Laundry image. Free Pick: On clear days, many people say they should hang their washed laundry in the sun to dry. This is because sunlight helps dry laundry quickly and reduce odor. However, not all clothes welcome direct sunlight. Depending on the type of clothing, color may fade, functionality may deteriorate, and the lifespan of the fabric may be shortened, so care is needed. The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) recommends that in order to make clothes last longer, it is necessary to wash them as much as possible.