Typically, the advice to dry washed items “flat” brings a smile, especially when the item in question is, say, a 2-meter-long scarf. However, wringing out washed items is a no-go, as it can lead to deformation. Instead, fold the item neatly in half, thirds, or quarters, and hang it over the bathtub to let the water drain.
Next, you can wrap the item in a clean cloth (an old bedsheet works well), gently press it to remove excess water, and lay it out on a table or even on the floor, placing clean paper underneath. A drying board is also handy; just rest one end on the balcony railing and the other on the windowsill.
Items adorned with colorful embroidery or different colored details may bleed. When hanging them to dry, make sure to wring out the water so that darker colors are at the bottom and lighter ones are at the top.
Experienced homemakers swear that laundry that is hung to dry without being wrung out is much whiter. You can test this for yourself. In any case, most modern fabrics that contain synthetic fibers can get damaged from wringing or develop wrinkles that won’t smooth out.
Silk, linen, and synthetic fibers are best ironed while still slightly damp.
It can be tricky to hang children’s items for drying—socks, handkerchiefs, aprons, and the like. There are many such items. You can find drying racks in stores: a metal rod with 10-12 clothespins. They are very convenient, allowing you to hang a lot of items in a small space. Even better, you can make your own drying rack: just hang a system of two or three rings with attached clothespins from a hook.
Pants are best dried by hanging them from the cuffs (the bottom), while skirts should be hung by the waistband using several clothespins. Men’s shirts, whether cotton or linen with synthetic threads, should be dried without wringing, hung on hangers. The same goes for jackets, sweaters, and coats. Ideally, the hangers should have rounded shoulders of the appropriate size.
Knitwear made from bulky yarn, as well as items made from corduroy, plush, or panne velvet, should be dried carefully, ensuring that no marks from the clothespins remain on them.