Drying washing in winter

Tippytoes · 30 October 2020 at 9:37PM

Now that the weather is turning wet and cold, it's getting more difficult to dry washing outside. I generally use the tumble dryer only under protest. I let the washing machine complete it's cycle, then re-set it for an another spin. It's surprising how much drier the washing is and it really cuts down on drying time and costs. Hope this helps.

Rosa_Damascena · 30 October 2020 at 10:35PM

It does make a difference, but it also knackers you clothes at faster. Not recommended for smalls.

Carrot007 · 30 October 2020 at 10:45PM

Spin cycle is not much cheaper t han dryer? You have radiators though right. Those are cheaper. No you will not get mold unless you like in a bad setup.

Katiehound · 31 October 2020 at 2:32PM

There are good reports on Lakeland website for their 'dry soonest' range of dryers which come with a small heater underneath. (Well, there would be 'cos they are trying to sell them!!) I suggested one to a friend because she was drying washing on the radiators and her bungalow seemed damp and she is very pleased with her purchase.

I think they quote at some thing like 5 pence an hour ? to run . Well even if it was 10 pph it would be much cheaper than a tumble dryer. Some of the airers come with a zip up bag to put over which keeps the damp air in.

It's not wise to drape wet clothes on radiators because it can cause mold - and the clothes can feel like boards too! I have an airer over the bath which seems to work well as the bathroom is draughty!

cattie · 31 October 2020 at 2:41PM

I might try the double spin trick. I don't have a tumble dryer & tend to hang my washing on an airer in my dining room shortly before going to bed when I can't hang it outside & usually by next morning the smaller items are dry & the larger ones dry by the end of that day. I know not everybody wants to see washing hanging around the house, but I live alone so only myselft to worry about.

clive0510 · 31 October 2020 at 2:51PM

too much spin is not good for synthetics or any thing a bit delicate. ok for cottons. If whether is bad I just put it in tumble dryer and worry about the cost of it later!

annieb64 · 31 October 2020 at 3:54PM

We are lucky enough to have two bathrooms. There's only two of now so one bathroom hardly ever gets used. I keep a drying rack in there. I also hang shirts on hangers from the shower rail.

Martin_the_Unjust · 31 October 2020 at 3:57PM

The good lady here uses a couple of drying racks around a dehumidifier in the back bedroom, seems to work a treat and as, the dehumidifier draws out the moisture from the clothes and the air, doesn't cause any damp.

Linda32 · 31 October 2020 at 7:50PM

I use the tumble dryer as needed, but some of my clothes say they can't be tumble dried. I use the clothes horse for this. When we had the old boiler removed from the airing cupboard, the plumber suggested putting a little radiator in which has been a godsend. OH fitted a hanging rail.

pollyanna24 · 31 October 2020 at 8:30PM

I've bought the dryer from Aldi which is heated. Whilst it may not be cheaper than a tumble drier as I have it on for a lot longer, I prefer the low heat rather than the mad intense heat of a tumble drier.