Genius hacks to speed up laundry drying in wet weather

Nothing is more frustrating than waiting for laundry to dry when it’s wet or humid outside. Whether you’re dealing with rainy weather, a small living space, or just need to speed up the drying process, there are plenty of clever hacks to get your clothes dry faster.

We’ll share some expert-backed tips to help you dry your laundry efficiently — without resorting to high-energy appliances or risking damp, musty-smelling clothes.

Use a high-spin cycle on your washing machine
Before you even start drying, set your washing machine to a high-spin cycle. The faster the spin, the more water is extracted, meaning your clothes will take far less time to dry. Many modern washing machines offer a 1200–1600 RPM spin cycle, which can remove excess moisture effectively.

If your washing machine allows, run an extra spin cycle at the end of the wash to squeeze out even more water.

Roll clothes in a towel to absorb moisture
A simple yet effective trick: lay a clean, dry towel on a flat surface, place your wet clothing on top, and roll them up together tightly. Press down firmly to absorb excess water.

This is particularly useful for heavy fabrics like jeans, sweaters, and towels that take longer to dry.

Hang clothes with proper airflow
Maximising airflow is crucial for drying clothes efficiently. Here’s how:

• Use a drying rack with space between items – Overcrowding prevents air circulation.
• Hang shirts and pants by their hem – This allows gravity to pull out moisture.
• Flip clothes halfway through drying – This ensures even drying and prevents damp patches.
• If drying indoors, position your rack near an open window or in a well-ventilated room.

Speed up drying with a fan  
If you’re drying clothes inside, using a pedestal or ceiling fan can make a huge difference. The moving air helps evaporate moisture quickly, even without heat.

The best way to use a fan for drying clothes is to set it on medium to high speed and direct it towards the drying area, while also opening a window if possible to improve air circulation and reduce humidity buildup.

Invest in a dehumidifier or use moisture-absorbing products
Indoor drying can increase humidity, leading to musty smells and slow drying times. A dehumidifier helps extract moisture from the air, speeding up the drying process significantly.

Alternatively, place moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packs or moisture absorbers (available at hardware stores) near your drying area to reduce excess humidity.

Use the ‘Towel and Dryer’ trick for a quick dry
If you have access to a tumble dryer but need to dry clothes quickly, try this hack:

• Place the damp clothes in the dryer with a dry, fluffy towel.
• Run the dryer on a medium heat setting for 10–15 minutes.
• Remove the towel and let the rest of the clothes continue drying.
• The towel absorbs moisture, reducing overall drying time.

Dry clothes undercover outdoors
If rain is on the horizon but you prefer to air-dry, set up a drying area under a veranda, carport, or balcony. Use clip hangers or portable clotheslines to keep clothes off the ground and away from the rain.

Position your drying rack where breezes naturally flow—this can be just as effective as sunshine in drying clothes faster.

Drying clothes in wet weather doesn’t have to be a challenge! By using these expert hacks — such as high-spin cycles, airflow techniques, dehumidifiers, and drying towels — you can significantly cut down drying time and avoid that dreaded damp laundry smell.

For even better results, try combining multiple methods. A fan with a dehumidifier, or a towel roll followed by proper hanging, can work wonders.