Blog | Hacks | 10 tips for drying clothes in winter
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Posted: 18/10/24
In the summer, tackling a laundry load can feel easy-breezy when the sun and wind are on your side. But as for drying clothes in winter? Well, that’s a whole different story! Whether you’re trying to slash your energy bills or tackle the laundry without a tumble dryer, drying your clothes indoors can be a tedious and time-consuming chore that could leave you with a mould and mildew-filled home. But fear not – we’ve got ten expert tips to level up your laundry game this winter, no tumble dryer necessary!
1. Don’t overfill your washing machine
We get it – it’s tempting to cram as much dirty clothing into your machine as humanly possible (less loads, right?), but overfilling is pretty high up on the laundry faux pas list. To start with, your clothes won’t feel as clean as the detergent has to stretch around more items. Also, your clothes will retain a lot more moisture (not to mention creases!), making for a far longer drying time.
2. Give certain items an extra spin
Bulkier items like jeans and towels are notorious for their extra-long drying time. To speed up the process, remove the more delicate items from the machine (anything silky, lacey, or woollen) and pop the heavy items on for an extra spin. This will help to reduce water retention, but may result in more creasing, so give these items a hefty shake before drying.
Lenor Crease Releaser Spring Awake 500ml
£2.49
Bold 2In1 Washing Liquid 31 Washes
£4.69
3. Don’t leave clean washing in the machine
Just like overfilling your machine, it’s just as tempting to leave your damp clothes sitting in the machine for hours after it’s stopped spinning. However, despite your clothes being freshly washed, they can quickly pick up a damp, musky odour (and, in some cases, start to grow mould!). So, bite the bullet and remove your clothes from the machine as soon as it stops for sweeter-smelling laundry.
4. Spread clothes evenly over your dryer
Instead of piling your clothes on the airer, take the time to spread each item out evenly so it has adequate space to dry. Any overlaps can elongate drying time and increase the chances of hidden damp spots.
5. Run a dehumidifier in the room you dry clothes at home
Drying clothing indoors increases the amount of moisture within your home and can quickly lead to issues such as damp. To tackle this, place a dehumidifier in the room where you dry your clothing, as it will suck in condensation generated by damp clothes and blow warmer, drier air back out.
Keep It Handy Wardrobe Dehumidifier Mixed Case
£1.00
Interior Scented Dehumidifier 400ml
£1.09
6. Invest in a heated clothes dryer
If your regular airer needs a little helping hand, a heated clothes dryer will be your BFF during the chillier months. Why? Well, they have heating elements in the metal rods that you lay your clothes over, which cuts your drying time in half and reduces the risk of musty smelling laundry. Plus, they’re far cheaper to run than a tumble dryer.
Top tip: Lay a bedsheet over your heated dryer to trap warm air and further speed up drying time!
7. Dry your clothes near a window
Position your airer in well-ventilated areas (i.e. next to an open window) as the airflow will speed up drying time. While this might sound counterproductive in winter when you’re trying to heat your home, leaving your window ajar can help reduce the chances of moisture damage from indoor drying.
8. Utilise sunny days
Drying clothes in winter doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. If you have outdoor space, why not make the most of crisp, sunny winter mornings and let your clothing dry outside? Just be sure to start the process early so you can collect the washing before it gets dark and temperatures begin to plummet.
9. Flip each item halfway through the drying process
To ensure that each item dries evenly, flip over each item a few hours into drying. In doing so, you’ll expose both sides of your clothing item to airflow and ensure that your washing dries quicker and more evenly.
10. Dry clothes fully before putting them away
While partially dry clothing can smell fresh at first, it’s only a matter of time before the remaining moisture starts to bring on the dreaded damp smell. So, ensure that clothing is 100% dry before putting it away, as any excess moisture in clothing can also cause mould and mildew to form in unventilated areas such as wardrobes and drawers.
Breeze through laundry day!
Shop Laundry and Ironing in-store and online at Savers!
10 tips for drying clothes in winter
Blog | Hacks | 10 tips for drying clothes in winter
In the summer, tackling a laundry load can feel easy-breezy when the sun and wind are on your side. But as for drying clothes in winter? Well, that’s a whole different story! Whether you’re trying to slash your energy bills or tackle the laundry without a tumble dryer, drying your clothes indoors can be a tedious and time-consuming chore that could leave you with a mould and mildew-filled home. But fear not – we’ve got ten expert tips to level up your laundry game this winter, no tumble dryer necessary!
1. Don’t overfill your washing machine
We get it – it’s tempting to cram as much dirty clothing into your machine as humanly possible (less loads, right?), but overfilling is pretty high up on the laundry faux pas list. To start with, your clothes won’t feel as clean as the detergent has to stretch around more items. Also, your clothes will retain a lot more moisture (not to mention creases!), making for a far longer drying time.
2. Give certain items an extra spin
Bulkier items like jeans and towels are notorious for their extra-long drying time. To speed up the process, remove the more delicate items from the machine (anything silky, lacey, or woollen) and pop the heavy items on for an extra spin. This will help to reduce water retention, but may result in more creasing, so give these items a hefty shake before drying.
3. Don’t leave clean washing in the machine
Just like overfilling your machine, it’s just as tempting to leave your damp clothes sitting in the machine for hours after it’s stopped spinning. However, despite your clothes being freshly washed, they can quickly pick up a damp, musky odour (and, in some cases, start to grow mould!). So, bite the bullet and remove your clothes from the machine as soon as it stops for sweeter-smelling laundry.
4. Spread clothes evenly over your dryer
Instead of piling your clothes on the airer, take the time to spread each item out evenly so it has adequate space to dry. Any overlaps can elongate drying time and increase the chances of hidden damp spots.
5. Run a dehumidifier in the room you dry clothes at home
Drying clothing indoors increases the amount of moisture within your home and can quickly lead to issues such as damp. To tackle this, place a dehumidifier in the room where you dry your clothing, as it will suck in condensation generated by damp clothes and blow warmer, drier air back out.
6. Invest in a heated clothes dryer
If your regular airer needs a little helping hand, a heated clothes dryer will be your BFF during the chillier months. Why? Well, they have heating elements in the metal rods that you lay your clothes over, which cuts your drying time in half and reduces the risk of musty smelling laundry. Plus, they’re far cheaper to run than a tumble dryer.
Top tip: Lay a bedsheet over your heated dryer to trap warm air and further speed up drying time!
7. Dry your clothes near a window
Position your airer in well-ventilated areas (i.e. next to an open window) as the airflow will speed up drying time. While this might sound counterproductive in winter when you’re trying to heat your home, leaving your window ajar can help reduce the chances of moisture damage from indoor drying.
8. Utilise sunny days
Drying clothes in winter doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. If you have outdoor space, why not make the most of crisp, sunny winter mornings and let your clothing dry outside? Just be sure to start the process early so you can collect the washing before it gets dark and temperatures begin to plummet.
9. Flip each item halfway through the drying process
To ensure that each item dries evenly, flip over each item a few hours into drying. In doing so, you’ll expose both sides of your clothing item to airflow and ensure that your washing dries quicker and more evenly.
10. Dry clothes fully before putting them away
While partially dry clothing can smell fresh at first, it’s only a matter of time before the remaining moisture starts to bring on the dreaded damp smell. So, ensure that clothing is 100% dry before putting it away, as any excess moisture in clothing can also cause mould and mildew to form in unventilated areas such as wardrobes and drawers.
Breeze through laundry day!
Shop Laundry and Ironing in-store and online at Savers!
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