The cost of living is top of mind for many British households, and with the increased energy price cap coming into effect on April 1, people are looking for ways to get their chores done while keeping their bills down. Tumble dryers are among the most expensive appliance in UK homes, costing Brits a whopping £190 a year on average on the current tariff.
Running tumble dryers can be extremely expensive but Matt Ayres, an appliance expert at RDO Kitchens and Appliances, has shared his top tips for keeping the prices as low as possible. The first way you can reduce costs on your laundry loads is to switch your detergent and your temperature setting. Using the economy wash setting is a great way to save money on laundry while still ensuring your clothes are thoroughly cleaned.
If your washer dryer doesn’t have an economy mode, you can achieve similar savings by setting the machine to wash at 20°C instead of the standard 40°C or higher.
To ensure your clothes get just as good a clean, use a stain remover first and double check whether your detergent can work on a colder wash.
To save time and money when drying your clothes you can also add an extra spin cycle – and never skip the first one. Ayres said: “Whether you’re putting your washing out to dry or using the tumble dryer function, one step you shouldn’t skip is the post-wash spin cycle.
“In the colder months, when outdoor drying isn’t always an option, maximising the efficiency of your drying process becomes even more important.
”By running an extra spin cycle, you can minimise the time your clothes spend in the dryer, which not only saves energy but also helps to lower your electricity bills.”
The third thing to consider is switching from a combination washer dryer to two separate appliances. While this is an expensive switch, on average, you save more money having a standalone tumble dryer and washing machine. So, if space and budget allow, consider investing in these.
Ayres said: “Standalone tumble dryers tend to be more efficient and faster at drying clothes compared to their combined counterparts. Separate appliances also often have larger capacities, meaning you can dry more clothes in one go, reducing the number of drying cycles required.
“When selecting a tumble dryer, look for models with heat pump technology. These dryers use lower temperatures and recycle hot air, making them up to 50% more energy-efficient than conventional models.”
