From Fans to Hangers, Experts Share Practical Tips to Avoid Musty Odors in Your Clothes, Even in Small Apartments.
According to an article published by the g1 portal on July 14, 2025, the issue of clothes that won’t dry is a reality for many Brazilians, especially on cold, rainy, or humid days. The problem is exacerbated for those living in small apartments, without external drying lines or proper ventilation. The good news is that there are practical strategies to speed up the process and avoid the dreaded musty smell in the garments.
The portal spoke with experts, such as Brenno Henrique, a professor in the textile engineering department at UFSC, and Omo Laundry, to gather the best guidelines. With a few simple tricks, it is possible to optimize drying and keep your clothes ready to wear, regardless of the weather.
Key Factors for Drying
First of all, it is important to understand the two factors that most influence the speed at which clothes that won’t dry on the line: the humidity of the air and ventilation of the environment. According to Professor Brenno Henrique, cold or heat interfere less than one might think, as long as the day has low humidity and good air circulation. “Try to wash clothes on less cloudy days, with more wind and more sun, even in the cold,” he states.
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For Those with External Drying Lines

If you have the advantage of a backyard or outdoor area, certain practices can make all the difference.
Wash Fewer Clothes at Once: “With a less crowded line, air circulates more easily, and clothes dry faster,” explains Omo Laundry.
Avoid Folding the Pieces: Clothes folded in half on the line take much longer to dry. The tip is to use hangers instead of clothespins.
Maintain Spacing: Leave at least a hand’s width of space between items on the line to ensure air circulation.
For Indoor or Floor Drying Lines: Solutions for Apartments

For those facing the challenge of clothes that won’t dry indoors, the solution is to create artificial ventilation.
Use a Fan: “Point the fan towards the clothes and leave it on for a while so that air circulates well between the pieces,” suggests Professor Henrique.
Invest in a Dehumidifier: On very cold and humid days, a dehumidifier is a great ally. “The dehumidifier removes moisture from the air and helps dry the clothes,” explains the specialist.
What Not to Do When Drying Clothes
Haste can lead to dangerous actions. For safety, never try to dry your clothes using makeshift methods that can cause serious accidents.
Do not use an iron directly on wet clothing.
Do not place items in the microwave.
Do not hang clothes behind the refrigerator, as this overloads the motor.
Never use fireplaces or direct heat from fire. “Cotton is highly flammable, so it catches fire very easily,” warns Henrique.
Is the Washer-Dryer Worth It? Advantages and Disadvantages
For those living in small apartments, the washer-dryer may seem like the definitive solution for when clothes won’t dry. However, it is necessary to weigh the pros and cons.
Advantages:
They are very practical, quick, and efficient in any weather conditions.
They are excellent for drying heavy and difficult items, such as towels, sheets, and rugs.
Disadvantages:
Can Damage Delicate Fabrics: “With more delicate fabrics, the machine can stretch and deform the pieces, causing them to shrink. Usually, most knitwear, wool, and silk can deform,” warns the professor.
Drying Capacity is Lower: The machine always washes a greater quantity of clothes than it can dry at once.
Clothes do not always come out 100% dry, but the process significantly speeds up the final drying.
What about you, do you have any infallible tricks for clothes that won’t dry? Share your tips in the comments!

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