Is it ok to dry your clothes in the cold?

Question

Hey I'm another broke college student. did 2 bigs loads of wash just now, to find out that the dryer doesn't work. We have clothes lines but it's pretty cold outside. There's no hooks or anything in my room so I didn't have a choice, I hung all my shirts pants underwear and socks out there. Is that ok? I guess it doesn't matter at this point, but I may as well ask.

does it take longer?

Answer 1

Yes, I'm from Alaska and it is possible to actually freeze dry clothes...it doesn't hurt a thing. I used to do it while winter camping all the time.

You'll get pretty cold hanging them out though. Drink lots of hot tea and stay warm!

Answer 2

It is fine. In fact, the default if you don't know the washing instructions should be to wash on delicate in cold water. Colors will not bleed and fabrics will not shrink. One caveat: you might use more energy to machine dry clothes that have been washed in cold water. Also, I would wash bedding in hot water to kill dust mites, which can cause allergies and are extremely common in sheets and blankets. Bath towels, also, should be washed in hot, or at least warm, water, and well dried before being put away.

Answer 3

I grew up on hanging clothes on the line, in the winter time it was heck on your hands but I loved the way my clothes smelled and if you use downy fabric softner your clothes are still soft as well.

Answer 4

Well what the heck do u think they did 100 years ago? Yes it is ok they will freeze but they will dry. As long as it is'nt snowing or sleeting it's ok........Flo

Answer 5

yes. it will just take longer, but no harm will be done. if you need something soon, put it on a hanger, and hang it on the sill over your door.

Answer 6

Yes, it takes longer; but it's ok to do it.