With the new wave of rain and strong wind on its way to Portugal, many are already wondering how to dry clothes when the weather doesn’t help. In the United Kingdom, where the humid climate is our daily bread, there is a simple and effective method that is being adopted in several countries to dry clothes. The formula, tested by the British, could also be the answer to the approaching stormy days.
With several districts under orange warning due to the forecast of intense rain, thunderstorms and strong winds, outdoor clothes drying is no longer an option. And when you bring wet clothes into the house, the problem changes shape: the released moisture turns into condensation, which ends up on windows, walls and even furniture.
That’s when the first signs of mold appear, a silent enemy that, according to British health authorities, worsens respiratory diseases and can cause skin irritation.
The danger of drying clothes indoors
Drying clothes indoors is an almost inevitable habit on rainy days, but there are risks that many people are unaware of. According to the British newspaper The Independent, the accumulation of steam and humidity is one of the main causes of mold and mildew in homes, and can seriously affect respiratory health, especially in the elderly and children.
The same source reinforces the warning: “Drying clothes in poorly ventilated rooms creates the right environment for the growth of fungi.” Humid air, combined with a lack of ventilation, becomes the perfect scenario for problems that go far beyond discomfort, and which can be costly in repairs and health.
The “British method”: a simple trick that works
Faced with this problem, the British developed a practical method to face bad weather. The principle is simple: choose a small room in the house, close the door, leave the window slightly ajar and turn on a dehumidifier. The clothes must be well spaced on the clothesline, without direct contact with radiators or heaters.
According to the Energy Saving Trust and the organization Which?, from the same country, this strategy allows steam to be released in a controlled manner, reducing the risk of condensation and speeding up the drying process. Furthermore, British experts cited by the same source recommend an extra spin in the washing machine before hanging the clothes, to eliminate as much water as possible.
This “British method” is not only effective, but also economical. The energy consumption of a dehumidifier is much lower than that of a dryer, which translates into savings and less environmental impact.
How to apply the method in Portugal
In Portugal, all you need to do is adapt your space and habits. Choose a room with a window, which could be the bathroom, a pantry or a less used room, and temporarily transform it into the ‘drying room’. Keep the door closed to contain the steam, turn on the dehumidifier and, if possible, open the window for a few minutes several times a day.
The secret is in balance: allowing some ventilation without cooling the house too much. Small, short, regular openings help to renew the air and prevent excess humidity. If you notice foggy windows or dark spots in the corners, it is a sign that the room is saturated and that it is time to ventilate more or increase the power of the dehumidifier, according to the previously mentioned source.
What not to do during the storm
Many people choose to place their clothes directly on radiators or portable heaters, believing that they dry faster. But the result is the opposite: the vapor released rises and sticks to cold surfaces, creating damp and mold. Furthermore, this habit reduces heating efficiency and can pose a fire risk.
You should also avoid using gas heaters indoors, as they release carbon dioxide and water vapor, worsening the humidity problem and putting safety at risk.
The best thing to do is to opt for a combination of ventilation, extra centrifugation and dehumidification: the trio that the British say is infallible.
When the sun comes back
As soon as the storm passes and the clouds give up, returning to the outdoor drying rack is always the best solution. Drying clothes outdoors remains the most economical, ecological and effective method for eliminating odors and bacteria. But, as long as the rain persists, the British method, according to , could be the right ally to get through the bad weather with dry clothes and a protected house.
A wetter winter requires more prevention
Increased humidity in the air is inevitable at this time of year, and IPMA forecasts confirm that November will bring more rain and mild temperatures, which are ideal conditions for the appearance of mold.
Therefore, prevention is essential: good ventilation, correct use of the dehumidifier and taking care to avoid unnecessary sources of steam are simple steps that make all the difference.
With small changes, it is possible to keep your home comfortable and healthy, without giving in to the chaos that rain brings. The British method proves that, even in a country with storms, there is always a way to dry clothes efficiently and safely.
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