Hanging your laundry out in the summer evening might seem convenient, but it’s actually a bad habit. Nighttime humidity and the lack of sunlight slow down the drying process, encouraging unpleasant odors and bacteria growth.
During long, hot summer days, it may seem like a good idea to hang your laundry in the evening — perhaps to avoid the hottest hours or take advantage of the cool night air.
However, this seemingly harmless habit can work against you when it comes to how well your laundry dries and how hygienic it stays. Here’s why you should reconsider.
1. Nighttime Humidity: A Silent Enemy
At night, especially during summer, humidity levels tend to rise. Even though the air is warm, humidity can reach 70–80%, slowing down the drying process. Clothes left out in the dark don’t dry properly and stay damp longer, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and mold to grow.
2. Risk of Bad Odors
When laundry takes too long to dry, especially in humid, poorly ventilated conditions, it’s common for it to develop a musty or stale smell — even if the clothes were freshly washed. The result? You often end up having to rewash them, wasting time, energy, and detergent.
Hanging your laundry out in the summer evening might seem convenient, but it’s actually a bad habit. Nighttime humidity and the lack of sunlight slow down the drying process, encouraging unpleasant odors and bacteria growth.
During long, hot summer days, it may seem like a good idea to hang your laundry in the evening — perhaps to avoid the hottest hours or take advantage of the cool night air.
However, this seemingly harmless habit can work against you when it comes to how well your laundry dries and how hygienic it stays. Here’s why you should reconsider.
1. Nighttime Humidity: A Silent Enemy
At night, especially during summer, humidity levels tend to rise. Even though the air is warm, humidity can reach 70–80%, slowing down the drying process. Clothes left out in the dark don’t dry properly and stay damp longer, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and mold to grow.
2. Risk of Bad Odors
When laundry takes too long to dry, especially in humid, poorly ventilated conditions, it’s common for it to develop a musty or stale smell — even if the clothes were freshly washed. The result? You often end up having to rewash them, wasting time, energy, and detergent.