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:
Alexandre Dubois is a European sustainability enthusiast who shares practical, tested tips for everyday life. From saving on household energy to reducing waste, he focuses on simple changes that deliver real impact. He writes from personal experience, testing solutions in his own home before recommending them. Contact: info@greendailyfix.com
Related posts
Autumn air quality: how to keep your home healthy when windows stay closed
As soon as the temperatures drop, our homes turn into sealed cocoons. The heating comes back on, windows stay shut, and the air starts to feel heavy. Yet a few simple habits can keep it fresh and healthy without losing warmth. The best solutions are natural, low-cost, and work just as well in a flat as in a house.
Eco laundry that saves €300 per year (without sacrificing clean)
My first electricity bill in Marseille shocked me: €89 a month, with €35 of that from laundry and drying. Two years later, I'm down to €12 a month—and my clothes last longer. The switch? Cold-water washing, smarter loads, and almost no tumble dryer.
5-ingredient green cleaning kit that outperforms store brands
My partner's respiratory sensitivity made us rethink cleaning products. After testing more than fifty recipes, I kept five ingredients that cover almost everything: effective, safe, and budget-friendly.