When the weather is humid and rainy non-stop, drying clothes can become a frustrating task. Clothes take longer to dry and tend to retain an unpleasant odor if not well ventilated.
Faced with this common problem, a homemade method from the Netherlands has become popular for its effectiveness. It doesn’t require electricity or expensive appliances, just a bit of ingenuity and simple elements found at home.
The so-called “Dutch trick” consists of taking advantage of dry heat to speed up the evaporation of water from hanging clothes. Ideal for those who don’t have a dryer or are looking for more economical and sustainable alternatives.
All you need is a hot water bottle. By placing it near the clothesline, the warm air helps to remove moisture from the clothes more quickly, even in humid environments.
Alternatives to a dryer for dry clothes on rainy days
The Dutch trick is just one of several effective ways to dry clothes without using electric dryers. A classic option is to hang clothes near a stove or radiator, being careful not to have direct contact to avoid damage.
It is also useful to hang clothes on hangers and place them near a slightly open window or in rooms with good air circulation. Cross ventilation speeds up the drying process without the need for artificial heat.
Another strategy is to use dehumidifiers or fans to reduce the humidity in the environment. If you don’t have any, a simple container with coarse salt near the clothesline can help absorb moisture from the air.
Placing a dry towel next to wet clothes on the clothesline is also useful: it absorbs some of the moisture and speeds up the process.
How to prevent musty odors
Musty odors in clothes can be prevented with some simple habits. It is essential to remove clothes from the washing machine as soon as the cycle ends to prevent moisture from concentrating in a closed environment.
Avoid using too much liquid soap, as excess can accumulate in the fibers and cause a bad smell. White vinegar or baking soda, separately, help neutralize odors during washing.
Towels and sportswear should be washed and dried as soon as possible, as they tend to retain more moisture. Additionally, keeping the washing machine clean prevents the formation of mold and residues that contaminate clothes.
With these practices and the ingenuity of the Dutch trick, it is possible to keep clothes dry, clean, and odor-free, even when the sky doesn’t give us a break.
