Why Laundry Piles Up Faster in Winter (and How to Stay on Top of It)

Winter laundry feels endless – and there is a reason for that. Between heavier clothing, longer drying times, and fewer daylight hours, it is easy for washing to pile up. Here is why it happens and how you can stay on top of it.

Bulky Clothing Takes Up More Space

Thicker garments like jumpers, coats, and trackpants take up more room in the wash, meaning more loads overall. Bedding, too, tends to be heavier and more layered in winter, so washing machines fill up quickly. Don’t even get us started on the winter sports uniforms!

Drying Slows Down

Indoor drying becomes the norm when it is too cold or wet outside. But it is less efficient, especially in poorly ventilated homes. Clothes can take days to dry, leaving drying racks full and new loads waiting.

Fewer Washing Hours in the Day

Shorter daylight hours make it harder to plan around sun exposure. There is also a tendency to put off washing until the weekend, creating backlog.

How to Stay on Top of Winter Washing

• Sort laundry by drying time as well as fabric type. Wash quick-drying items together to free up drying space.
• Start loads early in the day when possible. The sooner it finishes, the sooner it can start drying. If doing multiple loads, do the quick-dry wash last. If you have a timer on your machine, schedule to be ready in the morning so you can take advantage of the daylight drying hours.
• Use clothes horses in ventilated rooms and rotate items regularly for even drying. Outdoors even better.
• Air out bedding and blankets between washes to reduce odour and moisture build-up.
• Use a laundry service for your bulky wash – you may discover it is more economical than you think, and far less hassle. The perfect option before changing and storing for the warmer months too!

If we can help, give us a call on 0800 454 654.