Expert shares dehumidifier hack which helps dry wet clothes in half the time this winter and prevents mould

IT’S more than just an annoying chore to dry your clothes over the cold winter months.

Go about it the wrong way and you could soon have bigger problems on your hand, like condensation and mould.

If you’re ahead of the curve, you might’ve already invested in a dehumidifier to help tackle the grim condensation, but there could be a savvy trick you’re missing out on.

In fact, you could dry your clothes in half the time, at least according to experts at Which? who shared the hack on social media.

They suggested hanging your wet laundry on a clothes horse as usual, but placing your dehumidifier right next to it.

“We tried this on two identical loads of washing with and without a dehumidifier, and the verdict using a dehumidifier cut drying time by nearly half,” the pros explained on Instagram.

Not only did adding the gadget into the mix cut drying time in half, it also collected nearly two litres of water from the air.

If this moisture was left in the air it’s possible it could lead to damp or mould, which can be damaging to both your home and your health.

Other ways to dry your clothes inside this winter

Managing Director of Meaco Chris Michael, the UK’s leading air purification specialist, previously shared some simple hacks for drying wet laundry inside.

He told Express.co.uk said: “When it comes to drying washing, it’s natural that people will hang wet washing on clothes racks to dry indoors instead of using tumble dryers, which are one of the most energy-intensive devices in the home.

“This will be fine at first, but over the coming weeks the wet washing will take longer and longer to dry as we start to close our windows to keep precious heat in and the moisture content in the air increases from the clothes that we have been drying over time.”

Reduce moisture vapour

Sharing his expertise, Chris explained that many everyday tasks create moisture, the majority of which we don’t even notice.

“By putting lids on saucepans when boiling or steaming vegetables and using an extractor fan briefly or opening a window when using the bath or shower, homeowners can reduce moisture vapour in the air.”

Making air drying indoors efficient

Chris said: “Drying clothes inside is gentler on fabrics than tossing and tumbling in a dryer and prevents static cling. 

”Before you take them out of the washing machine use a rinse cycle to keep the amount of water left in the clothes to a minimum.

“Place a drying rack away from walls to prevent the moisture from being trapped.

”Hang items individually and with as much space in between them as possible so they will dry more quickly.

”Open windows to enable airflow.”

Warm up your house without central heating

This can be achieved by making the most of any natural sunlight shining into the property, which will warm houses up and dry out any damp air.

Chris added: “Using rugs and mats on wooden and stone floors can make rooms feel warmer too.”

Simple changes inside and outside the home

According to the guru, encouraging air flow is key to reduce the risk of damp and mould appearing in the room.

Chris explained that this includes opening doors of built-in wardrobes that sit on outside walls and trying to keep furniture, clothes and shoes from touching outside walls.

“Keeping gutters clear also decreases the amount of water that may spill down external walls, which could contribute to moisture in the home.