12 October 2023 , 13:03
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Drying clothes is a never-ending headache in the wetter months and let's face it: we have plenty of those in soggy Blighty. There are of course other options to the outside clothes line, such as the tumble dryer. But it's the most expensive way to get your load soft and dry and with money extra-tight for many, it's the last resort.
Turning on or hiking up the central heating is another option, but again, a costly one that many wouldn't favour in tough times or when it’s not cold enough to warrant heating your home yet.
Having a large family can mean having to do at least one wash load a day to keep your brood in clean clothes, so airers scattered about the house are often what people are forced to use. But these can take too long to get your togs dry and with the items hanging bunched up, the result can be damp-smelling clothes and even worse, over time may lead to mould issues in your home.
One woman who had this exact problem with airers, asked the cleaning fanatics on Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook group what to do about it: "I've bought a clothes airer. What's the trick to using them? Took ages to dry yesterday and yes I do have a cover. Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you.”
The group members were quick to share a very simple, but genius method using the washing machine to help with the issue: "Put clothes on an extra high spin in the washing machine to remove as much water as possible," one said. Another added: "After the set spin, I do them again on 1,400 spin speed. Underwear and socks go on top of the cover."
'I don't want children staying up late at weekends - I really need adult time'
While a third backed the advice and shared some extra tips: "Extra spin everything, it's amazing how much more water comes out, really noticeable on things like jeans and hoodies. I've got a high line so even a little time outside in the wind is amazing, so much quicker to dry than a whirly line.
"Also, my husband fitted a small radiator in my airing cupboard so I hand (sic) stuff on hangers from the slats. Put light things on coat hangers and hang them on door frames overnight, they'll be dry in the morning."
Another member suggested a slightly different adjustment to make when hanging the clothes on the airer: "I've used airers for years,” they said. "I hang two clothes across two bars rather than one. Put them on the airer in the evening in a room with the window open slightly. I then turn all the clothes over in the morning and by the time my next wash is ready to hang out that evening, these clothes are dry."
Another suggestion was to invest in a dehumidifier, which is cheaper to run than tumble dryers and can also help with condensation problems: "I myself do one wash a day and have a dehumidifier on in the smallest room for four to six hours," they said.
Do you agree? Let us know in the comments below.