How to make clothes dry faster: tips for quick drying indoors and outdoors 

Drying clothes efficiently is essential for keeping them fresh, preventing odors, and adapting to different weather conditions. Whether dealing with high humidity, cold temperatures, or limited indoor space, knowing how to dry clothes quickly can make a significant difference in your daily routine.

Fortunately, there are proven techniques to speed up drying—whether using a dryer, optimizing airflow indoors, or leveraging outdoor conditions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best methods to ensure your laundry dries faster and more effectively, no matter the season. 

Dry clothes instantly using a tumble dryer

When time is limited, using a tumble dryer or drying function in a washer dryer is the most effective way to dry clothes quickly while keeping them soft and fresh. Unlike air-drying, which depends on weather conditions, a dryer provides consistent results—even in humid or cold environments where clothes might otherwise take hours to dry. 

To speed up drying and improve efficiency, consider these tips: 

• Shake out clothes before drying: This prevents tangling and allows hot air to circulate better. 
• Use dryer balls: Wool or rubber dryer balls help separate garments, reducing drying time and static. 
• Select the right heat setting: Higher heat works well for thick fabrics, while lower heat protects delicate items. 
• Clean the lint filter: A clogged filter slows down drying by restricting airflow.

For the best results, Electrolux dryers offer advanced drying technologies that quickly and gently dry clothes while protecting fabrics. Features like Heat Pump Technology and SensiCare System help preserve the quality of your garments while ensuring they dry faster and more efficiently. 

How to dry clothes quickly without a tumble dryerr

If you don’t have access to a tumble dryer, drying clothes efficiently can be challenging—especially in cold or humid conditions. Fortunately, several effective methods can help you dry clothes quickly without a tumble dryer. 

Use a fan or dehumidifier

Air circulation is one of the most effective ways to dry clothes faster indoors. A fan helps by continuously moving air around your laundry, preventing moisture from settling and allowing for quicker evaporation. Position a fan directly in front of a drying rack or hang clothes in a well-ventilated area to maximize airflow.

A dehumidifier is particularly useful in humid climates, as it reduces moisture levels in the air, making it easier for clothes to dry without feeling damp or musty. Placing one in a small, enclosed space with your drying clothes can drastically cut down drying time. 

Speed up drying with an iron

Using an iron and a towel is an excellent way to remove excess moisture from clothes quickly. Simply place a dry towel over the damp garment, then press the iron over it on a low to medium heat setting. The towel absorbs moisture, while the heat helps evaporate water from the fabric. 

For best results, flip the clothing and repeat the process on the other side. This method works well for semi-dry clothes that just need a final touch-up before wearing. 

Use a hair dryer

A hair dryer can be a great tool for drying small clothing items like socks, underwear, or thin shirts in a hurry. To use this method safely: 

1. old the hair dryer about 6–12 inches away from the fabric. 
2. Use a low to medium heat setting to prevent overheating or shrinking the fabric. 
3. Keep the dryer moving to distribute heat evenly and avoid burning the material. 

Turn on the heating 

If you're drying clothes indoors, turning on the central heating can help speed up the process. Warm air holds more moisture, allowing clothes to dry faster. To maximize efficiency: 

• Place clothes near, but not directly on, a radiator to avoid overheating fabrics. 

• Use a heated drying rack to evenly distribute warmth. 
• Keep doors slightly open to maintain airflow and prevent condensation buildup. 

Turn on the air conditioner

While air conditioners are known for cooling, they also remove humidity from the air. Lower humidity levels help moisture evaporate from fabrics more quickly. If you're drying clothes indoors: 

• Set the air conditioner to dehumidify mode if available. 
• Position clothes near airflow vents to allow cool, dry air to circulate. 
• Combine AC use with a fan to further speed up drying

Use the freezer in the refrigerator

A surprising but effective trick to help dry clothes faster is using the freezer in your refrigerator . Cold air causes water to turn into ice, and when clothes are later exposed to room temperature, moisture evaporates quickly. To try this:

1. Place the damp garment in a sealed plastic bag. 
2. Put it in the freezer for a few hours. 
3. Take it out, shake it gently, and let it air dry. 

Wash with hot water in the last cycle 

Washing clothes in warm or hot water (when safe for the fabric) can help speed up drying time. Hot water loosens fibers, reducing excess water retention. When washing: 

• Check fabric labels to ensure they can withstand warm water. 
• Use the highest spin cycle to remove as much moisture as possible. 
• Immediately hang clothes in a well-ventilated space for quicker drying. 

Damp clothes that take too long to dry can develop a musty smell and even encourage mold growth, especially in humid environments. By applying these quick-drying methods, you can keep your laundry fresh and free from unwanted odors.  

If you're struggling with lingering smells on clothes, check out our guide on How to Get Rid of Smell on Clothes for expert solutions. 

4 General techniques for faster drying 

Before applying these drying techniques, start with proper washing methods like using a high spin cycle and wringing out excess water. This helps speed up the process and ensures better results. 

Wring out excess water

Before drying, always wring out excess water from garments, especially for hand-washed items. Gently twisting or pressing clothes against a flat surface helps remove trapped moisture, significantly reducing drying time. 

Use a high spin cycle

If using a washing machine, selecting a high spin cycle is one of the most effective ways to extract water. This process forces out excess moisture, leaving clothes damp rather than wet, making air-drying or tumble-drying much quicker. 

Read more about how to use a washing machine properly here. 

Spread clothes properly

How you position clothes during drying impacts how fast they dry. Avoid crumpling garments or hanging them too closely together. Instead, spread them out evenly on a drying rack or clothesline to maximize surface exposure to air. 

MaximisingMaximising airflow and sunshine

Good ventilation is key to faster drying. Open windows, use a fan, or position clothes near a gentle breeze to improve airflow. When drying outdoors, place clothes in direct sunlight whenever possible, as natural heat speeds up evaporation and helpseliminate bacteria and odors.

Upgrade your drying routine for maximum efficiency 

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to drying clothes quickly without a tumble dryer, but by <mixing and matching these techniques, you can significantly reduce drying time and keep your laundry fresh, even in challenging conditions.

For those seeking ultimate convenience, investing in a high-quality dryer can make a world of difference. The latest UltimateCare Electrolux dryers offer advanced drying technology that not only speeds up the process but also protects your garments. Features like: 

• Heat Pump Technology: Gently dries clothes while using less energy. 

• SteamCare: Reduces wrinkles up to 50% and refreshes clothes without overwashing. 

• 3DSense radar drying technology: Provides precise and efficient drying with less energy 

If you’re not sure about which type and capacity of dryer to choose for your family, refer to the guide to buying a suitable dryer here.