Drying Buddy guide

How weather affects laundry drying time

Laundry dries because water evaporates from the fabric. Temperature matters, but humidity, airflow and rain risk can matter just as much when you are deciding whether to hang clothes now or wait.

The conditions that matter most

Temperature

Warmer air generally helps evaporation, so clothes often dry faster on a warm day than a cold one.

Humidity

When the air is already humid, moisture leaves fabric more slowly. A warm but very humid day can therefore be less effective than it first looks.

Wind and airflow

Moving air carries moisture away from the fabric. That is why a breezy outdoor spot, or good ventilation indoors, can make a noticeable difference.

Rain and changing conditions

An outdoor drying plan also needs to consider whether rain is expected before the estimated drying time is finished.

What Drying Buddy does: the iPhone app combines local weather with the drying situation you choose, gives an estimated drying time, lets you start a timer, and can warn you if rain is expected before the laundry should be ready. Learn more about Drying Buddy.

Indoor drying is different

Indoor drying is less directly tied to outside conditions. Room temperature, ventilation and how closely clothes are hung all affect the result. Drying Buddy includes an indoor mode so you can still use a practical estimate when the laundry is not outside.

Who Drying Buddy is for

Drying Buddy is useful if you air-dry clothes, use a balcony or garden, want to avoid bringing laundry in after rain starts, or simply want a timer instead of repeatedly checking whether things are dry.