How to dry your clothes during the rainy days

As the consecutive rainy days come, people in Taizhou face the same headache − consistent rainy weather makes it difficult for wet clothes to dry. 

No one wants to wear half-dry clothes that have a lingering musty smell.

Have you ever wondered where this smell comes from? When clothes are stored in a place with bad airflow, the trapped moisture in the clothes becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria and fungi then release a large amount of gas, resulting in a musty odor.

Is it harmful to wear half-dry clothes?

Bacteria or fungi that proliferate on clothes may be inhaled into the human body, leading to respiratory infections and causing inflammation.

Some pathogenic bacteria or fungi can act as allergens in the human body, triggering a range of allergic reactions, such as asthma and hives.

How to deal with half-dry clothes

1. Hanging the clothes near an air-conditioner outlet 

You can turn on the air conditioner to dehumidify the room where the wet clothes are hung. Hanging clothes near an air conditioner while it is on can help them dry quickly.

2. Using a shoe dryer

During the rainy season, shoes often get damp and do not dry quickly. You can use a shoe dryer to solve this problem or place paper towels inside the shoes to absorb the moisture and sweat.

3. Using a clothes dryer 

If you have a dryer at home, you can use it to dry and disinfect your clothes. 

What should I do if my clothes have a strange smell?

1. When washing clothes, add a certain amount of laundry disinfectant to sterilize and remove odors.

2. Cotton clothing is particularly difficult to dry, especially some undergarments. After washing them, use boiling water to disinfect and sterilize them. Then air-dry the clothing to eliminate odors.

3. Iron the washed clothes 2-3 times with a hot iron in dry conditions. This not only helps them dry quickly but also kills bacteria.

4. Wring out the washed clothes as much as possible, fold them, wrap them in a towel, and then place them in the freezer for 7-8 hours. After taking them out, unfold and air dry them. This helps clothes dry quickly without developing mold or odor.

Other tips for dealing with humid weather 

1. During the rainy season, fungal infections can easily spread on your skin. After exercising or sweating, it is better to take a shower, change clothes, and dry your skin.

2. When the air is humid and indoor spaces tend to be damp, it is advisable to open windows for ventilation during breaks in the rain. If windows cannot be opened, you can use electric fans to enhance airflow.

3. Old newspapers are a "secret weapon" during the rainy season. Place old newspapers on damp floors or walls and change them every few hours to absorb the moisture in the room.

How to prevent mold

1. Food

During the plum rain season, food is prone to spoilage or mold growth. To keep food fresh, it is better to store it in a well-ventilated and dry place and keep it off the ground to prevent moisture. 

Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Any leftovers should be put in a refrigerator and thoroughly reheated before being eaten. Also, remember to keep raw and cooked food separated to prevent cross-contamination.

2. Medicine

Once medicines are exposed to moisture, their efficacy and quality can be greatly compromised. So it is important to place pills, capsules, tablets, and similar types of medicines in a ziplock bag or a sealed bag before storing them in a sealed bottle. This will prevent moisture from affecting them.

3. Furniture

When water droplets stain the surface of solid wood furniture, you can use a dry cloth dipped in furniture cleaner to wipe up the mess. The cleaner also forms a protective film on the furniture surface, blocking more moisture damage.

For leather furniture, after dusting, you can apply protective oil on its surface. This not only softens the leather but also prevents dampness and mold. 

4. Cutlery 

In hot and humid weather, bacteria are most likely to multiply and grow. Therefore, it is important to disinfect tableware regularly. The preferred method is to boil them for 15-30 minutes.

If you have a disinfection cabinet, after cleaning the tableware, it can be placed in the disinfection cabinet for sterilization.