The winter months pose a unique set of challenges, such as waking up before sunrise, maintaining vitamin D levels, and preventing cars from freezing overnight. With UK temperatures dropping below 10C, even simple household tasks like drying clothes can become daunting.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, tumble dryer owners spend approximately £170 annually on machine drying, depending on load size and energy costs. However, not everyone has access to a tumble dryer or is willing to increase their regular power consumption.
“Skip the dryer and embrace the natural drying power of the sun and air to save money on your energy bills, while also extending the life of your clothes,” suggests cleaning expert Sarah Dempsey. .
In an interview with the Independent, she advocates for air drying as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to using a dryer.
“Air drying is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to using a dryer – it saves money on energy bills, extends the lifespan of clothes by avoiding the harsh heat and tumbling action, and freshens clothes with natural scent.”
The quickest method, she says, is simply hanging your washed laundry outside to dry, even if it sounds unconventional. She acknowledges that this might not be feasible on some days, but emphasises that good airflow is just as crucial as heat and sunlight for drying.
“High humidity can slow drying times, so your clothes may dry faster on a cold, dry day than on a hot, humid day. Wind can help to further speed up drying times, and help remove wrinkles”, she explains.
On rainy days, or for those without a garden or balcony, heated airers are a great energy-saving alternative. The smaller versions start at around £40 and use significantly less power than tumble dryers. Dempsey adds that spacing the clothes you place on the equipment and turning them occasionally will give you the best results.
If you’re looking to cut down on your electricity bills, a wall-mounted drying rack could be the answer. Using no energy whatsoever, these racks can cost as little as £13.99 and will dry your clothes as quickly as the ambient warmth in your home allows. Most models can also be folded away to save space when not in use.
There are several tips and tricks to speed up the drying process. For instance, running your laundry through an extra spin cycle at the end of the wash to remove as much moisture as possible before hanging, and shaking them out for better aeration.
To avoid wrinkles on delicate items, use hangers and try to hang items as soon as they are done washing. This prevents the unpleasant smell of clothes that have been wet for too long and stops mould growth.
Dempsey also warns against bad laundry habits. Drying your items directly on radiators not only amps up energy bills, but also increases the humidity inside your house, leading to mould growth and potential health issues. The solution? Position your wet laundry near an open window to let the moisture out, or use a dehumidifier. She emphasises that “this is especially important during winter when it may not be possible to have the windows open for long periods.”
