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Why Sun-Dried Clothes Smell Better Than Indoor-Dried Ones

"It's a well-known fact that drying our laundry indoors can lead to a musty, unpleasant smell. But why does sun-dried clothing always seem to smell so much fresher? Let's delve into this intriguing phenomenon with Bach Hoa XANH and uncover the science behind it."

Administrator

11 August, 2024

To answer this intriguing question, a team of researchers led by Silvia Pugliese and her two colleagues designed and conducted an experiment.

They washed three towels with purified water and hung them in three different locations: inside an office, on a balcony hidden under a plastic cover, and the last one exposed to direct sunlight.

Drying clothes indoors

Once the towels were dry, the researchers placed them in separate bags and left them untouched for 15 hours. From these bags, the scientists then extracted and analyzed the chemical compounds present in the trapped air.

Through this process, they discovered the source of the sun-dried clothes’ fragrance: Aldehyde and Ketone compounds, which are organic molecules easily detectable by the human nose and commonly found in familiar things like plants and perfumes.

Specifically, as the towels dried, they began to emit these fragrant compounds, and the production of these scents is attributed to Ozone, a component of Earth’s atmosphere.

Additionally, sunlight plays a contributing role in this pleasant aroma. When exposed to the sun’s UV rays, certain molecules can become energized, leading to the formation of highly reactive compounds known as free radicals.

These free radicals then combine with nearby molecules, resulting in the creation of the aforementioned Aldehyde and Ketone compounds.

In summary, the reason why sun-dried clothes smell better than those dried indoors is due to the presence of Aldehyde and Ketone compounds, which are produced by the interaction of Ozone and sunlight. These compounds are familiar to us, as they are found in plants and perfumes, making their scent more appealing to our senses.

Frequently asked questions

Sun-dried clothes smell better because of the sun’s UV rays, which can break down the molecules in odors, thus eliminating them. The wind also helps carry away any remaining molecules, leaving the clothes smelling fresh and clean.

UV radiation from the sun has a sanitizing effect, breaking down odor molecules and leaving clothes with a fresh scent. This process is similar to how UV light is used to sterilize surfaces and purify water.

Yes, sun-drying clothes is a natural, eco-friendly way to disinfect them, as the sun’s UV rays kill bacteria and germs. It’s also free and can help reduce energy costs compared to using a dryer.

Indoor drying often results in a musty or damp smell because the clothes are not exposed to the sun’s UV rays and wind, which help eliminate odor molecules. The confined space and lack of ventilation can also contribute to the lingering odors.

To improve the smell of indoor-dried clothes, you can try using fabric softeners or natural scent boosters. Ensuring proper ventilation in the drying area and avoiding overcrowding of clothes can also help reduce musty odors.