As the cold and wet weather sets in across the UK, drying laundry has become a major household challenge, leading to soaring energy bills for those relying on tumble dryers. However, fans of cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch have revealed a remarkably effective and cheap solution that can dry clothes indoors in as little as four hours.
The 'Demon Appliance' Driving Up Bills
Money saving expert Martin Lewis has issued a stark warning about what he calls the 'demon appliance' in British homes – the tumble dryer. He emphasises that this device is one of the biggest energy guzzlers, costing households up to £1.76 per cycle. With some models costing around £170 a year to run, according to the Energy Saving Trust, the financial impact during winter months is substantial.
"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," Lewis stated. "Tumble dryers. You're typically paying up to a quid per load."
The Mrs Hinch-Approved Solution
Within the popular Facebook group 'Mrs Hinch Made Me Do It', a homeowner from Cornwall sparked a conversation about winter laundry dilemmas, questioning whether to use a tumble dryer or invest in a heated airer. The response was overwhelming, with numerous members championing a different appliance altogether: the dehumidifier.
One user shared their successful method: "I swear by my dehumidifier. Hang the clothes in the utility room, shut the door and a load is dry in four hours." This sentiment was echoed by many, who described the dehumidifier as a "complete game changer" that has allowed them to virtually stop using their tumble dryer, reserving it only for bulky items like bedding.
Expert-Backed Drying Methods
Cleaning professionals support this community-driven advice. Sarah Dempsey, a cleaning expert from MyJobQuote, and Laura Mountford, the author behind @lauracleanaholic, agree that avoiding the tumble dryer is key to saving money. They recommend several effective alternatives:
1. The Outdoor Line: Drying clothes outside remains the fastest and most effective method. A cold, dry, and breezy day can often dry clothes faster than a hot, humid one due to better airflow.
2. The Heated Airer: Costing from around £40, heated airers are a cheap-to-run indoor solution. Mountford confirms they cost "pence to run" and can dry a load in a few hours, making them far more efficient than draping clothes over radiators.
3. The Dehumidifier Combo: Both experts recommend using a dehumidifier in conjunction with a standard clothes airer. Placing the dehumidifier near wet laundry in a closed room extracts moisture from the air, speeding up drying time significantly and preventing damp and mould.
Simple Hacks to Speed Up Drying
Beyond appliances, Mrs Hinch fans and experts suggest several simple, low-cost tricks to reduce drying time:
• The Extra Spin: Running an additional spin cycle in your washing machine can halve drying time by removing more excess water. "Always do an extra spin after your normal washing cycle," advised one Facebook user.
• The Radiator Tent: One clever hack involves covering a clothes airer with an old double duvet cover and tucking it behind a radiator. Proponents claim this can dry clothes in a couple of hours.
• Shake and Space: Dempsey recommends shaking clothes well after washing for better aeration and ensuring items are spaced at least an inch apart on an airer for even, faster drying.
With energy bills remaining a primary concern for UK households, these practical tips from a dedicated online community and industry experts offer a clear path to warmer, drier clothes without the financial chill this winter.
