Tumble dryers are often expensive to run so households are turning to alternative methods to dry their laundry
Drying laundry using certain methods can speed up the process whilst helping to reduce energy bills. Air drying is undoubtedly the most affordable choice, as it’s free, but it’s not always feasible and can frequently leave clothing smelling damp and musty.
Consequently, many households are compelled to use their tumble dryers.
Yet, despite their convenience, tumble dryers are well-known for using substantial amounts of energy, and not everyone can afford to own one. Instead, families should consider heated airers and dehumidifiers — both offering more economical alternatives.
But which option delivers better value for money and performance?
Attempting to resolve this question, Gemma Dawn posted in the Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips Facebook group, asking: “Hiya, heated airer or dehumidifier with standard airer. Not sure which one to invest in as costs roughly the same.”
Heated airers have grown increasingly popular in recent years, with consumers purchasing them in large numbers, reports the Mirror.
They function like a traditional clothes horse, but the rails heat up, essentially serving as small radiators that help garments dry more rapidly.
Drying clothes indoors can be time-consuming, especially in damp conditions. However, introduce a dehumidifier and it will extract moisture directly from the air, enabling your clothes to dry considerably quicker than you’d think.
The post attracted 137 comments, with the majority recommending a dehumidifier rather than a heated airer.
Jackie Rowe said: “Dehumidifier 100 percent. I tried a heated airer, got fed up having to move the clothes around.”
Kayleigh Radford shared her experience: “Bought a heated airer and didn’t find it dried them any quicker just wasted electricity in my opinion.”
Dawn Chaplin wasn’t impressed either: “I don’t rate heated airers. They only dry the bit of material in contact with it. I don’t even plug mine in.”
Lynsey Muirhead was surprised by her dehumidifier: “Just purchased dehumidifier and was shocked to the amount of water after two days.”
Paula Jenkins recommended: “Dehumidifier best by far. It dries the clothes in half the time a heated airer does.”
Dean James agreed: “Dehumidifier. We got ours last year with a laundry setting one, dried very quickly. We had a heated airer, and it was rubbish! We sold it.”
Sylvia Wisniewska praised it: “Dehumidifier, especially the ones with drying washing function. Best thing ever!”
Nicola Reed found it revolutionary: “I’ve got a dehumidifier with laundry session it’s game-changing, would never be without it.”
