I recently discovered a little-known button on my washing machine that turned out to be a ‘god-send’. As the weather gets colder and the drying process becomes more challenging without a tumble dryer, this feature has been a game-changer. Many people are probably unaware of its existence, but it has proven to be incredibly effective in speeding up the drying time of clothes, especially during autumn and winter months.
The trick involves using the “Drum/Spin” setting on the washing machine, which extracts more moisture from the clothes by giving them an extra spin without adding water. This simple adjustment can significantly reduce drying time and make a real difference, particularly for those trying to save on heating costs. Professional declutterer Nicola Lewis shared this tip on Instagram, where she demonstrated the technique and coined the phrase ‘Double Spin for the Win’.
Inspired by Nicola’s advice, I decided to try it out myself by using the ‘Spin and Drain’ setting on my machine after a regular wash cycle. The extra ten minutes it took was a minimal increase in electricity usage but resulted in much lighter and quicker-drying clothes. The difference was noticeable, and my laundry dried faster on the heated airer, making the whole process much more efficient and convenient.
Nicola also recommended using a dehumidifier or opening a window near the clothes’ drying area to speed up the process further. Circulating cold air with a fan can also help clothes dry faster and prevent mould, all while being a cost-effective alternative to using central heating excessively. By spacing out clothes on the airer and hanging them on hangers first, the drying process can be further expedited.
In summary, this lesser-known function on washing machines has the potential to revolutionise the way we do laundry, especially for those looking to save time and energy during the colder months. With simple yet effective tips like these, drying clothes indoors can be made more efficient and environmentally friendly, offering a practical solution for many households facing drying challenges.