As winter tightens its grip and energy bills continue to be a major concern for households across the UK, the simple task of drying laundry becomes a frustrating and costly chore. Hanging clothes outdoors is often impossible, leaving many to rely on expensive tumble dryers or slow-drying indoor airers. However, a leading laundry expert has revealed a much 'faster' and more economical method to achieve dry, fresh-smelling clothes without sending your energy costs soaring.
The Appliance That Beats The Dryer
Mark Walker, a laundry expert from Denver Wash and Fold, is championing a surprising hero for the winter months: the dehumidifier. While many households own one for combating damp, its potential for rapidly drying laundry is often overlooked. According to Walker, introducing a dehumidifier into your winter routine is a game-changer. "Banish mould and mildew for good by introducing a dehumidifier into your winter drying routine," he advised in an interview with The Express. "Not only will it remove moisture from your clothes faster, it'll also make your home into a healthier environment."
The method is straightforward. Simply place your clothes on an airing rack and position the dehumidifier nearby. The appliance works by extracting moisture from the air, which significantly speeds up the drying process for your laundry while simultaneously protecting your home from excess humidity that can lead to mould growth.
Pro Hacks For Maximum Efficiency
To get the most out of this technique and achieve the fastest drying times, Mark Walker shared several savvy tips. The secret to rapid drying in winter is all about minimising the initial moisture content in your washing. One key hack is to put your garments through an additional spin cycle in the washing machine before hanging them up.
Walker explained the logic behind this, stating, "If you're looking for a more economical alternative to tumble drying, then an extra spin cycle might be the answer. On average, it takes less energy to spin water out of the load than it does to heat it up and dry it." This simple, low-energy step removes a significant amount of water, giving your dehumidifier a much easier job.
Creating The Perfect Drying Environment
How you arrange your laundry space is also critical for efficiency. Walker strongly advises against the common practice of bunching clothes tightly together on the rack. "Give your laundry plenty of space, instead of bunching it all together," he urged. "Your items will dry much quicker, smell fresher and wrinkle far less." Ensuring maximum ventilation in the room by opening a window periodically can also generate crucial airflow to aid the process.
He also issued a stark warning against drying clothes directly on radiators, a tactic many resort to in desperation. "Contrary to popular belief, not only is it a potential fire hazard, it's also a breeding ground for condensation and mould," Walker cautioned. Instead of risking damp and stale-smelling clothes, he suggests a simple alternative: invest in a radiator drying rack. These inexpensive devices sit above the radiator, using the heat without the associated risks, making them ideal for speed-drying on a cold day.
By combining a dehumidifier with smart laundry habits, UK households can finally conquer the winter washing dilemma, saving money and enjoying fresh, dry clothes without the energy-guzzling guilt.
