With the arrival of colder weather during the fall and winter seasons, many people in the UK are seeking efficient ways to dry their laundry without causing a spike in their energy bills by using power-hungry appliances.
While tumble dryers are convenient for certain items, they are known for their high energy consumption, leading to increased energy costs at a time when concerns about heating expenses are on the rise.
Fortunately, Wendy Graham, an expert in sustainability and the founder of Moral Fibres, has shared a method for indoor clothes drying that won’t escalate energy bills.
While it may be tempting to hang damp clothes on radiators to expedite the drying process without a tumble dryer, this practice is not energy-efficient.
Placing wet laundry on radiators makes the boiler work harder to maintain the room temperature, resulting in prolonged heating times and increased energy consumption, leading to higher expenses.
Instead, Wendy recommends using a clothes horse indoors for drying clothes, emphasizing the importance of proper ventilation.
Wet clothes can retain up to three liters of water that need to evaporate. Inadequate ventilation during the drying process can result in condensation on walls and windows, as reported by the Express.
To prevent condensation, it is advisable to keep the door closed and open a window in the room where clothes are being dried to promote air circulation, which accelerates drying and reduces moisture levels, minimizing the risk of dampness and mold in the home.
Wendy suggests avoiding drying laundry in bedrooms or living rooms whenever possible to reduce potential allergic reactions to dampness, dust, and detergent. Instead, using spaces like the hallway, bathroom, or kitchen is recommended.
In cases where opening windows is impractical due to weather conditions, Wendy advises utilizing extractor fans in kitchens or bathrooms, as they consume minimal electricity and aid in faster drying without escalating energy bills compared to tumble dryers.
Ensuring clothes are hung neatly and spaced out on an airer, straightening out trousers, sleeves, and socks, can significantly expedite the drying process, as recommended by Wendy.
Another tip from Wendy is to maximize the spin cycle on the washing machine to remove excess moisture, facilitating quicker drying and preventing musty odors in clothes.
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