I’m a home expert and my 12p hack halves how long it takes to dry your clothes inside without turning up the radiator
THE UK was buffeted with wintry weather and sub-zero temperatures overnight – and many across the country woke up to snow this morning.
Not only is this a burden on millions of peoples’ plans, but it’s also a nightmare for those of us with a mountain of laundry to get through, given there’s no hope of winter sun for the foreseeable.
Fortunately, there’s things you can do to speed up the process of drying your laundry inside – no wind required.
Matt Ayres, appliance expert at RDO Kitchen and Appliances, shared his top tips for drying clothes this winter without a tumble dryer with Fabulous.
In particular, there’s a 12p hack you can implement into your routine that can slash drying time by up to half.
“If you don’t have a tumble dryer at home, it’s still possible to use your washing machine to cut down on drying time,” Matt shared.
“Most modern washing machines come with additional spin or drain options, which can be run after the wash cycle to remove any additional moisture from your clothing.
“While this option does require extra energy use – the costs of this would be minimal.
“Depending on the energy rating of the washing machine and the length of the cycle.
“It could cost between 12p and 20p per cycle.”
When it comes to hanging clothes up after the extra spin, a bit of strategy can work wonders.
“The way that clothes are hung up can impact how long it takes for them to dry,” Matt explained.
“While it may be tempting to pile on as many clothes as possible to get them all dry, this can be counter-productive.
“Overcrowding can lead to prolonged drying times as there isn’t enough air circulation.
“To maximise air circulation around the clothing, leave enough space between them on the drying rack or clothesline.
“This allows the air to flow freely and ensures that each item dries evenly.”
He also recommended hanging shirts and trousers on coat hangers, which you can descend from rails or even curtain poles
“Not only does this ensure that clothes aren’t overcrowded, but it’ll also save you the hassle of ironing these items,” Matt said.
More winter laundry tips
Tackling laundry in the winter can be a challenge, but these handy tips can help you stay on top of it:
- Use a Dehumidifier: Place a dehumidifier in your drying area to speed up the drying process and prevent dampness.
- Spin Cycle Boost: Run an extra spin cycle on your washing machine to remove excess water from clothes, reducing drying time.
- Indoor Drying Rack: Invest in a good-quality indoor drying rack and position it near a radiator or in a well-ventilated room.
- Tumble Dryer Balls: Add tumble dryer balls to your dryer to help clothes dry faster and reduce static cling.
- Space-Saving Hangers: Use space-saving hangers or a retractable washing line to maximise indoor drying space.
- Microfibre Towels: Lay microfibre towels over your drying rack to absorb extra moisture from hanging clothes.
- Partially Dry Outside: On dry days, hang clothes outside for a short period before bringing them in to finish drying.
These hacks can help you keep your laundry routine efficient and your clothes fresh, even during the colder months.