Drying your laundry during the cold winter months can feel like an endless battle. But a simple, often overlooked button on your washing machine could be the key to significantly speeding up the process, even when drying indoors.
The 'Secret' Button For Faster Drying
Nicola Lewis, a professional organiser and decluttering expert with a following of over 200,000 on Instagram under the handle @thisgirlcanorganise, shared a game-changing tip. In a popular Instagram reel, she revealed that switching your machine's setting to the 'Drum/Spin' cycle can work wonders.
Her specific advice is to opt for a 'Double Spin for the Win'. This function does not add any water to your clothes. Instead, it spins them at a very high speed to force more moisture out. The effectiveness is measured in RPM, or revolutions per minute. The higher the RPM, the drier your garments will be when the cycle finishes, setting them up for a much quicker drying time afterwards.
Expert-Backed Indoor Drying Strategies
In her 2023 reel, Nicola Lewis further explained her complete indoor drying routine. She emphasised giving clothes a quick shake before hanging them on an airer to prevent creases. Crucially, she also advocates for using a dehumidifier alongside your airer. This device pulls excess moisture from the air, protecting your home and accelerating the drying time.
This method is strongly supported by laundry specialist Mark Walker from Denver Wash and Fold. He recently told The Express that a dehumidifier is a powerful tool for preventing mould and mildew. "Banish mould and mildew for good by introducing a dehumidifier into your winter drying routine," Walker advised. He added that it not only dries clothes faster but also creates a healthier home environment.
An Economical and Effective Alternative
For those seeking a more budget-friendly solution, both experts point to the extra spin cycle. Mark Walker confirmed that spinning water out of laundry uses less energy than heating it to dry in a tumble dryer. Therefore, extracting that extra moisture at the end of a wash is a highly efficient step.
Nicola Lewis also suggested a simple fan as another cost-effective aid. Circulating cold air around your hanging laundry can dramatically reduce drying times and is far cheaper than cranking up the central heating.
The public response to these tips has been overwhelmingly positive. Comments on Nicola's post praised the advice, with one person declaring their new dehumidifier "amazing," and others celebrating the end of condensation and mould issues in their homes.
