In fact, while getting your dryer on can certainly save you time in your laundry routine, there are plenty of reasons why air drying is a great alternative. If you’ve ever watched in dismay as your prized sweater turned into a bobbly mess, then you’re likely familiar with how using a dryer can cause the fibers in your clothes to break down over time. And while we love the snuggly feeling of warm clothes straight out of the dryer, air drying can be a great way of keeping your energy costs down. Whether you want to save time in a clothing emergency or just want to make sure your clothes are dry at the end of the day, our top tips on how to dry your clothes quickly will help make sure your clothes are always ready to go when you are.
1. Get your spin on…twice
A decent spin cycle is a no-brainer when it comes to decreasing drying time, and it’s definitely one of those times when two is better than one. Doing an extra 10-minute spin after your cycle finishes will get rid of any last excess water and will help your clothes dry at record speed.
2. Choose the right dryer setting
If you’re planning on popping your clothes in the dryer after you’ve spun them, here’s a breakdown of the best settings to use: Whatever you’re popping in the dryer, choosing the correct setting will make sure your laundry comes out dry and looks the same as when it went in.
3. Position your washing well
Choosing a house isn’t the only decision where location needs to be of prime importance, clothes also need the best possible location to dry quickly. Place them in a warm area, such as next to a radiator or by an open window where they’ll catch a breeze, as this will speed up the drying process. Don’t overlook the heated towel rail in your bathroom either as this can be a lifesaver for small items.
4. Bathe them in sunlight
If you’re able to put your clothes outside, even better! If you know it’s going to be a sunny day, do your washing in the morning and then place your clothes outside in a spot where they’re going to be hit by the sun’s warming rays. It can also be a healthier option than indoor drying as the sun acts as a natural bleach that helps to disinfect your clothes.
5. Keep them moving
To make sure your clothes dry evenly, rotate them every few hours. This will help each garment get even exposure to warmth and will ensure you don’t end up climbing into a pair of pajamas with one dry leg and one damp leg - trust us, that’s the last thing you want when you’re exhausted and just want to go to sleep!
6. Iron them
This may sound a little weird, but if your clothes are suitable for ironing then you can safely do that while they’re still a bit damp. In fact, a little dampness will actually work in your favor as water and heat combined does a better job of eliminating wrinkles than heat alone.
7. Don’t overload your machine
Did you know that smaller loads of washing dry faster than bigger loads? It might sound strange, but it’s true. The fewer items you have in the machine, the easier they spin, and the less water they retain. So if you’re in a hurry, only wash what you need and save the rest for later. It’s one of the best ways to avoid those annoying wet waistlines! The same also goes for a dryer. You’ll notice that a quick look through our guide to the best dryers (opens in new tab) will show that these machines have bigger capacities than say the best front load washers (opens in new tab). That’s because they require plenty of room between garments to work efficiently. If you’re after a dryer with a huge capacity so that it can take on more clothes at once, head to our Maytag MEDB955FW review (opens in new tab).
8. Use a clothes airer
These life-saving devices are brilliant for helping your clothes to dry quickly, and they’re great if you don’t have an outdoor washing line. Just make sure you allow some space in between each item of clothing so that the air can circulate freely around each garment.
