Financial guru Martin Lewis has issued a stark warning to UK households, singling out one common domestic device as a major drain on both energy and finances.
The 'demon appliance' draining your wallet
In a recent discussion, the founder of Money Saving Expert highlighted the tumble dryer as the primary culprit for soaring energy bills in many homes. Martin Lewis labelled the machine a "demon appliance" that consumers should avoid using unless absolutely necessary.
His advice echoes a growing sentiment among cost-conscious consumers, including social media influencers who have been testing the real-world cost of running these appliances. Frugal TikTok user Shannen, known online as _greengal, conducted an experiment that revealed the stark expense.
She found that drying a full load of towels cost approximately €2.35, equating to roughly £1.98, and took one hour and 45 minutes. The result led her to conclude that air-drying clothes is "way more efficient," though she acknowledged it isn't always practical due to the British weather.
Public reaction and money-saving hacks
Shannen's video, viewed over 16,000 times, sparked considerable debate and prompted viewers to share their own tips for reducing drying costs. Suggestions from the online community included adding a dry towel to the wet load to speed up the process and using an extra spin cycle on the washing machine to remove more moisture beforehand.
However, not everyone was ready to abandon the convenience. One commenter defended the appliance, stating: "Wouldn't be without my dryer. Helps me run my house more efficiently. I'll take the financial hit for that."
Martin Lewis's practical alternatives
Speaking to BBC News, Martin Lewis provided clear, actionable advice for households looking to cut back. He emphasised that tumble dryers can cost "up to a quid per load," making them an expensive habit.
His primary recommendation is to use an airer or washing line outdoors whenever possible to reduce drying time in the machine. For those unable to dry clothes outside, he suggested a potentially more economical indoor solution.
"Those who have dehumidifiers - that can take some of the moisture out," Lewis advised. "It's less wattage than the tumble dryer, so it can be more effective." This method extracts dampness from the air, helping clothes dry on an airer indoors without the high energy consumption of a traditional tumble dryer.
By combining these methods and reserving the tumble dryer for essential use only, UK families can make significant savings on their annual energy bills.
