Mattress experts are sharing how Brits can efficiently dry their bedding throughout autumn and winter, with colder temperatures making it tougher for many.
The team from Winstons Beds are offering households tips on drying laundry, even when it’s cold and dark.
Rainfall tends to be a key indicator that summer is over in the UK, so drying washing on the line isn’t an option for much of the season.
There are still ways Brits can get their laundry dried efficiently indoors, without necessarily using the heating or a tumble dryer – although these remain viable options.
Using a dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from the air, speeding up the drying process of bedding indoors.
A fan can also provide a gentle breeze to aid air circulation, mimicking outdoor conditions where sheets dry more evenly.
Ensure bedding is laid flat and not overcrowded to promote even drying and prevent damp patches or musty smells.
Rebecca Swain from WinstonsBeds.com said: “Not being able to pop the washing on the line can be frustrating, especially as energy prices remain high, but there are still simple and effective ways for households to dry bedding indoors during the colder months.
“Using a dehumidifier or placing a drying rack near a window are simple hacks to dry sheets quickly and evenly without relying too much on costly appliances.”
Six effective ways to dry bedding throughout autumn and winter:
Use drying rack near a window
Investing in a good quality drying rack that can handle a heavy load of washing and allows sheets to be spaced out for proper airflow is worthwhile. You can optimise drying by placing the rack near a window when it’s not raining, as the airflow will help speed up the process. Make sure to leave enough room to space sheets out properly to prevent bunching, which can leave damp patches or, worse, cause them to go musty.
Get a dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers sap moisture from the air, helping to speed up the drying process of your bedding. Some models even feature a dedicated laundry mode, creating a dry environment ideal for drying clothes indoors. They’re especially effective when the central heating is on, as the moisture released from drying laundry won’t linger in the air or lead to condensation.
Add an extra spin cycle to the wash
Drying bedding can take longer during the colder months and shorter days, so running an extra spin cycle will help to remove as much moisture as possible before drying. This simple step can significantly speed up the drying process.
Use a fan
Place a fan near your sheets to help moisture evaporate more quickly indoors, where there’s less air movement than outside. Rotate your bedding from time to time to ensure it is spread out evenly, allowing air to circulate more effectively and speed up the drying process.
Don’t overcrowd
When drying a load of washing, space can be tight, but overcrowding will only delay the drying process and can lead to funny smells. Make sure to space out your laundry, and if needed, wash a smaller load at a time. This gives items like sheets the time they need to dry properly, without turning your whole house into a laundry zone.
Tumble dryer
If you just can’t wait and don’t mind, popping your sheets into the dryer to help speed up the process, even if just to dry them partially before hanging outside, or to finish off laundry that’s already been hanging. It can be helpful when you need it, and also creates nice toasty bedding if you’re hopping straight into bed.
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