4 Ways To Dry Your Damp Gear If You Don’t Have A Clothes Dryer

Getting wet is meant to be a good thing, great even. But when it comes to your clothes – especially in winter – it’s not what you want.

However, not all of us have clothes dryers to make sure we’re not dripping wet when we leave our humble abodes. I mean, the youf of today are lucky enough to have a fridge with all its shelves, let alone a bloody heater just for our precious clothes. It hardly falls under the umbrella of necessities. I like to try and think of it as a blessing in disguise, considering the device craps on anything good in my wardrobe anyway.


While I try and find solace in my laundry’s inadequacy, for anyone who always reads the label and uses only as directed, not having a dryer can put quite the spanner in the works. Sure, the spin cycle of the washing machine gives drying a red-hot go, but when you can’t find the scorching sun (or times) to help finish the job, you find yourself in quite the bloody pickle.

Below: rapid ways to sort that out and stop mistaking bad wet for good wet.

WHIP OUT THE IRONING BOARD

  • Prop up your ironing board and lay the wet garment down on it.
  • Place a thin towel over the top.
  • Iron the towel on high heat.
  • Turn the wet piece of clothing over to the other side and repeat.

This combo incorporates some warmth into the fabric while the towel absorbs the moisture. For the love of god, don’t forget the towel. Putting a hot iron directly onto your wet clothes will stretch and damage the material.

GET ON THE (HAIR) BLOWER

  • Wring out your wet garment and lay it down on a surface (make sure the surface is clean and dry, or you’ll need to wash the thang all over again, dummy).
  • Turn hairdryer to warm or high setting.
  • Work your way ’round the piece of clothing without coming in direct contact. That, friends, is a fire hazard.

Can confirm: this method’s more about air flow than actual heat, so if you’re wigging just use the cool function. If you’re on the go, try airing out your item out the car window but check regularly that the piece hasn’t gone with the wind.

THROW IN THE TOWEL

  • Lay down the biggest, fluffiest towel you own.
  • Lay the damp piece of clothing on top.
  • Roll up the towel with the garment inside and twist it tightly, working from one end to the other.

This technique squeezes out excess water into the towel.

AIR ‘EM OUT STRATEGICALLY

  • Hang your clothes up on a drying rack, separately and unfolded. If you’ve got enough space, try hanging the item over two bars instead of one to expose the piece to as much airflow as poss.
  • Set up a fan in the direction of the clothes – this also works with heat sources (such as fireplaces, heaters etc) and windows (if there’s wind).

Guys, don’t put ANYTHING  flammable too close to a heat source, obvi.

I did hear something about drying your clothes in an oven or microwave but that makes me feel more uncomfortable than watching a Kristen Stewart interview, so I will not suggest or condone it.

*Panadol contains paracetamol. Use only as directed. For the temporary relief of pain and fever. Incorrect use could be harmful. Consult your healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

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