Why Drying Baby & Kids' Clothes Outdoors Beats the Tumble Dryer

Let’s be honest - doing laundry for little ones feels like a never-ending task. With all the outfit changes, spills and messy adventures, it’s tempting to toss everything straight into the tumble dryer just to get it done. But have you ever considered giving the clothesline a go? 

Hanging your baby and kids' clothes outdoors isn’t just an old-school habit - it’s a simple switch that’s better for your clothes, your wallet and the planet!  

Baby and kids’ clothes are often made from soft, delicate fabrics, and tumble dryers can be pretty rough on them. The heat and constant spinning can cause shrinkage, fading, and fabric thinning, making clothes wear out much faster. By line drying, you’re keeping them in better condition for longer - great for handing down to siblings, cousins, or even reselling as preloved treasures!  

Tumble dryers are energy guzzlers, and running them constantly adds up - both in electricity costs and environmental impact. By using your clothesline, you’ll save money (and who doesn’t love that?) while also reducing energy consumption. A win-win!  

Did you know that sunlight is a natural disinfectant? Those UV rays help kill bacteria and dust mites, making line drying a great option for baby clothes, bedding and reusable nappies. Plus, nothing beats the fresh, sun-kissed scent of clothes dried in the open air - no artificial fragrances needed!  

If you hang clothes properly on the line, they dry with fewer creases than when they’ve been tossed around in a tumble dryer. That means less ironing for you and more time for, well… anything else!  

Using a clothesline instead of a dryer is one of those small, everyday changes that add up to a big difference for the environment. Less energy use means a lower carbon footprint - just like choosing preloved clothes over buying new!  

✔ Give clothes a quick shake before hanging to reduce stiffness.  

✔ Dry in the shade to prevent colours from fading.  

✔ Use soft hangers or lay knitwear flat to avoid stretching.  

✔ If rain’s on the way, a covered clothesline or portable drying rack is a lifesaver!  

So next time you do a load of washing, why not skip the dryer and let nature do the work? It’s better for your clothes, your budget and the planet - and hey, there’s something pretty satisfying about seeing a row of tiny outfits fluttering in the breeze! 

What do you think - are you team clothesline or team tumble dryer? Let us know!