevent That Damp Smell
- Don’t leave washed clothes inside the washing machine for hours.
- Dry clothes immediately after the wash cycle finishes.
- Clean your washing machine regularly.
- Avoid overcrowding indoor drying racks.
- Make sure completely dry clothes are stored only after all moisture has disappeared.
The Bottom Line
Drying laundry during the monsoon can be challenging, but extra spinning, proper spacing, good ventilation, moving air and moisture-absorbing techniques can significantly reduce drying time. The key is to remove as much water as possible before hanging the clothes and maintain steady airflow around them.