Preparing for winter IV

mardatha

Not really, just that everything is so simple and laid out exactly how to do it. I have an awful track record of disasters, but if I stick to this book and the eating for victory one, everything turns out right. Also no fancy ingreds, everything is easy.

rosieben

Have reported Gerry Rose post as spam; 2 posts so far touting the heating company he mentions

FairyPrincessk

I did the same, Rosie.

[Deleted User]

My favourite recipe from the We'll Eat Again book is the Lancashire Hot Pot, it always works, it makes the kitchen smell lovely and it tastes delicious too. My favourite pudding is the Rhubarb Crumble in the puddings chapter which works extremely well with other fruits too.

FairyPrincessk

I've added tabs to those pages, Lyn! They sound lush. My one and only attempt at a Lancashire hotpot didn't turn out so I'll look forward to this one!

WantAnOrange

Any tips on getting washing dry in the winter? In this weather I am at a loss as the heating is not on so it doesn't dry indoors but it's pouring with rain outside. Our tumble drier stopped working before Christmas and we are quite proud of the fact we now haven't used it in 8 months! It must have a positive effect on our bills this year.

We are a family of 4, DH, Me, DS (8) and DD (nearly 2) and I am pregnant, due in Feb. DD is in reusable nappies and the new baby will be too although it is possible DD will be potty trained by then. We have so much washing I am dreading the winter.

NaughtySpot

WantAnOrange wrote: »

Any tips on getting washing dry in the winter? In this weather I am at a loss as the heating is not on so it doesn't dry indoors but it's pouring with rain outside. Our tumble drier stopped working before Christmas and we are quite proud of the fact we now haven't used it in 8 months! It must have a positive effect on our bills this year.

We are a family of 4, DH, Me, DS (8) and DD (nearly 2) and I am pregnant, due in Feb. DD is in reusable nappies and the new baby will be too although it is possible DD will be potty trained by then. We have so much washing I am dreading the winter.

TBH I would buy another (condensing) tumble dryer. Having damp washing lying around can cause condensation problems in winter, and babies bring so much washing! Failing that a dehumidifer in a closed room with the washing can dry stuff overnight.

FairyPrincessk

This is a lot of washing, Wantanorange! There are only two of us, although we both produce a fair amount of gym kit.

I've heard of people with washing lines in sheds and on covered patios. In some of my abodes with more damp I've run a dehumidifier, although they require a bit of outlay, and on colder days the dehumidifier was less effective since it was the condensing type. A couple of years ago we lived in a very, very damp house (think walls that literally dripped). The landlady didn't really understand the scale of the problem or how to fix it. We also had a very wet winter. We did have a TD, and I did use it--although I was resolute that if the day was dry the clothes were going out first, no matter how cold it was outside. I mostly used the TD to finish things off or when we'd had several days straight of rain. We were on a prepay meter so I could see exactly how much it used!

This past winter we lived in a dry house with no TD and had a mild winter. I had a lot of success checking the weather the night before, then if it was forecast to be clear, I put the wash on a delay start. It finishes just about the time I get up so I can get it on the line first thing. Usually if things get a good airing outside they dry faster indoors. However, I'm usually only able to work about three loads a week on average this way since it is likely to rain most days of the week. I've recently become a bit paranoid about putting the machine on while we're asleep as I've read they often cause house fires. I'm sure it will be a struggle at times this year, particularly with OH's football kit as he coaches after school and on weekends.

Honestly, if I had two in cloth nappies I think I'd probably resort to the TD at least some of the time, especially with a new baby to look after. While avoiding using the TD is admirable and has an effect on energy bills, there are just some times when modern convenience is just fine to rely on.

Jolaaled

I'm also in favour of watching the weather and forecasts closely!

Even in winter, a dry couple of hours can still help...especially if it's windy, you can make a lot of headway.

Is your washing line/lines positioned to take maximum advantage of any low winter sun??
Does any washing catch the prevailing breeze??

Have a look at this website!

WantAnOrange

I guess, there is no way we can afford a new machine though but might be able to get the old one repaired. It works but it doesn't get hot. We have plenty of space to hang stuff up and don't really have any problems with mould/damp. It's been easy this summer and winter is ok because the heating is on but autumn and spring are a nightmare. I am considering replacing some of my nappies with quicker drying types. The bamboo ones and terry towelling take days to dry but this has obvious benefits too. The quicker drying ones are more likely to leak and need changing more often. Swings and roundabouts.