Rainy September: how to dry clothes without wasting energy?
Every autumn it’s the same story: rain returns, the air cools, and drying laundry becomes tricky. Hanging clothes outside is no longer an option, and using the tumble dryer quickly inflates the electricity bill. Luckily, there are simple ways to keep clothes fresh and dry without wasting energy.
Start with the washing machine
Well-spun laundry dries twice as fast. Increasing the spin cycle from 800 to 1,200 revolutions per minute removes several glasses of water from each garment. On a full load, that’s over half a liter of water removed before you even hang the clothes.
Find the right spot
Not all spots work the same. A drying rack in a cold, closed room can take two days to dry clothes and risk bad smells. By contrast, placing it near a gentle heat source or a slightly open window speeds up the process significantly.
Keep the air moving
Stagnant air slows everything down. A small fan on low speed aimed at the drying rack can cut drying time in half. This gentle airflow uses very little electricity compared to a dryer and prevents that stale-laundry smell.
Reduce indoor humidity
Drying clothes releases a lot of moisture into the air. In a medium-sized apartment, a full drying rack can add more than 2 liters of humidity. Without good ventilation, this encourages condensation and mold. Regular airing or using a small dehumidifier keeps problems away.
Hang clothes smartly
Shaking each garment before hanging removes creases and speeds drying. Leaving a few centimeters between pieces improves air circulation. Thick fabrics like towels dry best when hung individually.
Sheets and large items
A sheet folded in half on a rack takes forever to dry. It’s better to fold it like an accordion across several bars, or hang it over a door to expose more surface to the air.
Conclusion: Drying laundry without wasting energy isn't complicated, but it does take a bit of method. A strong spin cycle, a good drying spot, moving air, and proper humidity control are enough to turn a chore into a cost-saving, practical habit. Complete your energy savings with our [eco laundry routine](/en/blog/2025-09-19-eco-laundry-routine) and our [autumn energy-saving tips](/en/blog/2025-09-26-autumn-home-energy).
About the author:
Julien Maurice is the founder of AdminLanding and writes the editorial guides on GreenDailyFix covering French renovation aid, energy policy, and the administrative side of the energy transition. Contact: [email protected]
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