Martin Lewis has issued a warning for anyone with a tumble dryer in their house. The BBC and ITV star says a regular and common tumble dryer mistake is actually costing UK households money as the Cost of Living crisis continues.
Martin said: “Do you know what the real demon appliance is in most people’s houses? The one that you don’t want to use because it’s really expensive – tumble dryers. I mean, you’re typically paying up to a quid per load, so dry your clothes on an airer outside to shorten the amount of time you’re using your tumble dryer, or avoid using it completely.
“Those who have dehumidifiers – that can take some of the moisture out.” The Money Saving Expert founder, aged 52, who returns to ITV tonight from 8pm with his ITV The Martin Lewis Money Show, went on to say: “It’s less wattage than the tumble dryer, so it can be more effective.”
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On Twitter, now X, a previous post from MSE explained: “Earlier this year, some MoneySavers told us how they cut dishwasher tablets in half and have been getting the same results – but for half the price! Have you tried anything similar and been able to save money?”
“Same with laundry detergent. You need far far less than they recommend, literally a quarter. Lasts ages and still get clean clothes that smell good. I don’t like overpowering detergent smell myself,” a MSE reader replied to the social media site.
A second typed: “Just buy the large Finish boxes in Farmfoods, two for £18. That’s 200 tablets so only 9p each. They’re Powerballs so I don’t think you need to buy rinse aid or salt either.” Another said: “I wash my dishes by hand but this sounds like a great money-saving hack for those of you who use a dishwasher…”
“Also you don’t pay silly prices for ‘branded’ dishwasher tablets, when the budget stores sell them for around half the cost. They do just as good a job. Also you can use dishwasher tablets to clean your shower,” wrote another.
Another typed: “Use powder instead, these things only exist for the convenience of not having to worry about spilling powder anyway not for better cleaning.” A fellow Twitter/X user tweeted: “Wash dishes by hand, better for environment to, never used amount of laundry products, and do 20 degree washes.”