Clothes take longer to dry indoors and can lose the fresh smell you get after washing. However, hanging laundry outside to dry is not an option when the wet weather sets in, and running a tumble dryer is expensive.
Here are our favourite tried-and-tested ways to dry clothes and sheets inside during winter, without it gathering musky smells.
How to dry clothes indoors in winter
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Put a dehumidifier next to your clothes airer
Dehumidifiers draw in air, remove moisture, then release drier air back into the room. Positioning one next to your drying rack helps remove dampness as clothes dry. -
Choose a heated drying rack
Heated clothes airers use built-in heating elements to speed up drying. Some models include covers to trap heat, making them more efficient than tumble dryers. -
Act fast after washing clothes
Leaving damp clothes in the washing machine or laundry basket can cause musty smells. Remove items immediately and consider an extra spin cycle for heavier fabrics. -
Add a heater to the room
An electric or fan heater can raise the room temperature and improve air circulation, helping clothes dry faster. -
Avoid drying clothes on radiators
Drying clothes on radiators increases moisture in the air, which can lead to damp and mould. It can also make your heating less efficient. Instead, use a clothes airer in a well-ventilated room and avoid overcrowding it.