Arts said:

kii said:

SCIENCE said:

¿ref

Information handed down from the old women in my family. Especially good for sanitizing and deodorizing armpits of t-shirts etc.

I have read that sun drying can act as a sanitizer and deodorizer, but also that harsh sun can break the bonds of the fabric more easily and fades darker colours faster. I guess, if you are choosing between sun drying or dryer drying, then you should take into account other factors like space allowance, time restrictions and if your neighbour is using their wood fire causing air pollution.

According to this important factors are also humidity, wind, and air temperature. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-13/why-laundry-drying-faster-in-cold-weather-australia-coast/105410442?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=facebook

we have a clothes line under the eaves but in a breezeway, it gets afternoon sun, but the area is generally cooler due to the wind tunnel design and angle of the house… so, adjusting for the local environment – using an undercover area might be just as good in terms of drying, and less damaging in terms of sun damage, than full sun.

Yes, the sun can damage some fabrics. The human has to be aware of this and use the solar power accordingly. Just like anything.
In all my years and years of using outside lines in the sunshine I have never had sun damage to my washing. Never.
The sun will also brighten whites, like nappies (remember cloth nappies?).