Tumble Drying vs Air Drying: Which Saves More Energy?

Drying wet laundry the right way is just as crucial as washing it. You have two choices: tumble drying or air drying. This choice can change your energy bills, the life of your fabrics, and how much you spend on laundry. Tumble dryers are fast and easy to use. However, air drying is a great way to save on energy costs and protect delicate fabrics.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, a normal tumble dryer uses about 2.5 kWh to 4.5 kWh for each load. This costs between 85p and £1.50 per cycle. The cost depends on the type of tumble dryer and your electricity rate. On the other hand, air drying uses no electricity, so it has a lower cost. However, drying clothes indoors can be tricky. It may cause dampness, musty smells, and take longer to get the clothes dry.

So, which way is the best for saving energy, being cost-effective, and taking care of fabrics?

Comparing the Costs: How Much Energy Does Tumble Drying Use?

The energy costs of using a tumble dryer can vary. This depends on its type, how efficient it is, and how often you use it.

Tip: A heat pump tumble dryer is the best choice for saving energy. It uses up to 50% less electricity than a condenser dryer.

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How Air Drying Saves Energy and Reduces Household Costs

Air drying is a great way to save on energy costs while keeping your clothes fresh. You can use a washing line outside or a drying rack inside. This method does not use electricity, making it the cheapest way to dry clothes.

Best Practices for Outdoor Air Drying

• Use a washing line in direct sunlight– The warm air helps wet clothes dry faster.
• Ensure good airflow– A breezy dayspeeds up the drying process by removing as much moisture as possible.
• Shake out laundry before hanging– Reduces wrinkles, making ironing easier.

Best Practices for Indoor Drying

• Place the drying rack in a warm room– Drying clothes in the living room or near a radiator speeds up the process.
• Use a dehumidifier or open windows– Helps reduce much moisture and prevents mould.
• Use a heated clothes airer– Uses minimal electricity while drying clothes in less time.

🚫   Avoid drying clothes on radiators– While it warms clothes quickly, it can increase indoor humidity, leading to mould and condensation issues.

The Effect of Spin Speed on Drying Time and Energy Use

It’s crucial to get rid of extra water in the washing machine before drying. You can do this by using a high spin cycle.

Tip: Adding an extra spin cycle before drying helps to remove more water. This will then shorten the drying time, whether you use a tumble dryer or a clothes airer.

Does Tumble Drying Damage Clothes More Than Air Drying?

Frequent tumble drying can make fabrics shrink. It can also cause them to lose their shape or wear out more quickly. This is especially true when you use high temperatures.

Clothes That Should Avoid the Tumble Dryer

• Delicate fabrics– Silk, lace, and wool can be damaged by hot air.
• Synthetic fabrics– Polyester and nylon melt or become stiff in high heat.
• Items with elastic– Bras, swimwear, and leggings lose their stretch in a tumble dryer.

Tip: Always look at the laundry mode on care labels. This will help you know if tumble drying is a good idea for that type of fabric.

Tumble Dryer Energy Efficiency: Best Settings to Save Money

To save energy, make sure to use the correct settings on your tumble dryer.

• Eco mode– Uses lower heat but extends drying time, saving energy overall.
• Sensor drying– Stops the drying process once clothes are dry, preventing overuse of electricity.
• Low heat setting– Works well for delicate fabrics and uses less energy than high heat.

Tip: Using tumble dryer balls can cut drying time by up to 25%. This helps your clothes dry faster and makes the fabrics feel softer.

Can a Heated Clothes Airer Be a Cheaper Alternative to a Tumble Dryer?

A heated clothes airer is a smart choice for drying clothes inside during colder months. It uses less electricity than a tumble dryer.

Tip: Find the best heated clothes airers that have low running costs. This way, you can save money on drying your clothes in winter.

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How to Arrange Clothes Properly on an Airer or Washing Line

The way you put wet laundry on a drying rack or washing line can change how fast and evenly it dries. Good airflow is very important. It helps get rid of moisture quickly and effectively.

✅ Best Practices for Air Drying Indoors and Outdoors

• Use a washing line in sunlight and a breeze– The mix of warm air and fresh airhelps clothes dry faster and removes bacteria naturally.
• Leave gaps between clothes– Wet clothes should not overlap. This way, they dry quicker and won’t hold as much moisture.
• Shake out garments before hanging– This helps with wrinkles and makes sure clothes dry evenly.
• Place heavier items at the ends of the washing line– Towels, jeans, and bedding should be spread outfor efficient drying.
• Flip and reposition clothes halfway through drying– This lets the other side of the fabricdry well too.

Tip: If you are drying clothes indoors, put the clothes airer in a warm room. The room should have good airflow. A good spot would be near a vent, an open window, or a dehumidifier. This will help your clothes dry faster and stop them from getting damp.

🚫   Avoid drying clothes directly on radiators– This can increase humidity levels, leading to mould growth and musty odours in small spaces.

Using Dryer Balls to Speed Up Drying in a Tumble Dryer

Adding tumble dryer balls to your tumble dryer is a great way to cut down on drying time. It will also help you save energy.

✅ How Dryer Balls Improve the Drying Process

• Separate clothes inside the drum– This stops fabrics from sticking together. It helps hot air to move around better.
• Reduce drying time by up to 25%– Dryer balls take out as much moisture as possible in less time. This leads to lower energy costs.
• Soften clothes naturally– They reduce static cling and make your clothes feel fluffier without using fabric conditioner.
• Help prevent wrinkles– With less rubbing between fabrics, there are fewer creases. This means you can spend less time ironing.

Best Types of Dryer Balls

Tip: For an extra fresh laundry scent, add a few drops of essential oil (such as lavender or citrus) to wool dryer balls before starting the drying cycle.

🚫   Avoid using fabric softener with dryer balls– It coats the surface of the dryer balls, making them less effective at absorbing moisture.

Extra Tips for Keeping Laundry Smelling Fresh While Drying

• Wash with a good detergent– A quality detergent and the right wash cycle help stop bacteria from growing.
• Use fabric conditioner carefully– It makes clothes soft, but too much can keep moisture in and cause a musty smell.
• Clean the tumble dryer filter often– A clogged filter makes air circulation less effective, which leads to longer drying times and clothes that smell damp.
• Air dry clothes in fresh air when you can– Sunlight naturally cleans fabrics and gives them a clean, fresh smell.

FAQs About Tumble Drying vs Air Drying

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