Why does line-dried laundry smell so good, anyway?
Summer weather is on the way, and for some people, that means it's time to switch up the laundry routine, going from a dryer to a summer clothesline.
There's something about line-dried laundry. It just produces something the dryer can't replicate.
But why?
One study found that when towels are sun-dried, they produce compounds we associate with plants, fruits, and perfume.
To conduct their experiment, researchers washed towels in ultra-clean water and hung them to dry in different places: a dark room, on a balcony exposed to sunlight, and on a shaded balcony.
Only the towels dried outside produced pleasing compounds. Scientists say that some molecules get excited when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet light and form highly reactive compounds called radicals.
Those radicals join with nearby molecules creating pleasing fruity, nutty, and floral scents.
So you've decided to give line-drying a try ...
Here's one way to make it easier: higher humidity means a longer drying time, so it's best to wait until the humidity comes down.
There's also no static, so no dryer sheets are needed, and the sun is a natural bleach.
And think of the money you'll save on your energy bill!
VIDEO: 5 ways to make your laundry more sustainable
Thumbnail: Getty Images via Canva Pro.