A cleaning expert has shared the “best” method to dry wet laundry during the chilly months. As winter sets in, the debate on the optimal way to dry clothes heats up; some advocate for tumble dryers and others champion dehumidifiers.
The ideal approach depends much on your living space, items you’re drying, and whether you prioritise saving money or convenience. Sarah Dempsey of MyJobQuote.co.uk suggests that for those valuing speed and convenience, a tumble dryer is supreme, but cautions about its hefty running costs.
“If you’re looking to save time but don’t have the budget to buy and run a tumble dryer, then a heated airer is the best way for you to get your clothes dry in winter,” she said. “Heated airers cost from around £60 to buy and between 5p and 20p an hour to run, whereas a tumble dryer will cost at least £350 and between 50p and £1.20 per hour to run.
“The only drawback is that laundry does take a little longer to dry on a heated airer than in a tumble dryer, and you may need to rotate your clothes to help them dry evenly.”
Drying clothes in the winter can be seriously tricky
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
For those with busy lifestyles, Dempsey advises a covered or pod-style heated airer, reports the Express. She added: “If you don’t have time to rejig your clothes as they dry, the covered or pod-style heated airer is going to be your best option,” which may also expedite the drying process, thus enabling some garments to dry in just a few hours.
Drying clothes outside during the colder months may seem a daunting task, but with a little bit of sunshine and a gentle breeze, it’s entirely possible to get your laundry partially dry. Cleaning guru Sarah has shared her top tips for energy-conscious individuals aiming to “save energy and lower your bills”.
She explained: “It’s also one of the best methods to use if your home suffers dampness when you dry clothes indoors. Ideally, you’ll want to get your clothes hung out as soon as the sun is up to maximise your drying time, and you’ll need to take them back in before the temperatures start to dip.
Drying clothes in the winter can be seriously tricky
(Image: Getty Images)
“To give your clothes a head start, you could give them an extra spin in the machine after you’ve finished washing them. Alternatively, roll your clothes between two dry towels and give them a squeeze to remove some of the excess water.”
If your clothes haven’t completely dried on the line, Sarah advises transferring them to an airer or drying rack indoors. For those without outdoor space or facing uncooperative weather, she suggests using an airer coupled with a dehumidifier to efficiently dry clothes while keeping moisture levels in check.
Although dehumidifiers are an upfront cost, they are economical to operate. Sarah added: “As the dehumidifier needs to run in the room where your clothes are drying, it can handle more than one airer at a time. It can cut drying times by about a third. So, it’s particularly useful for households that go through lots of washing.”