Consumer expert Grace Forrell has shared a 'radiator rule' for drying clothes as colder, wetter weather arrives, appearing on ITV's This Morning to advise hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard.
October was wetter, warmer and sunnier than average across the UK, with two named storms contributing to a notably wet end to the month, according to provisional Met Office statistics. The UK received 138.9mm of rainfall during October, 13% more than its 1991-2020 average.
Why drying costs matter
With more laundry needing indoor drying, tumble dryers have become a tempting option, but rising power costs make them one of the most expensive ways to dry clothes. The UK energy price cap rose by 3.6% (rounded to 4%) on 1 October, pushing the average annual bill for a typical dual-fuel household paying via monthly Direct Debit to £1,723.
Martin Lewis said that the latest Money Saving Expert site analysis suggested that the January price cap rise could be as much as 28.8%.
What to do instead
Forrell advised viewers to: "Continue to dry outside whenever possible i.e clear weather in the late AM / early PM." She also recommended an extra spin cycle in the washing machine if suitable for the laundry.
She suggested placing heavier items on the outside of an airer, where they get more air flow, with quick-drying items in the middle. For those with a dehumidifier, she advised placing it close to the laundry and positioning a fan opposite to help circulate warm air.
What to avoid
Forrell highlighted two key mistakes to avoid: "Don't try and dry clothes on your radiator. It prevents them from heating your home properly and can contribute to damp." She also warned: "Don't overload your tumble dryer, or add heavy fabrics into a quick-drying load."
