Drying clothes can be a huge struggle in the winter but there is one very quick and cost-efficient way it can be done
Successfully drying your washing during the cold months is a dreaded task for anyone trying to slash their energy costs. However, there is a straightforward method homeowners can try to achieve dry and fresh smelling clothes without seeing the energy bills rise.
The majority of households opt to hang clothing on an airing rack when temperatures plunge and drying outdoors is no longer an option. While tumble dryers are a tremendous convenience, they rank among the most power-hungry appliances in any property and can result in bills drastically rising.
However there’s one home appliance that could be very useful instead which will dry clothes quicker and still leave them smelling fresh, without costing thousands. Mark Walker, a laundry expert from Denver Wash and Fold, is urging homeowners to buy a dehumidifier during winter, as they maintain both clothing and properties moisture-free.
Speaking to The Express, he said: “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, 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.”
Dehumidifiers are not just great at rapidly drying clothing, but they also absorb any dampness within a space to stop mould from forming.
Another clever tip to get the most out of drying with a dehumidifier is to ensure you put garments through an additional spin cycle before taking them out the washing machine, as this will eliminate any surplus moisture.
Mark added: “If you’re looking for a more economical alternative to tumble drying, then an extra spin cycle might be the answer.
“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.”
The secret to getting your clothes to dry rapid during winter months is by minimising moisture content, so ensure the space where you’re drying washing has as much ventilation as possible and open windows throughout the day to generate increased air flow.
Additionally, separate laundry when hanging to provide sufficient space for drying each item.
Mark advised: “Give your laundry plenty of space, instead of bunching it all together. Your items will dry much quicker, smell fresher and wrinkle far less.”
Whilst it’s very tempting to hang washing on radiators, drying laundry this way can put excessive moisture into the atmosphere and cause garments to develop a stale odour.
Mark warned: “Contrary to popular belief, not only is it a potential fire hazard, it’s also a breeding ground for condensation and mould.
“Instead of hanging clothes directly on the radiators, why not invest in a radiator drying rack instead? These space-saving devices are cheap, cheerful and great for speed-drying laundry on a cold day.”
