WHILE temperatures might be rising, wet weather means that hanging our clothes on the washing line isn’t an option for many of us.
However, drying clothes inside can seem like an expensive option as many of us will reach for the thermostat to get our garments drier quicker.
But, Adam Clark at My Local Toolbox says there are ways to get your laundry dry without the help of a radiator.
Here he reveals five ways to dry your clothes faster without turning up the heating.
Rectify the Damp
Damp walls increase clothes’ drying time as the room’s humidity level is heightened.
When walls are damp, they release additional moisture into the air, reducing the difference between the moisture content of the fabric and the surrounding air.
This slows down the evaporation process.
Areas with damp walls often have poor ventilation, which can trap moisture in the space. This can lower the temperature of the surrounding air, which in turn reduces evaporation time.
If the weather permits, open the windows to improve ventilation. A dehumidifier will extract water from the air and speed up the drying process.
Avoid hanging clothes near damp walls; choose areas with better air circulation and drier surfaces for hanging laundry.
By permanently rectifying the damp and you can create an environment more conducive to drying clothes efficiently.
Get Ahead of the Drying Process
You can increase the speed at which your clothes dry before leaving the washing machine. Most washing machines include a functionality that allows users to adjust spin cycles.
Opting for a high-speed spin means excess water is extracted from the clothes.
Although this may make clothes feel slightly rigid, drying time is often halved. If you wash delicate fabrics, a second spin cycle may be a better option, as a faster spin may harm sensitive fabrics.
DIY (Drying) Station
Drying clothes requires good airflow throughout the space, whether winter or summer. Avoid draping clothes across radiators and set up a drying station that encourages consistent air circulation.
Place a fan near the space where you are drying the clothes. This will ensure that air circulates evenly around the room.
For an even faster drying time, use a dehumidifier to decrease the moisture in the air while increasing circulation.
Roll Clothes in a Towel Before Drying
The towel method requires a person to place a towel on a flat surface with the garment on top.
Roll the towel tightly with the clothes inside and gently press so that the water absorbs into the towel. Then, hang your clothes as usual. Avoid using dark towels with light clothing as colour may transfer.
Leave Some Space
It can be tempting to overpack your drying rack to save space. This will likely increase the drying time, especially if you have overlapped each garment on the airer.
Turning the clothes inside out before placing them in the airer often makes them dry faster.
