As December's chill sets in, drying laundry indoors becomes a significant challenge for households across the UK. With many watching their energy bills and reluctant to overuse central heating, wet clothes can linger for days, risking damp and mould. Seeking a solution, we consulted several home experts for their most effective advice on speeding up the drying process without relying on costly heating.
The Unanimous Expert Verdict: Ventilation is Vital
Every specialist consulted stressed that proper ventilation is the absolute cornerstone of drying clothes indoors successfully. David Marquardt, CEO of The Steam Team, emphasised that even brief periods of fresh air are crucial. He advises opening windows for a few minutes daily to release humid air and prevent condensation build-up, which can lead to longer-term damp problems.
Heating engineer Stephen Day from iHeat echoed this, suggesting a simple but effective routine. "Positioning an airer near a window and keeping said window slightly open creates a simple airflow cycle," he explained. He recommends drying laundry during the daytime to harness any natural light or warmth, and notes that even cracking a window for 20 minutes on a cold day can make a substantial difference.
Invest in a Dehumidifier for Faster, Cheaper Drying
Another highly recommended strategy is using a dehumidifier, specifically one with a laundry mode. Mould specialist Jonathan Kirby from Dryzone suggests placing the device right beside your airer. He advises spacing items to allow air to circulate and rotating heavier pieces halfway through drying.
This method isn't just effective; it's economical. Kudzai Chinembiri from Love Energy Savings confirmed that running a dehumidifier is far more efficient than switching on the central heating or using a tumble dryer. An added bonus is that clothes dried this way often feel softer than those tumbledried, and the primary function of the device actively combats damp and mould.
If a dehumidifier isn't an option, Jonathan Kirby recommends making the bathroom your dedicated laundry zone. Keep the door shut, ensure trickle vents are open, and run the extractor fan to remove moisture before it condenses on walls.
The One Radiator Mistake You Must Avoid
When you do need to use your heating, all experts warned against one common error: draping wet clothes directly onto radiators. Zoe Morris, a money-saving expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, cautioned that this blocks heat, forcing your boiler to work harder and longer to warm the room. It also dramatically increases indoor condensation, creating ideal conditions for mould.
Heating engineer Stephen Day reinforced this warning, explaining that the sudden humidity from wet clothes clings to cold spots like windows and corners, where black mould typically appears first. The correct approach is to place a clothes horse near, but not on, a radiator, allowing warmth to circulate while the clothes dry.
In summary, the expert-backed blueprint for winter laundry is clear: prioritise ventilation, consider a cost-effective dehumidifier, and never sacrifice your home's air circulation by covering radiators with damp garments.
