Laying on the line: how to air dry your clothes in all weathers

As the year rolls on with a troubling combination of unpredictable weather and rising energy prices, when and how to dry laundry becomes increasingly complicated. While there is a time and a place to use a clothes dryer, line drying is much better for the environment, the longevity of your closet and your electric bill.

According to experts, your preference should always be to dry your clothes outside in the shade. But when the weather does not allow it, a rack in a well-ventilated space will suffice.

Start by removing as much excess moisture as possible. As long as your garment can handle a spin cycle, Ashley Iredale of consumer platform Choice says you can use the highest spin speed on your washing machine. For delicate or woolen garments that need to be hand washed, gently squeeze out as much water as possible or lay them on a flat towel and slowly roll them up, applying pressure.

When hanging out your laundry, George Chan, a fashion technician at RMIT University, advises spreading out your clothes as wide as possible and stagger your clothes according to weight. Thicker clothes should be hung higher and clothes should never be placed on top of each other.

The smoother your wet clothes are on the rack or the clothesline, the sharper they will be. will be once dry. This includes making sure shirt cuffs and socks are fully turned out and collars are smoothed flat. It will also help them dry faster. Knitwear should always be laid flat and shaped, either on a rack or towel, especially if it is particularly heavy.

Hanging certain garments such as shirts or pants on a hanger with the buttons closed and the legs or sleeves smoothed can reduce (or eliminate) ironing time. Chan says to make sure your hangers are strong enough to hold the weight of any wet garments and wide enough to accommodate their width to avoid misshapen shoulders. Remember to hang wet clothes on stained wood, stained fabrics or metal hangers, as dye transfers and rust can both cause stains.

Gary Nickless, owner of Lifestyle Clotheslines, says the main thing to consider when installing a clothesline is space. Although a Hills hoist can have a nostalgic or romantic appeal, he says, "it's not a practical option, which is why folding and wall-mounted options have become the most popular models." Another great option for a balcony or if you're short on yard space is a