An ITV consumer expert has highlighted a dehumidifier as a vital tool for drying clothes indoors, with running costs as low as 8p per hour. Grace Forrell, who regularly appears on ITV's This Morning, shared the advice as colder weather makes outdoor drying less practical.
Cheap running costs and where to buy
Standard medium compressor units, around 200W–300W, cost about 5p to 8p per hour to run, with an 8-hour overnight session costing roughly 40p to 65p. Forrell described dehumidifiers as "super cheap to run."
Budget options include the Lidl Tronic Dehumidifier at £79.99 and the Ambiano Dehumidifier, an Aldi Specialbuy priced at £44.99. Both have been on offer this autumn, so shoppers should keep an eye open in stores.
Three tips for faster drying
Forrell suggested three ways to help laundry dry quicker. First, if the fabric is suitable, use an extra spin cycle before removing clothes from the washing machine, as most machines have a spin-only program.
Second, invest in a dehumidifier and place it next to the airer. "It will absorb the moisture coming out of your clothes and speed up the drying time significantly," she said. Third, position a fan nearby to circulate the dry air from the dehumidifier, calling the combination "a winning combination."
Common mistakes to avoid
Forrell also warned of three mistakes people make when drying clothes. She said people should not assume line drying is impossible in winter, as clear late mornings and early afternoons can still work. Hanging clothes in a random order is another error, with heavy items like jeans and jumpers best placed on the outside bars of a drying rack or wherever airflow is strongest, while quick-drying fabrics like polyester can go in the centre.
Finally, she advised against drying wet clothes on radiators, as this can stop radiators from heating a home properly and lead to damp. For those short on space or cash, a cheap airer that hangs over a door is a better option.
