How to dry clothes faster and cheaper without a tumble dryer or heated airer

Drying washing during winter can be infuriating for anyone trying to slash their energy bills, but there’s a simple trick to get your clothes dry and fresh without wasting electricity. Most homes opt to hang garments on a drying rack when the temperature drops, as although tumble dryers provide convenience, they’re among the household’s most power-hungry appliances.

As a result, many people switch off tumble dryers to prevent their energy bills from skyrocketing and instead opt for more cost-effective options, such as dehumidifiers or drying racks – and one expert has pointed out the best option.  Mark Walker, a laundry expert from Denver Wash and Fold, firmly recommends using dehumidifiers throughout the winter period, as they keep both clothing and properties in a dry condition. He said you can “banish mould and mildew for good by introducing a dehumidifier into your winter drying routine” and highlighted that this method is also cost-effective. 

Mark said: “Not only will it (the dehumidifier) 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!”

Mould invading your home can become a major issue in the wintertime, particularly when drying laundry indoors, as wet clothing creates extra moisture in the air, which can help spores thrive.

Dehumidifiers excel not only at swiftly drying clothes, but they also eliminate humidity from rooms to help prevent mould growth.

However, to get the most from your dehumidifier, ensure you run garments through an extra spin cycle before removing them from the washing machine, as this removes excess water.

Mark suggested: “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 key to fast clothes drying in winter lies in reducing the moisture content, so ensure your laundry-drying space has optimal airflow.

When possible, keep windows open during daylight hours to enhance air movement. Furthermore, space out washing when hanging to provide sufficient drying room.

Mark explained: “Give your laundry plenty of space, instead of bunching it all together. Your items will dry much quicker, smell fresher and wrinkle far less.”

Whatever drying technique you choose this winter, one essential rule is never to drape washing over radiators. Though it may seem sensible, placing laundry on radiators can pump too much moisture into the air and cause clothes to develop a musty smell.

Mark cautioned: “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.”