When you do your laundry during the rainy weather, there’s a possibility that your clothes will develop a musty smell. This scent, often called “kulob” in Tagalog, is a common occurrence when clothes are left in damp and humid conditions without proper drying. It’s an odor that many Filipinos unfortunately get reacquainted with every rainy season.
So this is when the conditions aren’t ideal for sun-drying clothes. The smell of “kulob” indicates the presence of mold and mildew, which tend to grow faster in humid spaces. It’s a clear sign that your clothes aren’t as fresh and hygienic as they should be after washing. At the same time, the distinctive unpleasant odor can cause physical discomfort. It can even have an impact on people’s confidence and how they interact with others. Despite the fickle weather and the high levels of humidity during the rainy season, it’s still possible to dry your clothes without having to deal with musty laundry. Here are some tips for doing the laundry to keep your clothes smelling fresh this wet season.Tips for Doing the Laundry
1. Buy a Washing Machine with a Dryer
Perhaps the most convenient way to avoid the smell of kulob during the rainy season is to buy a washing machine with a dryer. They offer an efficient and reliable solution for drying clothes during the rainy season, eliminating the need for outdoor drying. You can count on your washing machine’s dryer to aid the evaporation of moisture from your clothes no matter the weather outside.
To maximize the use of your washing machine and avoid damaging your clothes, make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instruction. Moreover, set the appropriate drying time and cycle.
2. Choose the Right Laundry Spot
If you don’t have a dryer or if you have a spin dryer instead of a tumble dryer, there are still other strategies that you can use to prevent your clothes from smelling stale. One of these is choosing a well-ventilated area in your home to hang wet clothes. Find a space with good airflow because proper air circulation is crucial for drying. Some of the best places to set up a drying rack or clothesline are near open windows, balconies, or even an airy hallway.
On the other hand, you should avoid hanging clothes in closed spaces, such as closets or cramped rooms. These places may lack good air circulation, which can contribute to kulob.
3. Use a Dehumidifier
It’s also important to take humidity levels into consideration when drying your laundry. If the humidity levels are too high, the moisture in the air prevents the release of water vapor from the wet garments. Thus, investing in a dehumidifier. It’s a device that can reduce the moisture level in the air and can speed up the drying process. Running a dehumidifier in the laundry area can help wet garments dry faster and keep clothes free from musty odors.
4. Use Fans and Air Conditioners
Electric fans and air conditioning units can be utilized to control the environmental conditions in the area where you’re drying your laundry. Specifically, electric fans can enhance air circulation; meanwhile, air conditioning units decrease humidity levels in your home. Thus, both these appliances aid in quickening the drying process, particularly for larger items like bedding and towels. To maximize this tip, make sure that fans are positioned in a place where they can facilitate proper air movement around the drying clothes.
5. Avoid Overcrowding Your Drying Area
When hanging clothes, make sure to leave enough space between each garment to allow air to flow freely. Overcrowding can lead to the formation of pockets of moisture, slowing down the drying process. This, in turn, promotes the growth of germs that produce kulob odors.
6. Use Absorbent Materials to Dry Your Garments
To help soak up excess moisture, place absorbent materials like towels or moisture-absorbing packets right beside your wet clothes. This prevents moisture from being reabsorbed by the garments that you want to dry. If you’re drying delicate items, wrap them in a dry towel before hanging so that the towel can gently absorb the excess water.
7. Choose Clothes Made from Quick-Drying Fabrics
Choosing fabrics that dry faster, such as synthetic materials or performance fabrics, can be beneficial during the rainy season. These materials wick away moisture and dry more quickly than natural fibers like cotton, which are more prone to retaining moisture.
8. Use a Hair Dryer or Iron
If your clothes are almost dry and you need them ASAP, try using a hair dryer. Simply turn it on to the low or medium setting and direct the air flow towards your clothes. Make sure to keep the head of the hair dryer about 6 inches away from the clothes to prevent overheating. If your damp clothes can be ironed, you can also iron them dry.
Hope these tips for doing the laundry help!
Constant rains or fickle weather might prevent you from drying your clothes the traditional way, but this doesn’t mean you have to wear musty clothes when it’s been raining for days. By following these tips for doing the laundry, you can dry your clothes faster and smell fresh and dry no matter the season.