Tumble dryers offer convenience in quickly drying clothes, but they are known for their relatively high electricity consumption compared to other household appliances.
Drying clothes in winter without a tumble dryer can be a challenge due to the cold and damp conditions. However, there are several methods you can use to effectively dry your clothes indoors. Here’s our detailed guide:
Choose the best location
Choose the warmest room in your home, usually the living room or kitchen. Select a well-ventilated area to prevent moisture build-up.
Invest in foldable clothes drying rack
An indoor drying rack is a portable, collapsible structure designed to hold wet clothes for air drying inside your home. It typically consists of a frame with multiple horizontal bars or shelves where you can hang or lay out your clothes.
The basic principle behind indoor drying racks is evaporation. When you hang wet clothes on the rack, the surrounding air helps to evaporate the moisture from the fabric.
Indoor drying racks come in various designs, including foldable ones that can be easily stored when not in use.
Why shouldn’t you dry clothes on radiators?
While it might be tempting to dry clothes on a radiator, there are some reasons why this practice is not recommended.
Drying clothes on a radiator releases moisture into the air, increasing indoor humidity. High humidity levels can contribute to issues like mould growth, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
Additionally, the moisture from wet clothes can lead to corrosion and rust on the radiator over time. This can reduce the lifespan of the radiator and affect its performance.
If you want to take advantage of the warmth generated by the radiator, position a drying rack nearby so that the clothes can benefit from the heat without direct contact with the hot surface. This way, you can safely dry your clothes while avoiding the potential risks associated with placing them directly on a radiator.
Does an extra spin help dry clothes?
Yes, you can add an extra spin cycle to your washing machine to remove more water from your clothes before air-drying them. Most modern washing machines have a separate spin cycle option that allows you to spin the clothes at a high speed to extract additional moisture.
Use a dehumidifier
Using a dehumidifier can be beneficial when air-drying clothes indoors. When you air-dry clothes, the moisture from the wet fabric is released into the air, increasing the humidity levels in the room. A dehumidifier works by extracting excess moisture from the air, which can enhance the efficiency of the drying process.
If using a dehumidifier, ensure to empty the water container regularly.
Drying clothes indoors may take longer, so plan accordingly
Air-drying clothes indoors generally takes longer compared to using a tumble dryer. Turn and flip clothes to expose different parts to the air. For example, if you’re drying shirts, turn them inside out to allow both the inside and outside to dry evenly. If your drying rack has adjustable shelves or bars, take advantage of this feature to position clothes in a way that maximises air circulation.
While air-drying may take longer than using a tumble dryer, the financial savings and additional benefits, such as increased clothing longevity and environmental sustainability, make it a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice.
