‘Best method’ to dry clothes in winter to ‘save energy’ and ‘lower’ bills costs nothing (Image: Getty)
Sarah Dempsey at said: “There is some debate over the best way to dry your in Some claim a tumble dryer is essential, while others swear that using your dehumidifier is the way forward.
“But what method is best really depends on the type of you’re drying, how much space you have and whether it’s more important to save money or make life easier.”
If you’re simply looking to get your clothes dry quickly and easily, the expert recommended getting a tumble dryer.
However, these can be extremely expensive to run, so if you’re still looking to dry clothes fast but are mindful of costs, a heated airer could be an option.
Sarah explained: “If you’re looking to save time but don’t have the budget to buy and run a tumble dryer, then a heated airer is the best way for you to get your clothes dry in winter.
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“Heated airers cost from around £60 to buy and between 5p and 20p an hour to run, whereas a tumble dryer will set you back at least £350 and will cost you between 50p and £1.20 per hour to run.
“The only drawback is that laundry does take a little longer to dry on a heated airer than in a tumble dryer, and you may need to rotate your clothes to help them dry evenly.
“If you don’t have time to rejig your clothes as they dry, the covered or pod-style heated airer is going to be your best option. It should also speed the process up a little, so some items may be done in just a few hours.”
You may think it’s impossible to dry clothes outside in the winter, but if the sun is shining and there is a slight breeze, clothes should dry partially.
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This is the “best method” if you’re keen to “save energy and lower your bills”, according to the cleaning expert.
Sarah noted: “It’s also one of the best methods to use if your home suffers dampness when you dry clothes indoors.
“Ideally, you’ll want to get your clothes hung out as soon as the sun is up to maximise your drying time, and you’ll need to take them back in before the temperatures start to dip.
“To give your clothes a head start, you could give them an extra spin in the machine after you’ve finished washing them. Alternatively, roll your clothes between two dry towels and give them a squeeze to remove some of the excess water.”
If your clothes haven’t fully dried on the line, transfer them to an airer or drying rack to dry off indoors.
If the weather is no good or you don’t have a garden, the best way to get clothes dry and minimise damp is to use an airer and dehumidifier.
They can help to dry clothes whilst reducing moisture content in the air, and whilst they’re an initial investment, they’re cheap to run.
The expert added: “As the dehumidifier needs to run in the room where your clothes are drying, it can handle more than one airer at a time.
“It can cut drying times by about a third. So, it’s particularly useful for households that go through lots of washing.”