If you've partially dried your clothes outside and want to finish the drying process in the dryer, you should follow these general guidelines:
Shake out the clothes: Before transferring your clothes from the outdoor line to the dryer, give them a good shake to remove any loose debris or wrinkles that may have accumulated while air-drying.
Check for moisture: Make sure the clothes are mostly dry after air-drying. They should feel slightly damp or nearly dry to the touch. If they are still wet, it's best to continue air-drying them until they are mostly dry before using the dryer.
Dryer settings: When transferring clothes from the outdoor line to the dryer, set the dryer to a low or gentle heat setting, and use a shorter drying cycle. High heat can damage some fabrics, especially if they are already partially dry.
Monitor the drying process: Keep a close eye on the clothes as they dry in the dryer. Check them periodically to prevent over-drying, which can lead to shrinking, fading, or damaging delicate fabrics.
Remove promptly: As soon as the clothes are fully dry or nearly dry, promptly remove them from the dryer. This will help prevent wrinkles and save energy.
The exact time it takes to finish drying clothes in the dryer after air-drying will depend on various factors, such as the type of fabric, the level of dampness, the capacity of the dryer, and the chosen settings. Always err on the side of caution and avoid using high heat if the clothes are mostly dry to avoid any potential damage.