Humidity Challenges During Monsoon Season
From mid-June through September, the Arizona monsoon season transforms the normally dry climate. Humidity can spike from a typical 10 to 15 percent up to 60 or 70 percent within hours when a storm moves through. This sudden moisture in the air affects drying times, creates musty odors, and can promote mildew growth on damp items.
If you typically rely on outdoor air drying, monsoon season may require a change in routine. Monitor weather forecasts and bring laundry in before afternoon storms develop, which typically roll in between 3 PM and 7 PM during monsoon season.
Dealing with Haboob Dust on Laundry
Haboobs, the massive dust storms that sweep across the Valley, can coat outdoor laundry in a layer of fine desert dust in minutes. If your laundry is caught outside during a haboob, shake off as much dust as possible before bringing items inside. Run a rinse cycle to remove the fine particles before doing a full wash.
- Shake off loose dust outdoors before bringing items inside
- Run a cold water rinse cycle first to flush out fine particles
- Follow with a normal wash cycle using your regular detergent
- Check pockets and crevices where dust can accumulate
Preventing Mildew in Monsoon Humidity
The sudden humidity increases during monsoon season create conditions for mildew growth. Never leave wet laundry sitting in the washing machine during monsoon season as mildew can develop in as little as four hours. Transfer wet clothes to the dryer or drying rack immediately after the wash cycle ends. If you detect a musty smell on clean laundry, rewash with hot water and a cup of white vinegar.
Run your washing machine on an empty hot cycle with bleach or a machine cleaner once a month during monsoon season to prevent mold buildup inside the drum and gasket.
Drying Clothes During Monsoon Season
During active monsoon periods, switch to indoor drying or use your dryer. If you prefer air drying, set up a drying rack in an air-conditioned room where the low indoor humidity will still allow efficient drying. A small fan pointed at the drying rack can speed up the process. Our laundry service handles all drying professionally, so you do not have to worry about monsoon timing.