Beat the Heat & Humidity: Summer Laundry Hacks for South Africans
- Feb 5
- 5 min read
South African summers bring more than just sunshine and braais. The combination of sudden summer rains and high humidity creates a real challenge for drying laundry. February humidity can make laundry feel like a losing battle. Whether you’re in Durban, where the air feels like a warm sponge, or on the coast in the Cape, laundry that stays damp for too long starts to develop that unmistakable "sour" smell.
This guide shares practical tips to help you keep your laundry smelling clean and drying efficiently, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Why Does Laundry Smell Musty or Sour?
When laundry doesn’t dry quickly, bacteria and mildew start to grow. This causes that unpleasant sour or musty smell, especially on towels and thicker fabrics. Towels are particularly vulnerable because they hold moisture longer and are often stored damp. The problem worsens during South African summers when humidity levels can reach 70% or more, and sudden rain showers interrupt drying.
The key to avoiding these smells is to prevent moisture from lingering on fabrics for too long. That means improving airflow, speeding up drying, and washing properly.
Quick-Dry Strategies for Hot, Humid Days
Time Your Washing Right
The secret to fast drying? Wash early morning (6-8 AM) when humidity is lower and you've got the full day of sun ahead. Avoid late afternoon washes – those thunderstorms can strike without warning, especially in Gauteng.
Spin It Out
Use your machine's highest spin cycle setting. The drier your clothes come out of the machine, the faster they'll dry on the line. This is especially crucial during load shedding when you can't predict your next wash window.
Strategic Line Placement
Hang your washing line in the spot that gets the most airflow and direct sunlight between 9 AM and 2 PM. Space items generously – clothes touching each other in humid weather create damp pockets that take forever to dry and can develop that sour smell.
The Shake and Flip Method
Give each item a vigorous shake before hanging to reduce wrinkles and open up the fabric fibres for faster drying. For thick items like jeans and towels, flip them halfway through the day to expose both sides to direct sun.
Tackling Sweat Stains and Odours
Pre-Treat is Your Best Friend
Don't let sweaty gym clothes or school sports kits sit in the basket. Rinse them immediately in cold water, or at minimum, hang them to dry before washing. Damp, sweaty clothes left in a pile create bacteria breeding grounds.
White Vinegar Wonder
Add half a cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle. It neutralises odours, breaks down sweat residue, and helps remove detergent buildup – all without damaging fabrics. Bonus: it's far cheaper than specialty products.
Baking Soda Boost
For seriously sweaty loads (sports and gym gear), add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda directly to the drum with your detergent. It neutralises odours at the source.
Cold Water for Sweat
Always use cold water for sweaty, protein-based stains. Hot water actually sets these stains permanently. Save hot water for towels and bedding that aren't heavily soiled with sweat.
Preventing the Dreaded Musty Machine Smell
If you've done everything right but towels still smell musty straight out of the wash, your machine might need attention. Front-loaders are especially prone to mildew buildup around the rubber seal. Check the detergent drawer too - it often has hidden mold growth.
Leave the Door Open
After every wash, leave your washing machine door and detergent drawer wide open for at least 2-3 hours. In South Africa's humid climate, this is non-negotiable. Trapped moisture is the enemy.
Monthly Machine Cleaning
Run an empty hot cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar once a month. This prevents mold, mildew, and that musty smell that plagues washing machines in our humid coastal regions and summer months.
Check Your Seals
Wipe down the rubber door seal after every wash, especially in summer. This is where moisture, lint, and grime accumulate, creating perfect conditions for mold. Use a cloth dampened with vinegar solution.
Don't Overload
Overloading prevents proper rinsing and leaves detergent residue that causes odours. Your machine needs space for water and clothes to circulate properly – especially important in humidity when things take longer to dry.
Protecting Fabrics from Sun Damage
Turn Clothes Inside Out
Protect colours from fading by turning garments inside out before hanging. This is crucial for dark colours and school uniforms that need to last the whole year.
Avoid Peak UV Hours
If possible, bring clothes in by 2-3 PM when UV rays are most intense. Yes, they'll dry fast, but prolonged exposure can weaken fibres and fade colours dramatically.
Strategic Placement for Delicates
Hang delicate items, swimwear, and elastic-containing clothes (like sports bras) in partial shade. They'll still dry quickly in the heat but won't degrade from excessive sun exposure.
Humidity Laundry - Special Care for Towels
Towels need extra attention because they trap moisture and odours easily:
Shake towels before hanging: This fluffs the fibres and helps air circulate better.
Hang towels fully open: Avoid folding or bunching towels on the line.
Sun-dry when possible: Sunlight naturally kills bacteria and helps remove odours.
Wash towels more frequently: Towels used daily should be washed every 2-3 days to prevent buildup of bacteria.
Quick Fixes for Musty Laundry
If you find your laundry already smells sour, try these remedies:
Rewash with vinegar: Run a wash cycle with half a cup of white vinegar and no detergent.
Sun-dry thoroughly: Sunlight helps kill odour-causing bacteria.
Use baking soda soak: Soak clothes in a mixture of water and baking soda for 30 minutes before washing.
Air out storage areas: Make sure cupboards and linen closets are dry and well-ventilated.
Is a Dehumidifier Worth It?
If you're constantly drying clothes indoors, a dehumidifier or cupboard dehumidifier can be beneficial. It pulls moisture out of the air, which means your clothes dry faster and you avoid that damp, musty atmosphere in your home and humidity laundry challenges.
Dehumidifiers work well with inverters and backup power systems since they use less electricity than tumble dryers. They're especially useful if you have a dedicated laundry area or spare room where you dry clothes. Just remember to empty the water tank regularly, otherwise the unit will stop working.
Final Thoughts
February laundry problems aren’t caused by bad detergent or washing machines. Most of the time, it’s humidity, interrupted drying, and poor airflow working together.
A few small changes in how and where laundry dries can save time, water, and a lot of frustration.
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