As the temperatures take a nosedive and those chilly winds start whispering through the cracks, drying your bedding can feel like an uphill battle.
But if you want fresh, fluffy sheets without firing up the tumble dryer and racking up your energy bill, we’ve got good news for you.
Martin Seeley, CEO of MattressNextDay, has let us in on a nifty secret: your bathroom is actually the best spot in the house to dry your bedding during the cold snaps.
Despite the common belief that bathrooms are too damp for drying laundry, Seeley explains that their design actually supports moisture control.
Equipped with extractor fans, often featuring windows to encourage airflow, and benefiting from the residual warmth generated by showers, bathrooms create an environment conducive to faster evaporation.
‘The warmth from recent showers also helps to raise the temperature slightly, which encourages water to evaporate more quickly from fabrics,’ Seeley said.
‘Place your airer near the fan or window, and you will notice your bedding dries faster and smells fresher.’
He also recommends scheduling washes for the morning, taking advantage of daytime warmth and ventilation, rather than washing in the evening when dropping temperatures can prolong drying.
And aside from bathrooms, kitchens serve as practical drying spaces too, due to the warmth from cooking.
If you’re using the oven, place your drying rack close to the door to take advantage of the heat.
Meanwhile, airing cupboards provide heat that speeds evaporation.
The use of dehumidifiers alongside drying racks in well-ventilated rooms is also recommended to avoid condensation and mould growth.
More practical tips for drying clothes indoors:
- Shake sheets vigorously before hanging to separate fibres
- Wring damp sheets inside a dry towel to absorb moisture
- Investing in a heated airer as an economical alternative to tumble dryers
- Add a further spin cycle after washing to remove excess water
Whilst outdoor drying remains preferred when weather allows, some experts caution that warmer months may expose bedding to allergens such as pollen, which attaches to fabrics and can aggravate seasonal allergies.
For allergy sufferers, indoor drying in controlled environments with sufficient airflow is deemed safer.
Additional measures, including showering before bed, keeping windows closed overnight, and opting for hypoallergenic bedding materials, can further mitigate exposure to airborne irritants.
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