Struggling with wet laundry that takes days to dry indoors during the colder months? A simple and effective solution has been confirmed by consumer experts that could cut your drying time nearly in half while protecting your home from damp and mould.
The Game-Changing Laundry Tip
Consumer watchdog Which? has revealed that using a dehumidifier alongside your air-drying laundry is a highly effective method for speeding up the process. The organisation put this theory to the test in a practical experiment, drying two identical loads of washing on airers in the same room.
The only difference was that one load had a dehumidifier positioned nearby, while the other was left to dry naturally without any assistance. The results were striking, demonstrating a clear advantage for the dehumidifier method.
How It Works and The Proven Results
The process is remarkably straightforward. Simply hang your wet washing on an indoor airer as you normally would, then place a dehumidifier close to or directly beneath the laundry. This setup actively pulls moisture from both the air and the wet fabrics, dramatically accelerating the drying process.
Which? confirmed that using a dehumidifier cut the drying time by nearly half, making it an incredibly efficient alternative for households without a tumble dryer. Beyond the significant time saving, the method offers another crucial benefit for UK homes, particularly during winter.
Combating Condensation and Mould Growth
The dehumidifier doesn't just dry your clothes faster; it also plays a vital role in home maintenance. During their test, Which? found the appliance extracted approximately two litres of water from the air.
This moisture removal is key to preventing the condensation build-up that often leads to damp and mould growth on walls and ceilings. This is a common problem in British homes during winter when windows are kept closed and wet laundry is dried indoors.
Experts have previously warned about the health risks associated with drying clothes in living spaces and bedrooms, where lingering moisture can encourage mould spores and potentially lead to respiratory issues. This dehumidifier method directly addresses that concern by actively pulling excess moisture from your home's atmosphere.
For those planning their laundry routine, it's also advised to consider which room you dry clothes in, avoiding spaces where you spend significant time, like bedrooms, to further minimise any potential health impacts from indoor moisture.
