Drying bulky bedding indoors during the cold, damp winter months is a perennial headache for households across the UK. However, a remarkably simple and cost-effective solution promises to have your sheets bone dry in just one hour for approximately 8p, offering significant savings on tumble dryer and heating costs.
The Core of the Method: Smart Spinning and Shaking
According to lifestyle reporter Angela Patrone, writing on January 5, 2026, the secret to rapid drying starts in the washing machine. She advocates running laundry on an extra spin and drain cycle once the main wash is complete. This quick, 10-minute step can remove up to 30% more moisture from fabrics like bed sheets, providing a crucial head start.
Immediately after the cycle finishes, it's vital to remove all items from the drum to prevent bacteria and musty odours from developing. Before hanging bedding on an airer, Patrone recommends giving each item a firm shake. This action separates the fabric fibres, promoting better air circulation and preventing damp clumps that prolong drying time.
Strategic Hanging and Dehumidifier Placement
The arrangement of laundry on the airer is key. For optimal results, drape a large bed sheet over one half of the airer and a duvet cover over the entire structure. This technique creates a tent-like enclosure that traps humid air inside, allowing the dry air from a dehumidifier to circulate efficiently within the confined space.
Dehumidifiers, popularised by cleaning influencer Mrs Hinch's fans, work by drawing in room air, extracting moisture, and blowing warm, dry air back out. For maximum effectiveness, the device should be placed close to the side of the airer, ensuring it can reach all the laundry items.
Proven Results and Major Savings
In a practical test, this method delivered impressive results. After one hour, the bed sheet and duvet cover were completely dry. While accompanying clothes and towels required a few more hours, the core bedding was ready remarkably quickly.
Although a tumble dryer may be marginally faster, the financial benefits are compelling. With the energy price cap having risen by 2% in both July and October of the previous year, reducing consumption is a priority. Running a dehumidifier for an hour costs just 8p, making it a vastly cheaper alternative to running an energy-intensive tumble dryer, especially for single items like bedding.
This clever hack combines simple pre-treatment, strategic airing, and efficient appliance use to solve a common winter problem, putting dry sheets within quick and affordable reach.
