Researchers at the University of Michigan are embarking on a study that could encourage some Americans to rethink their laundry practices. Although clothes dryers offer convenience, they consume a significant amount of energy—an expense that could be avoided entirely by using air drying, which is free. Household dryers in the U.S. account for approximately 3% of the residential energy budget, which is six times more than what washing machines use. This results in an annual cost of over $7 billion and generates emissions equivalent to more than 27 million tons of carbon dioxide.

The prevalence of dryer ownership in the U.S. is the highest globally, with over 80% of homes equipped with one. This starkly contrasts with countries like South Korea, where less than 30% of households own dryers, Germany, with just over 40%, and the UK, where the figure is just under 60%. Prompted by this discrepancy, researchers from the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) began to explore what shifting to air drying might mean for the average American household.

The study’s lead researcher, Zhu Zhu, a former master’s student now pursuing a doctoral degree at Purdue University, notes that clothes dryers are rarely found outside the U.S. Under the guidance of Shelie Miller, SEAS professor and co-director of the U-M Center for Sustainable Systems, Zhu examined the environmental and economic impacts of different drying technologies and behaviours across the U.S. Their research indicates that fully transitioning to line drying could save a household upwards of $2,100 over the lifespan of a dryer and reduce CO2 emissions by more than 3 tons.

The findings, published in Resources, Conservation, and Recycling, highlight that line drying and occasional dryer use is the second most economical and environmentally friendly approach. This strategy even surpasses the benefits of upgrading to more efficient dryers. In some instances, households investing in energy-efficient dryers found that they did not save money in the long run.

When tackling climate change, Miller emphasizes the significance of behavioural changes over technological improvements. She argues for a dual approach that considers both cultural and technical solutions. The study also pointed out the significant regional variations in emissions from drying clothes in the U.S., influenced heavily by the local energy sources. For example, switching from a gas to an electric dryer can reduce emissions by over 90% or increase them by more than 220%, depending on the regional energy mix.

For those not ready to completely abandon their dryers, the study suggests minor behavioural changes, like using dryers during off-peak hours to cut emissions by 8%. Zhu and Miller understand that some may have reservations about line drying, as it can stiffen fabrics, but a short spin in the dryer can alleviate this issue. Zhu, who experienced line drying in his small college apartment, encourages exploring beyond traditional laundry methods, emphasizing that effective air drying can be achieved even in constrained spaces. The research urges individuals to consider whether their consumption habits meaningfully enhance their lives, advocating for the least carbon-intensive options as the most advantageous.

More information: Zhu Zhu et al, The relative benefits of electrification, energy efficiency, and line drying clothes in the United States, Resources Conservation and Recycling. DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108212

Journal information: Resources Conservation and Recycling Provided by University of Michigan