Give up tumble dryers and heated airers to dry laundry faster this winter with a quicker method
As winter draws in, many households face the age-old problem of drying laundry indoors. Running a tumble dryer can send energy bills up, so plenty of people look for alternatives that save time without breaking the bank. One option getting attention is the dehumidifier — it promises quicker drying without the high running costs and energy use of a traditional dryer.
Why drying clothes is tricky in winter
When it’s cold outside, drying clothes becomes a proper headache for families. You can’t rely on outdoor lines, so indoor airing racks are the go-to, but they’re often frustratingly slow, especially when you’re trying to keep energy bills down. Tumble dryers are handy, but they’re also among the most power-hungry appliances in a home. That convenience often comes with a hefty price tag on your energy bill, so many households are hunting for alternatives that give similar results without the high running costs.
Try a dehumidifier — a more economical option
Dehumidifiers stand out as a promising alternative, offering advantages over both heated airers and tumble dryers. Laundry expert Mark Walker from Denver Wash and Fold, speaking to The Express, recommends using dehumidifiers for winter drying. “Banish mould and mildew for good by introducing a dehumidifier into your winter drying routine. Not only will it remove moisture from your clothes faster, but it’ll also make your home into a healthier environment. Place the device nearby and watch the tank fill up while you enjoy a well-deserved hot cocoa.” (The tank collects the water the unit extracts from the air.)
A dehumidifier pulls excess moisture from the air, so clothes dry faster and you reduce the chance of mould growing in the home. Clothes dried this way also tend to smell fresher, which helps keep the whole place healthier. That makes dehumidifiers an appealing choice for households that want dry, fresh-smelling laundry while keeping their homes free of damp.
Practical tips for drying indoors efficiently
To get the most from indoor drying, follow these straightforward tips:
- Use a Dehumidifier: Position the device close to your drying clothes to speed up the drying process.
- Extra Spin Cycle: Before removing clothes from the washing machine, run an additional spin cycle. According to Mark Walker, “On average, it takes less energy to spin water out of the load than it does to heat it up and dry it, so go ahead and extract some extra moisture at the end of a wash.”
- Ventilate the Space: Make sure your drying area has good airflow by opening windows during the day.
- Give Space: When hanging clothes, ensure they are not bunched together. As Walker suggests, “Give your laundry plenty of space instead of bunching it all together. Your items will dry much quicker, smell fresher and wrinkle far less.”
- Consider a Radiator Drying Rack: Rather than hanging clothes directly on radiators (which can be a fire hazard and encourage mould), a space-saving radiator drying rack can be an efficient way to speed up indoor drying.
Why you should avoid drying on radiators
Hanging clothes on radiators may seem tempting, but it can cause problems. As Mark Walker points out, “Contrary to popular belief, not only is it a potential fire hazard, it’s also a breeding ground for condensation and mould.” Steering clear of that practice helps keep your home safer and healthier.
Using these approaches, households can make winter laundry less of a pain while keeping costs down and clothes fresh. This winter, why not give dehumidifiers a go and enjoy a warm, cosy home without the worry of soaring energy bills?