Sometimes it can feel like we spend our lives in the laundry room. Constantly washing, drying, folding, ironing, rinsing and repeating. And now that the weather has (finally) started to shift into the colder, wetter conditions we know and love autumn for, this process is taking even longer than usual.
If you feel as if your laundry’s taking twice as long to dry this month, you’re not alone – and you’re not imagining it. The new season’s weather conditions affect our homes in ways you might not expect, whether or not you pop the heating on.
Here’s why your washing takes twice as long to dry in October, plus quick and easy ways to speed up the process while avoiding foul smells and damp.
Why washing takes longer to dry in October
The biggest change is often where your washing dries. In warmer months, a breeze and a bit of sun help moisture escape from clothes outside. Once the weather turns, laundry moves indoors, where there’s less natural airflow. But the moisture still has to go somewhere. With windows more likely to be shut, it can linger in the room around your airer, slowing down the drying process.
Cooler rooms can add to the problem. Water evaporates more slowly when the surrounding air is cool, and a crowded airer gives damp fabric little room to breathe. So it’s not simply that October air is ‘damp’; your usual summer drying setup has changed, and your home now needs to be doing the job.
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How to speed up drying indoors
- Give clothes breathing space. It’s very tempting to squeeze as much on the airer as you can, but this can significantly increase the drying time. Space items out on the airer rather than packing every rung. Hang shirts and trousers open, and avoid folding large items over themselves in thick layers. If you have room, turn clothes around as they dry, so air can reach both sides.
- Get moisture moving out of the room. Dry washing in a room you can ventilate, and open a window briefly or use an extractor fan where practical. If the room feels stuffy during or after drying, or you’re seeing condensation, that’s a sign the moisture needs a way out. Avoid drying a full load in a small, unventilated room.
- Use a dehumidifier, if you have one. It can help remove moisture from the air as your clothes dry. Follow your model’s instructions; for many dehumidifiers, closing the room’s door and windows helps it work more efficiently. Keep the airer clear of the machine’s air intake and outlet.
- Run an extra spin cycle. If clothes come out very wet, a second spin can remove more water before they go on the airer. Check the care labels and choose a setting suitable for the load, as delicate fabrics may need gentler treatment.
- Choose a warmer spot with airflow. A room that’s comfortably warm and has some air movement will usually be more effective for drying than a cold corner. A fan can keep air circulating around the clothes. Don’t drape washing over heaters or cover them, as this can be unsafe and stop heat circulating.
- Make the most of brighter, breezier days. October doesn’t rule out line-drying altogether. If the weather’s dry, hang washing outside for a few hours, then bring it in to finish if needed.
If it’s still taking ages
If clothes are coming out of the washing machine unusually wet, check that the load isn’t too full and that the selected spin speed suits it. A blocked filter or drainage problem can also leave washing wetter than it should be, so check the machine’s manual if the issue keeps happening. And if clothes are drying slowly and the room is getting condensation, tackle the moisture in the room as well as changing how you hang the load.
