Drying laundry in winter can be a challenge, but a sleep expert has shared tips to help get your bedding dry faster – and his best trick only requires a clean towel.
With chillier weather firmly here, drying washing can prove troublesome. If you don’t own a tumble dryer, this becomes even more difficult.
For those living in small properties without access to an outdoor washing line, getting your bedding dry during winter can seem virtually impossible. Nevertheless, there are some hints and techniques you can use that will make it simpler to get your washing dry without that musty smell.
Martin Seeley, sleep specialist and CEO at MattressNextDay, has revealed his top recommendations for getting your washing dry without a tumble dryer – and all you require for his finest method is a clean towel.
He explained: “Cotton towels are naturally absorbent, so when you roll your damp sheets up inside one, the towel pulls away a surprising amount of leftover water.
“To do it properly, lay a clean, dry towel flat on a large surface, spread your damp sheet on top, and roll them up tightly together like a Swiss roll. Press down firmly, or even stand on it carefully, to help the towel soak up the moisture.”
“Once unrolled, hang your sheet near a warm spot or in a room with good airflow. You will find it dries noticeably faster, especially on cooler days when the air feels heavy and humid.”
His second suggestion involves washing your bedding early in the morning, allowing them the entire day to dry. Martin explained: “When you wash later in the evening, the cooler air slows everything down. If you can, start your wash before midday so your bedding benefits from daytime warmth and air flow.”
Once your wash cycle has completed, it’s also recommended to run an additional spin cycle to remove surplus water.
An extra spin can eliminate up to 30% more moisture from your bedding, helping them dry significantly faster, particularly if indoor drying space is restricted.
Following the spin cycle, give your sheets a good shake before hanging them up. Martin explained: “It helps loosen the fibres so air can move through more easily. This prevents the fabric from clumping together, which can trap moisture and leave sheets feeling slightly musty.”
You can also be strategic about which materials you choose for your bedding. Bamboo, microfibre and polycotton are substantially lighter than pure cotton or linen and will dry much more quickly.
Martin noted: “They are ideal for the colder months when you cannot rely on outdoor drying and need to get bedding washed, dried and back on the bed the same day.”
