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Laundry can become a real headache once the weather turns cold and wet.
Piles of washing waiting their turn, and damp clothes hung around the house giving off a musty smell, are among the more miserable aspects of the season.
But draping wet clothes over radiators, or turning to a tumble dryer that eats energy, are not the only options.
There are smarter ways to get laundry dry in cold weather without pushing extra moisture into your home.
Cleaning and organising expert Gemma Bray, a Sunday Times bestselling author also known as The Organised Mum, has shared five practical hacks that could make laundry day easier and more efficient this winter.
1. Put on an extra spin for the win
One simple way to cut drying time for winter laundry is to run an extra spin cycle.
“Once your washing has finished its regular cycle, put it on for an extra spin cycle,” recommends Bray. “Most washing machines will have a spin option and it usually only takes around 10 minutes.
“This will help get extra moisture out of your clothes and will therefore help your clothes dry much quicker inside. I call this hack an extra spin for the win.”
2. Check if the ground is damp outside
Line-drying does not have to be abandoned just because it is cold.
“You can still dry your clothes outside in winter, but just make sure that you do it on a clear day,” says Bray.
She also recommends keeping an eye on the dampness and weather conditions.
“A general rule of thumb I use is that if the path outside is damp to touch then the air will be too damp to dry my clothes outside,” shares Bray. “However, if the pavement is dry to touch then it should be fine to dry your clothes outside.”
3. Consider upgrading to a heated airer
When it comes to speed, heated airers are a big game-changer.
“I loved heated airers because they help dry clothes really quickly,” says Bray.
They come in many shapes and sizes.
Most models, however, need a significant amount of floor space when in use.
“If you are going to be drying clothes indoors regularly this winter, I would recommend having a permanent drying set up somewhere in your home if you have the space,” advises Bray.
“Constantly putting airers up and down can add friction to the laundry process and can make it overwhelming and stressful.”
4. Get a drying pod
Anyone keen to raise their laundry game might want to add a drying pod to their Christmas list.
Drying pods, also called heated drying pods, are portable, tent-like laundry devices.
A fan heater in the base circulates warm air around clothes hanging inside a zipped fabric or canvas cover.
“Put your wet clothes on hangers, place them inside the pod, and close the zipper,” instructs Bray, “Hot air is then blasted inside the pod which will help dry your clothes really quickly. It can also help get creases out of your clothing.”
Prices vary significantly depending on the brand, retailer, power capacity and features.
5. Invest in a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier can help you avoid winter mould and moisture caused by drying clothes inside.“If you have a space in your home dedicated to drying clothes and have money to invest, I would recommend getting a dehumidifier,” says Bray. “This works wonders and gets all the dampness out.”
The machine works by pulling excess water vapour out of the air, which creates the perfect environment for clothes to dry faster.
