6 ways to quickly dry your clothes inside without using a tumble dryer and it’ll save you hundreds of pounds this winter
DRYING laundry indoors can increase moisture in our homes by 30 per cent, studies have suggested – that’s equivalent to nine pints of water.
So it’s no surprise many households favour the tumble dryer in a bid to get wet washing dry in minutes.
But, it costs the average home £180* to run a tumbler dryer during the winter months, so ahead of the weather turning cold and wet, Fabulous spoke exclusively to Vileda laundry expert, Lora Finn about the best ways to dry clothes inside during the winter months.
She explained why you don’t need to use a tumble dryer or heated airer if you follow her six essential tips.
Double spin
Lorna said: “Spinning your laundry in your washing machine will significantly reduce the amount of moisture in your laundry, resulting in less drying time. A double spin reduces the moisture content even more!
“Remember to shake your clothes once you take them out of the washing machine, this smooths out creases before you hang them on an airer, reducing ironing time.”
Ditch the tumble dryer
Whether you own a tumble dryer or not, or want to cut down on energy bills by not using it this winter, Lora said “a clothes airer is the most effective method of drying laundry indoors”.
Vileda’s Infinity Flex is extendable so is ideal for larger items or for big washloads, whereas the Vileda Soft Care has thick lines which reduce marks on your clothing and cuts down on ironing time.
Location, location, location
When it comes to the location of your airer, there are certain rooms that it should not be placed due to the moisture in the clothes drying.
The laundry expert suggested: “Always be sure to position your airer in a sunny and well-ventilated room, ideally by a window.
“Don’t place your airer in bedrooms and living rooms to avoid any build-up of mould.”
All about airflow
For wet washing to dry quickly, Lora said “it’s essential to ensure there is space between clothing when drying to allow the moisture to escape”.
She added: “This airflow is important as clothes dry quicker and reduces the chance of any damp smells.
“Specific items such as shirts and blouses can also be dried quicker by hanging them on clothes hangers from your airer, it also helps them dry as crease-free as possible.
“When drying knitwear, to ensure you don’t stretch any beloved jumpers or cardigans, lay them flat to dry.”
Use a dehumidifier or fan
Dehumidifiers are fast becoming as popular as air fryers, with millions of homes purchasing the nifty gadget in a bid to reduce mould, damp and condensation in the winter months when the heating is on low or completely off.
But it can also be used to help dry wet washing.
Lora said: “A dehumidifier can be helpful, it creates airflow and removes moisture from the air, making drying quicker and reducing condensation and any chance of damp problems in your home.”
If you don’t have a dehumidifier, don’t worry, you can use a fan instead.
The expert explained: “To help speed up drying times, a fan can help as it will circulate the air around a room faster creating additional airflow.”
Utilise your radiators
Lorna revealed: “Drying laundry on radiators will dry your clothes quicker, however, the moisture from your clothes needs to go somewhere, drying clothes quickly on the radiator can create increased moisture in the air and result in condensation and mould in your home. “Drying your clothes on radiators also increases energy bills as your clothes will absorb the heat rather than your home.”
To reduce mould and condensation from building up, consider using the Vileda Express (RRP £7.69) “which can be hung on your radiator without covering the surface”.
Lorna said: “The adjustable arms are strong and durable and can be easily adjusted to position securely onto a radiator.”
If in doubt, hang it out
If, however, it is a nice autumn or winter day outside, you can put your clothes airer outside to dry wet washing, or hang a few items up on a line to catch the breeze.
Lora said: “You don’t need to wait for spring to dry your clothes outside again. Providing there’s no rain forecast, the best way to dry clothes is outside.
“Even better if it’s windy as wet clothes will dry far quicker due to the flow of fresh air.”
How much does it cost to run a tumble dryer?
As of October 2023, the average price per kWh of electricity is 27p. This is the average unit price for dual fuel customers who pay by direct debit.
In comparison, in November 2021, the price per kWh was 20p, which went up to 28p in April 2021, and then up again to 34p in October 2022, before coming down to 30p in July 2023.
So today’s price is slightly cheaper, but still more expensive than two years ago.
As for how much it would cost the average household to run a tumble dryer throughout the winter, Ideal Home estimated £178.20*.