As winter tightens its grip, the simple chore of drying laundry becomes a significant household challenge. While summer offers the luxury of line-drying, the cold, damp months often force us to move the operation inside, where bedding can take an age to dry.
The Indoor Drying Dilemma
Drying bedsheets indoors is not ideal, but for many, it's the only option when outdoor conditions are wet or freezing. The process is notoriously slower, and without a tumble dryer or a large enough airer, it can seem impossible. However, according to laundry experts, there are effective and completely free solutions already built into your home.
Lucy Ackroyd's Expert Advice
Lucy Ackroyd, head of design at Christy, has shared her top method for tackling this seasonal problem. Her key advice is to maximise surface area and airflow. "As soon as your washing cycle is done, take the sheets out and give them a good shake to help minimise creasing and wrinkles," she recommends.
Her primary suggestion is to utilise your stairwell. "The best way to dry your bedding indoors is to aim for a large surface area to allow the fabric to fully breathe," says Ackroyd. "If you're able to, drape your damp sheets over the bannister so you can make use of the full length of your stairwell to dry them in a straight and upright position."
Maximising Airflow on Doors and Rails
For larger items like duvet covers, interior doors provide a more convenient solution due to their height. Ackroyd advises: "Keep the door open whilst the item is drying to allow maximum airflow and to stop your sheets from getting damaged. If you're popping the item straight over the door, make sure the top is clean and dust-free to avoid getting dirt on your clean washing."
Other tall fixtures like curtain rails or door frames can also be repurposed. For a more structured approach, you can use hangers with clips to secure bedding and stretch it horizontally between door frames or tall furniture. This method works well in spare rooms, though it can obstruct movement.
The core principle is simple: think vertically. By using the full drop of a banister or door, you dramatically increase the drying surface compared to a cramped airer, allowing air to circulate freely and speed up the evaporation process. With these clever tips, dry, fresh bedding in the depths of winter is entirely achievable without expensive appliances.
