We explain here whether, and if so, how laundry should be dried in the apartment. The best tips.
Tumble dryers consume a lot of electricity, so drying laundry in the sun is much cheaper – but unfortunately we don't have summer temperatures and sunshine every day. Many then switch to the clothes horse in the apartment. But: is that even allowed or even harmful? What you should know
Drying laundry in the apartment: is it prohibited?
Some rental agreements prohibit drying laundry in the apartment. According to the German Tenants' Association (DMB), such a clause is ineffective – even "if there is a communal drying cellar or storage facility in the house." So: It is allowed to dry laundry in the apartment, the landlord cannot really forbid it. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's good for you too. Better to take a few tips to heart.
Dry laundry in the apartment
The wet laundry increases the humidity in the apartment – up to 30 percent more! The moisture gets into the walls and thus forms a perfect breeding ground for mold. However, a few simple tricks can help reduce the risk.
Would you like to dry your laundry in the apartment because the weather conditions outside do not allow it or there is no drying room, for example? Then take these 6 tips to heart:
- Choose a room that is as warm as possible so that the laundry dries faster.
- Care for one adequate ventilation: Ventilate the room several times a day – ideally four times, but at least twice – for about 10 minutes.
- It is best to ventilate several rooms at the same time and open the windows wide. So you create optimal Draft.
- Turn the thermostats while ventilatingdown.
- With push ventilation you exchange the air in the room, leave it Moisture escape and prevent the walls from cooling down. There is even more useful information here: Correct ventilation in winter.
- In the closed window phase, you should also close the door of the room where the wet laundry is hanging. This will prevent the moisture from spreading to other rooms.
Drying laundry in the apartment – alternative in winter
A tenant does not always have to move to the apartment with the laundry. A cold, dry day is even better for drying clothes outside than you might think. Because thanks to sublimation, the wet things dry even in frost! You can find out what it is and how it works here: Drying laundry in frosty conditions.
The optimal indoor climate
The indoor climate is made up of the humidity and the air temperature, so are 20 degrees room temperature and 50 percent relative humidity optimal. Too high humidity or too dry room humidity, on the other hand, can lead to health problems. If the air is too dry, the skin and eyes, for example, can begin to itch, develop headaches and increase the risk of infection. Excessive humidity can have a massive impact on the respiratory tract due to the formation of mold.
Tips for the optimal indoor climate
- Too much humidity: In addition to proper ventilation, dehumidifiers can also help if the humidity is too high.
- Indoor air that is too dry: Plants are a natural and easy way to improve the air. So these five plants contribute to a better indoor climate. Alternatively, a humidifier can also help.
You can get even more tips and experiences from others around the household in the Brigitte Community.