July 6, 2026, 12:43 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Freshly washed laundry on the line, a gentle summer breeze, and the scent of clean clothes–for many, drying clothes outdoors in the warm season is simply part of life. No wonder, as it saves electricity, is environmentally friendly, and clothes often dry much faster than indoors. However, as pleasant as the summer sun is, it can be problematic for some textiles. myHOMEBOOK explains what to consider when drying laundry outside in the summer.
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Direct Sunlight Can Fade Colors
While sunlight speeds up the drying process, it also contains UV rays that attack the color pigments in textiles. If clothes are regularly dried in direct sunlight for hours, they gradually lose their color intensity. This is particularly noticeable with black, dark blue, or red garments. Prints and patterns can also appear significantly paler over time.
Fading doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that becomes noticeable only after several washes and frequent sun drying.
Also interesting: 6 Tips for Drying Laundry Without Creases
Not All Textiles React the Same
While white laundry usually tolerates sunlight well and can even benefit from a slight brightening effect, colorful and dark fabrics are much more sensitive, according to the Bavarian State Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Tourism. Natural fibers like linen or delicate materials like silk can also age faster under intense UV radiation. To enjoy your clothes for a long time, you should handle particularly high-quality or color-intensive pieces with extra care.
Turning Inside Out Protects Clothing
A simple measure can make a big difference: Colorful and dark clothing should be turned inside out before hanging. This way, the sun mainly hits the inside of the fabric, while the visible outside remains better protected. Especially for T-shirts with prints or delicate colors, this can significantly reduce the risk of fading.
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Better to Dry in the Shade or Partial Shade
Laundry doesn’t always have to hang in direct sunlight to dry quickly. A breezy spot in the shade or partial shade usually ensures short drying times on warm summer days. The wind does much of the drying work, while the lower UV exposure protects the fibers and colors.
Avoid the Midday Hours if Possible
In the summer months, UV radiation usually reaches its highest levels between about 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (sometimes until 4 p.m.). Hanging your laundry in the early morning or evening exposes it to significantly less sunlight. This can help keep colors vibrant longer without missing out on the benefits of outdoor drying.