WITH the colder and wetter weather upon us, drying laundry indoors will soon become a daily struggle for many households.
And with that comes the worry about extortionate electricity bills…but no fear! That’s because there’s a game-changing way to reduce drying time indoors by up to half.
Katie Lilywhite has revealed how to halve the times it takes to dry laundry indoors[/caption]
The air treatment expert advises using a dehumidifier in the same room as your drying rack[/caption]
According to AO’s air treatment expert Katie Lilywhite, the trick is using a dehumidifier in the same room as your drying rack.
Not only can it help to dry clothes faster by removing moisture from the air, it also uses less energy than heating an entire room – but can make the room feel up to “a degree or two warmer.”
“If you don’t have space or budget for a tumble dryer, a dehumidifier is a great alternative,” she explains, speaking exclusively to Fabulous. “It helps remove moisture from the air, no matter the room temperature.
“By using your dehumidifier to dry your clothes, you can save time. If you do have a tumble dryer, it’s a great way to double up the amount of laundry drying.
“It’s a smart way to stay on top of laundry without needing to heat the whole house.”
How much a dehumidifier cost to run?
According to Katie, the cost difference between a dehumidifier, heated airers and tumble dryer can vary depending on many factors such as how you’re using it and the model you’ve got.
“Dehumidifiers typically consume electricity to remove moisture from the air whereas tumble dryers use power to generate heat and circulate air to dry your clothes,” she explains.
“If you’re comparing the cost to run these appliances, then a dehumidifier might be cheaper to run an hour compared to a tumble dryer, especially if the tumble dryer is older or less energy efficient.”
However, she points out that this will depend on what appliance you have, and how often you use both appliances.
“This is exactly why you should look out for a heat pump tumble dryer, as these models are much more energy conscious and save you money in the long run,” she advises.
“For best results, it’s worth using a combination of both appliances based on what you’re drying.
“Tumble dryers are perfect for heavier loads like bedding and towels, as they can handle bulk and thicker fabrics with ease.
“Dehumidifiers work best for smaller wash loads and delicate items or when you’re simply trying to save space and energy.”
How quickly can a dehumidifier dry washing?
Katie explains how a dehumidifier can “halve your drying time.”
“A full load that might take overnight to dry naturally could be done in around 4–6 hours, depending on the room size, humidity, and how thick your fabrics are,” she continues.
What’s the best room to put it in?
The best place to pop your dehumidifier is in a small, enclosed room like a spare bedroom or utility room, according to Katie.
“It’s best placed somewhere you can keep the doors and windows closed so it can work efficiently,” she continues.
“Place it centrally in the room, around one foot away from your drying rack, so it can pull in the damp air easily.
“Avoid corners or blocking airflow with furniture.”
How does a dehumidifier work?
The expert goes on to explain that a dehumidifier works by extracting moisture from the air in your room.
“It pulls in the humid air, cools it down using coils, causing condensation, and then releases the dried air back into your room,” she continues.
“The collected water is stored in a reservoir or drained away. This process not only speeds up drying laundry but also helps prevent damp, mould and condensation.”
Does a dehumidifier increase the temperature of a room too?
“Yes, the dehumidifier gives off a small amount of warmth as it runs,” Katie explains.
However, she points out that while it’s not designed to heat the room, it can make it feel “a degree or two warmer” which she notes is a “nice bonus when you’re drying clothes in winter.”
5 ways to keep your house warm in winter
Property expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
“Windows are a common place for the outside cold to get into your home, this is because of small gaps that can let in air so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark,” he said.
This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth as it can provide a kind of “insulation” between your window and curtain.
2. Rugs
“Your floor is another area of your home where heat can be lost and can make your home feel chilly,” he continued. “You might notice on cold days, that your floor is not nice to walk on due to it freezing your feet.
“Add rugs to areas that don’t already have a carpet, this provides a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above.”
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, loft space, crawlspaces and underneath floorboards.
“Loose-fill insulation is very good for this, and is a more affordable type of insulation, with a big bag being able to be picked up for around £30,” Joshua explained.
4. Keep your internal doors closed
“Household members often gather in one room in the evening, and this is usually either the kitchen or living room,” Joshua said.
“This means you only have to heat a small area of your home, and closing the doors keeps the heat in and the cold out.”
5. Block drafts
Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes, as they can let in cold air if they aren’t secure.
Are the cheap dehumidifiers as good as the expensive ones?
If you’re not sure whether to fork out on a pricey dehumidifier or save your pennies and opt for a cheaper one, Katie shares her verdict.
“Cheaper dehumidifiers can do the job in smaller rooms or for occasional use, but higher-end models are usually more powerful, quieter, and energy-efficient,” she says.
“They often have handy features like “laundry mode,” smart sensors, or HEPA filters that also purify the air, ideal if you’re drying clothes regularly or dealing with damp in larger spaces.”
