Households across the UK can dramatically reduce their laundry drying times and energy consumption this winter with one remarkably simple trick. By adding a single, common household item to your tumble dryer alongside wet washing, you can potentially halve the duration of each drying cycle.
The Winter Drying Dilemma
During the colder months, opportunities to dry laundry naturally outdoors diminish significantly due to limited sunlight and low temperatures. This seasonal challenge forces many to seek alternative indoor drying methods, often resorting to heated clothing rails or radiators.
Consumer Warnings on Radiator Drying
Which?, the UK's independent consumer champion, has recently issued cautions against using radiators for drying clothes. While achieving dry garments is the objective, this practice can lead to several negative consequences, most notably increased energy bills and potential damp issues within the home.
Tumble dryers present another solution, but they come with their own considerations. They require both the initial financial outlay for the appliance and ongoing electricity costs, which can accumulate substantially with daily use, especially during energy price fluctuations.
The Viral Laundry Life Hack
A practical solution has gained traction online, shared by TikTok user Peter Walsh. His method is straightforward yet reportedly highly effective. "Here's a life hack for anybody who washes their clothes... may sound boring. But if you're washing your clothes and you put your clothes in the dryer, put a dry towel into the dryer with the wet clothes and it cuts the drying time down in half," Walsh explained.
How the Towel Trick Works
The science behind this hack is logical. Adding a dry, absorbent towel to a tumble dryer filled with wet laundry serves a dual purpose. Firstly, the towel actively absorbs excess moisture from the damp clothes. Secondly, it helps improve air circulation within the drum, allowing warm air to move more efficiently around the load. This combined effect accelerates the evaporation process, leading to faster overall drying.
The potential energy savings are significant. Shorter drying cycles mean the appliance consumes less electricity, which can translate to noticeable reductions on household energy bills over time.
User Experiences and Results
Those who have tested the method report impressive outcomes, often after just a single cycle. One social media user confirmed, "3rd time I’ve seen this lately but yes, again, this works." Another commented, "I thought everyone did this. also spin a heavy load of washing twice." A third enthusiastic user stated, "100 percent! I usually do this with very small loads but I’m going all in now on every load!"
A Cost-Effective and Accessible Solution
This laundry hack stands out for its simplicity and accessibility. It requires no special equipment or additional purchases—most households already possess suitable towels. It represents a practical, immediate way to make a routine household chore more efficient and less costly, particularly during the energy-intensive winter season.
For families and individuals looking to manage their utility expenses and environmental impact, incorporating a dry towel into the tumble dryer routine offers a smart, evidence-backed strategy worth trying.
