WITH the drop in temperatures, most Brits are now drying their laundry indoors.
However, running your tumble dryer can quickly rack up your energy bills this winter.
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Thankfully, an appliance expert has revealed a handy gadget you can use to dry your laundry at a much cheaper rate.
To stop your household bills soaring as the weather gets colder, make this simple swap.
Ian Palmer-Smith, who works as an appliance repair expert at Domestic & General, broke down the advantages of using a heated airer instead of a tumble dryer.
Heated airers
“The main appeal to using tumble dryer alternatives like heated airers and dryer pods is the lower running costs,” he explained.
According to the pro, heated airers usually use between 2 and 26 pence per hour to run.
In comparison to the 75p an hour rate of running a tumble dryer, this is an efficient substitution.
While you may have to use a heater airer for longer periods of time, it would likely still cost you much less overall than a tumble dryer load.
“Drying pods are also gentler on your clothes, with less risk of shrinkage and damage to delicate fabrics and sportswear,” the expert added.
“Additionally, airers are compact and portable meaning they can be used more flexibly, placed in rooms with more radiators and airflow making them adaptable to the colder months.”
Safety advice
The expert highlighted the imporatance of making sure your gadget is not at risk of overheating.
“Don’t use them in small, enclosed rooms with little ventilation as excess heat and humidity can increase this risk,” he warned.
“Remember to follow the manufacturer’s guidance and regularly inspect that the product is working.”
The expert pointed out that reducing your tumble dryer use can also help to extend the machine’s lifespan.
“Back-to-back drying cycles increase the risk of your machine overheating, especially without regular vent and filter cleaning, which can lead to an expensive tumble dryer repair,” he said.
Shoppers can pick up heated airers from a variety of UK supermarkets right now.
More winter laundry tips
Tackling laundry in the winter can be a challenge, but these handy tips can help you stay on top of it:
- Use a Dehumidifier: Place a dehumidifier in your drying area to speed up the drying process and prevent dampness.
- Spin Cycle Boost: Run an extra spin cycle on your washing machine to remove excess water from clothes, reducing drying time.
- Indoor Drying Rack: Invest in a good-quality indoor drying rack and position it near a radiator or in a well-ventilated room.
- Tumble Dryer Balls: Add tumble dryer balls to your dryer to help clothes dry faster and reduce static cling.
- Space-Saving Hangers: Use space-saving hangers or a retractable washing line to maximise indoor drying space.
- Microfibre Towels: Lay microfibre towels over your drying rack to absorb extra moisture from hanging clothes.
- Partially Dry Outside: On dry days, hang clothes outside for a short period before bringing them in to finish drying.
These hacks can help you keep your laundry routine efficient and your clothes fresh, even during the colder months.
More on laundry
Or you can dry your wet washing and save space with a £4 gadget from Aldi.
And a common mistake is causing your bedding to snag, according to experts.
Plus, a £15 Lidl gadget helps to shave minutes off your laundry routine.
And why you should be putting bay leaves in your washing machine.
The difference between bio and non-bio laundry detergent explained.
To speed up laundry drying time, take a look at our pick of the best heated clothes airers for all budgets.
