An expert shares six cost-free hacks to dry clothes indoors this autumn without any musty smell…
As the days grow shorter and the weather turns unpredictable, households across the UK face the familiar autumn challenge, of wet washing piling up indoors. With energy bills still high, tumble dryers aren’t always an option, but drying clothes inside doesn’t have to mean damp patches on walls or a lingering musty smell in your home.
The key is knowing how to dry your washing safely indoors without turning your living room into a damp, unhealthy hazard. Frederic de Ryckman de Betz, CEO of HOLD Self Storage , a UK-based self-storage company, has plenty of experience making the most of limited space while keeping homes fresh.
He explains: “People underestimate how much moisture a single load of washing releases into the air. Without proper airflow, that moisture settles on walls, furniture, and windows, creating the perfect conditions for mould.
“But with a few simple changes, you can dry your clothes indoors safely and keep your home healthy.”
Now, Frederic has offered his top hacks for drying clothes indoors this autumn without the mess or mould.
Six expert-approved hacks for drying clothes indoors
Invest in a foldable clothes rack
A sturdy clothes rack is essential for indoor drying. Foldable racks are ideal because they can be tucked away when not in use, keeping your space tidy. Multiple tier models maximise drying space without taking over the whole room.
The expert states: “Position your rack near a radiator or in a room with good airflow. Just make sure you’re not blocking the heat source completely, as that wastes energy and slows down drying.”
Use a heated airer for faster results
Heated airers use far less energy than tumble dryers while speeding up drying time, making them perfect for thick items like towels and jeans.
The heated airer costs just pennies per hour to run and can be purchased online on Amazon or in store with Argos and Tesco.
“A heated airer can cut drying time in half compared to a standard rack,” says Frederic. “It’s especially useful for thicker items like jeans and towels that take forever to dry naturally.”
Space out your clothes properly
Overcrowding your rack may seem efficient, but it actually slows drying. When clothes are bunched together, air circulation is limited, which prolongs dampness and can lead to that unpleasant musty smell.
“Leave gaps between items so air can move freely around them,” Frederic explains. “It might mean doing two batches instead of one, but your clothes will dry faster and smell fresher.”
Open windows for at least 15 minutes a day
Even on colder days, opening windows helps moisture escape. You don’t need to leave them open for hours, as just 15 minutes of fresh air circulation can make a big difference in reducing humidity levels.
“If you’re drying clothes in a room with closed windows, you’re basically creating a moisture trap,” says Frederic. “A quick burst of fresh air helps reset the room and prevents dampness from building up.”
Place a dehumidifier in the room the clothes are drying
Dehumidifiers actively pull moisture from the air, making them perfect for homes that struggle with dampness. They’re particularly useful in smaller spaces or rooms without much natural ventilation.
The expert notes: “Running a dehumidifier while drying clothes can cut drying time and protect your walls from damp damage. You’ll be surprised how much water these machines collect in just a few hours.”
Use extractor fans where available
If you’re drying clothes in the bathroom or kitchen, make use of the extractor fan. These fans are designed to remove moisture from the air, so let them do their job while your washing dries.
“Leaving the extractor fan on for an hour or two after hanging up your clothes helps pull moisture out before it settles on surfaces,” says the expert. “It’s one of the simplest ways to prevent mould in high-moisture rooms.”
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