As winter tightens its grip, the perennial struggle of drying laundry indoors returns, often leaving homes festooned with damp clothes and battling musty odours. With the cost of living crisis making tumble dryers and constant heating a luxury for many, Britons are seeking smarter, more affordable solutions.
The Viral Hack That's Beating the Winter Damp
One homeowner recently turned to the popular Mrs Hinch Made Me Do It Facebook page for advice, asking for the best way to dry clothes in winter without a tumble dryer. The response was overwhelming, with a single method emerging as the clear favourite, as reported by the Express.
The consensus was clear: combine a standard clothes airer with a dehumidifier. This powerful duo was hailed as a "godsend" and a "game changer" by numerous users who have adopted the technique.
How Effective Is the Dehumidifier Method?
Testimonials from the group reveal impressive results. One user stated they can get two full loads of laundry 90 percent dry in around three hours using this setup. Crucially, they noted the complete absence of the nasty damp smells that often plague indoor drying.
"Airer and a dehumidifier - it is a game changer! Dries so quick and the clothes smell so fresh," praised one member. Another added, "Agreed! I always do this. Can't beat the combination. It's saved me loads of money."
The Stunning Cost Comparison
While the initial outlay for a dehumidifier might seem significant, the running costs tell a very different story compared to a tumble dryer. A dehumidifier operating in laundry mode typically consumes about 650 watts of power.
This is a mere fraction of the 4,000 watts required by a standard tumble dryer. According to data from appliance maker Haier, the annual running cost for vented tumble dryers is approximately £184.44, with condenser models slightly cheaper at around £178.93.
This stark difference in energy use makes the dehumidifier and airer combination a compelling choice for households looking to cut bills. As one savvy user concluded, "We got rid of our tumble and bought an airer and dehumidifier. Best thing we've done, so much cheaper and can be packed away when we aren't using them."
