Practical guide for expats: How to dry your laundry in Spain during rainy weather

Many people are able to benefit from a variety of different kinds Expats from the UK Or northern Europe, The wet season is here in Spain It’s a shock: suddenly, your laundry takes forever to dry. Cold weather, persistent humidity, and frequent rain showers – especially in northern and coastal regions – can turn a simple wash into a three-day affair. For anyone who is used to a tumble-dryer at home, the lack of one in most Spanish rental homes can be a shock.

This guide will explain why drying clothes is difficult in Spain in the winter. It will also show you how to dry your laundry quickly and cheaply at home.

Why Spanish winters are longer for laundry to dry

Spain’s winter can be incredibly humid, even in places that enjoy a lot of sunshine. During December to February, coastal Andalucía, Valencia, and Galicia often see humidity levels above 70–80 per cent, dramatically slowing evaporation and resulting in wet washing for days.

It is not the temperature that is lower, but the humidity. Spain’s winters without the comforts of home, such as heating and fast-drying radiators indoors, can seem quaint to expats who are used to these conveniences.

Why are tumble dryers rare in Spanish rental homes?

Most Spanish rentals do not include tumble dryers, which is a major surprise for British expats. Landlords tend to prioritize washers in rentals but leave out dryers, due to the lack of space, the cost, and their expectation that tenants would use balconies for the hot, dry climate. This is true especially in older flats that were designed before modern appliances were standard.

Are tumble dryers popular among Spanish homeowners?

The popularity of dryers is slowly increasing among Spanish homeowners. However, the uptake is still modest. According to EndesaTumble dryers in Spain are “used relatively little” as most households don’t even own one.

Hidden risks of hanging wet clothes indoors

Be aware of the consequences if bad weather forces your to dry your clothes inside. When you hang wet clothes indoors, the humidity increases, which can lead to condensation and even mould.

The Housing Charity GCHA says,

The key to drying your laundry inside is to have a good circulation of air in the room. Open windows for fresh air circulation and to help remove moisture. Use fans to move air if it is too cold to open the windows. This will speed up the process of drying and reduce the chance of mould and dampness.

Save money by drying clothes indoors.

It’s not necessary to have damp rooms and high electricity bills when you dry your laundry in the house. These methods are popular in Spanish homes.

1. Add an extra spin cycle

Add an extra spin cycle to your washing machine before drying.

2. Use a dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers work extremely well for winter drying. They are much more economical than tumble dryers, and they reduce the risk of mould and damp.

3. Heat up your clothes

Heated airers use roughly 200–300 watts, compared with 1,800+ watts for many tumble dryers.

4. Bathroom extractor fans are useful.

You can speed up the drying process by placing your clothes horse inside the bathroom, with the exhaust fan running and the door closed. This will also eliminate the unsightly problem of laundry hung in the living room. It’s not energy-efficient.

Launderettes in Spain

Towels or bedding such as bulky loads can be a lavanderia It can save both time and energy. Many expats, as well as locals, rely on these facilities during the long winter rain.

In Spain’s winter, drying laundry is not just a chore. It’s an artwork. Expats are forced to use energy-efficient, smart techniques because of the limited tumble dryers available, high humidity and compact apartments.

All articles on Homes and Gardens.