As temperatures drop and outdoor drying becomes less reliable, a cleaning expert has shared a simple washing machine setting that can help cut indoor drying times. Nicola Lewis, who shares cleaning and organising advice with nearly 200,000 Instagram followers through her account @thisgirlcanorganise, recommends using the washing machine’s spin setting for a second time after the main cycle has finished.
The extra spin cycle helps remove more water from clothes before they are taken out of the drum, meaning less moisture needs to evaporate while they dry. In a video titled “How to dry your clothes indoors”, Nicola explained that double-spinning laundry can leave clothes noticeably drier before they are hung up.
How to use the extra spin setting
Nicola advised giving each item a quick shake before putting it on the airer, which can also help loosen creases and separate the fabric. The setting may be labelled “Spin”, “Drain/Spin” or “Drum/Spin”, depending on the washing machine model. Households should check their machine’s instructions and choose a suitable spin speed for the fabrics being washed, as delicate items may require a gentler cycle.
Nicola also shared several other tips for getting laundry dry indoors without turning up the central heating. One recommendation is to use a dehumidifier alongside a clothes airer. A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, helping create conditions in which water can evaporate from damp clothing more efficiently. This can be particularly useful when windows are closed during colder weather.
Additional indoor drying tips
For households without a dehumidifier, Nicola suggested placing the airer near natural light and improving ventilation by opening a window when practical. She also recommended using a fan to keep air circulating around the room and the clothes. A fan does not remove moisture from the air, but moving air can help water evaporate from fabric more quickly. Combining a fan with good ventilation or a dehumidifier can make indoor drying more effective.
Nicola said the method could also help reduce the risk of mould by limiting the amount of moisture that builds up indoors. Where clothes are placed on the airer can also make a difference to how quickly they dry. Packing too many items together can restrict airflow and leave thicker fabrics damp for longer. Instead, Nicola recommended spacing clothes out so air can move between them. Hanging suitable items on coat hangers and positioning them on the airer can also help expose more of the fabric to the air. Rotating garments during the drying process may help ensure that different areas dry evenly, particularly for thicker items.
Energy considerations
Households should also avoid leaving wet washing sitting in the machine for long periods after the cycle has ended, as this can encourage unpleasant smells. With energy bills a concern for many households, drying laundry indoors without relying on central heating or a tumble dryer can be appealing. An extra spin cycle uses the washing machine’s motor to extract more water, rather than heat to dry the clothes. The amount of time saved will depend on the fabric, the spin speed and the conditions in the room.
A dehumidifier or fan will use electricity, so the cheapest option will depend on the appliance, how long it runs and the household’s energy tariff. However, improving airflow and removing excess water before hanging clothes can help reduce the time laundry spends drying indoors. For anyone facing a constant pile of damp washing this autumn and winter, the simplest place to start may be to set their washing load for another spin cycle.
