ITV consumer expert Grace Forrell has shared a 'radiator rule' for drying clothes as cold and wet weather arrives, advising against using radiators for laundry. She appeared on This Morning to offer guidance on the most cost-effective drying methods amid rising energy costs.
October rainfall and energy price rises
October was wetter, warmer and sunnier than average across the UK, with two named storms contributing to a sodden end to the month, according to provisional Met Office figures. The UK recorded 138.9mm of rainfall during October, some 13% above its 1991-2020 average.
The UK energy price cap increased by 3.6% (rounded to 4%) on 1 October, pushing the average annual bill for a typical dual-fuel household paying by monthly Direct Debit to £1,723. Martin Lewis has warned that the latest Money Saving Expert site analysis suggests the January price cap rise could be as much as 28.8%.
What to do and what to avoid
Forrell told hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard that people should "continue to dry outside whenever possible i.e clear weather in the late AM / early PM" and "do an extra spin cycle in the washing machine if suitable for your 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. She also advised using a dehumidifier close to the laundry and positioning a fan opposite to circulate warm air.
Forrell highlighted two key things 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 against overloading a tumble dryer or adding heavy fabrics into a quick-drying load.
Cost of tumble dryers
Martin Lewis has long cautioned against tumble dryers, calling them the "real 'demon appliance'" in most homes. He previously said: "You're typically paying up to a quid per load so dry your clothes on an airer outside, to shorten the amount of time you're using your tumble dryer, or avoid using it completely. Those who have dehumidifiers can take some of the moisture out of the air. It's less wattage than a tumble dryer, so it can be more cost-effective."
