As colder weather sets in, drying laundry can become a challenge, especially for those without a tumble dryer. Martin Seeley, sleep expert and CEO at MattressNextDay, has shared a simple method using a clean towel to speed up the drying process.
Seeley explains: “Cotton towels are naturally absorbent, so when you roll your damp sheets up inside one, the towel pulls away a surprising amount of leftover water. To do it properly, lay a clean, dry towel flat on a large surface, spread your damp sheet on top, and roll them up tightly together like a Swiss roll. Press down firmly, or even stand on it carefully, to help the towel soak up the moisture. Once unrolled, hang your sheet near a warm spot or in a room with good airflow. You will find it dries noticeably faster, especially on cooler days when the air feels heavy and humid.”
Another tip is to wash sheets early in the morning to take advantage of daytime warmth and airflow. Seeley advises: “When you wash later in the evening, the cooler air slows everything down. If you can, start your wash before midday so your bedding benefits from daytime warmth and air flow.”
After washing, running an additional spin cycle can remove up to 30% more water from sheets, making them dry faster. Shaking the sheets before hanging also helps: “It helps loosen the fibres so air can move through more easily. This prevents the fabric from clumping together, which can trap moisture and leave sheets feeling slightly musty,” says Seeley.
Choosing lighter fabrics such as bamboo, microfibre, or polycotton can also reduce drying time, as they are much lighter than pure cotton or linen. Seeley notes: “They are ideal for the colder months when you cannot rely on outdoor drying and need to get bedding washed, dried and back on the bed the same day.”
