Drying laundry during the winter months can often feel like a never-ending battle against dampness and slow evaporation. However, a clever trick shared by a professional organiser could transform this tedious chore, helping your clothes become ready to wear much more quickly than traditional methods allow.
The 'Secret' Washing Machine Setting for Faster Drying
Nicola Lewis, an expert in decluttering, organising, and packing, regularly imparts practical advice to her substantial following of over 200,000 on Instagram under the handle @thisgirlcanorganise. In a widely viewed Instagram reel, she unveiled a straightforward yet often overlooked feature on modern washing machines that can accelerate the drying process, even when you are forced to hang clothes indoors.
Nicola recommends switching your machine to the 'Drum/Spin' setting and advocates for a 'Double Spin for the Win'. It is crucial to understand that spin cycles do not add any water to your laundry. Instead, they operate by whirling the drum at high speeds, which forcibly extracts moisture from the fabric. The principle is simple: the higher the RPM (revolutions per minute), the more water is removed from your garments, leaving them significantly drier as they exit the machine.
Expert Advice on Maximising Indoor Drying Efficiency
In her video, Nicola elaborated on the subsequent steps for effective indoor drying. She advised using a clothes horse in conjunction with a dehumidifier. This appliance is designed to extract surplus humidity from the surrounding atmosphere, creating a drier environment that facilitates faster evaporation from your laundry.
This recommendation is echoed by Mark Walker, a laundry specialist at Denver Wash and Fold. He recently emphasised to The Express that employing a dehumidifier not only speeds up drying times but also plays a vital role in maintaining a healthier home environment.
"Banish mould and mildew for good by introducing a dehumidifier into your winter drying routine," Mark advised. "Not only will it remove moisture from your clothes faster, it'll also make your home into a healthier environment. Place the device nearby and watch the tank fill up while you enjoy a well-deserved hot cocoa."
Energy-Efficient Alternatives and Additional Tips
Mark also highlighted the energy-saving benefits of an extra spin cycle as a more economical alternative to using a tumble dryer. "On average, it takes less energy to spin water out of the load than it does to heat it up and dry it," he explained, encouraging households to extract that additional moisture at the end of a wash cycle.
Furthermore, Nicola's video suggested that improving air circulation can significantly aid the drying process. She proposed using any standard desktop fan to circulate cold air around the hanging laundry, noting that this method is 'cheaper than putting the heating on' and can help garments dry faster.
Positive Reactions from Followers
Nicola's post garnered enthusiastic responses from her audience, with many followers sharing their own experiences and successful laundry habits in the comments section.
One individual exclaimed: "We've just invested in a dehumidifier and it's amazing." Another added: "No more condensation on the windows and that battle with mould feels like a distant memory!" A third commenter expressed gratitude, stating: "So glad you put this, just ordered that dehumidifier."
By combining these practical tips—utilising the optimal spin cycle, incorporating a dehumidifier, and ensuring good air flow—you can effectively tackle the challenge of drying clothes indoors during the winter, saving both time and energy in the process.
