Households feeling the pinch from the cost of living crisis might find drying clothes particularly costly, but there are clever strategies to sidestep this expense. According to British Gas, off-peak electricity hours are quieter times with less demand on the grid – typically overnight, weekends, and during major holidays.
Taking advantage of these periods by using cheaper time-of-use rates can lighten the load on your wallet, especially when carrying out energy-hungry tasks such as laundry or charging devices at night. Energy suppliers may be able to provide details on exact off-peak times.
So when’s the best time to save money while washing clothes?
The pros at Mulberrys Garment Care offer guidance: “Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to avoid doing laundry (or using other major electrical appliances) during your energy company’s ‘peak hours’, aka the time of day when the electricity demand and price per kWh are highest.”
They recommend running appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, or heaters at night to benefit from lower rates and help reduce your bills. Moreover, they suggest additional tips to economise while using your dryer during off-peak times, reports the Express.
Real Simple suggests that incorporating dryer balls into your laundry routine can cut down drying time and reduce costs. These handy tools enhance airflow, thus speeding up the drying process.
It’s also crucial to keep your dryer lint-free as this can hinder its efficiency. Regularly check and clean the lint trap before and after each load to maintain optimal performance.
Avoid cramming too much into the dryer as it will have to work harder and longer to dry your clothes. The most cost-effective method of drying your laundry is to hang it outdoors.
However, if the weather doesn’t allow for this – or you lack an outdoor washing line – you can drape wet laundry on a clothes horse indoors. This could potentially increase dampness in your home, so counteract this by running a dehumidifier in the area where your laundry is hanging.