LIVING in a small house or apartment often presents unique challenges, one of the most common being the struggle to find sufficient space to dry clothes.
This issue becomes particularly big during the winter months when trying to avoid turning on the heating can lead to increased humidity levels.
A homeowner has revealed their struggle for drying clothes in a small home[/caption]
One homeowner recently shared their struggle with this very issue on the online forum Mumsnet.
The individual, who chose to remain anonymous, described their difficulties with drying clothes in a confined space.
They asked fellow Mumsnet users for advice: “Any ideas for drying laundry very fast and with limited space?”
The poster elaborated on their situation: “I cannot have a tumble dryer. I do not have space for an airer. I cannot spread my laundry due to limited space.
“The place is not sunny or airy. I can only put my laundry in a basket or something and need to dry it there.”
Many people in similar situations quickly offered their suggestions.
One user recommended a dehumidifier, noting: “A smaller space like a small room or cupboard works best.
“However, no wet clothes will dry if they’re in a basket; air needs to move between them.”
Others suggested utilising the bathroom, with some placing an airer in the bath.
One user shared their method: “My airer sits in the bath. I plug the dehumidifier into a power socket on the landing, and the cable is long enough to wheel it into the bathroom.”
Another added: “If you have a bathtub or a shower with a shower rail, hang your laundry on hangers on the rail.
“Buy a dehumidifier (approx £140), which will dry your clothes in a couple of hours at a very inexpensive rate, plus it will dry your home and therefore heat it up.”
Some users simply recommended visiting a local laundrette.
One wrote: “That would be your best option. If you don’t have that option, then do a second spin when the wash cycle is finished.
Warnings
“Hang T-shirts, skirts, etc., on hangers and hang them in doorways. You can iron clothes when they are still a bit damp.”
However, it’s important to be aware of the safety concerns associated with using a dehumidifier in the bathroom.
While dehumidifiers can be effective in reducing excess moisture and helping to dry clothes, they must be used with caution to prevent potential hazards.
Bathrooms are high-moisture environments, which can pose a risk when using electrical appliances which is why it is important to ensure that your dehumidifier is specifically designed for use in damp areas, and has the appropriate safety certifications.
Many suggested using a airer and placing it in the bath[/caption]
Individuals must avoid placing the dehumidifier in areas where it could get wet, such as near a shower or bath.
Those using a dehumidifier must make sure that the power cord is kept away from areas that can get wet, as well as areas where it could easily be tripped over.
If there are children in the household, make sure the dehumidifier is placed out of their reach to prevent tampering or accidental tipping.
Biggest mistakes people make when using a dehumidifier
Chris Michael, Managing Director of Meaco shared the mistakes exclusively with Fabulous.
Not cleaning the dust filter
Regularly cleaning the dust filter is essential to ensure that your dehumidifier works at its best. A clean filter allows air to flow freely, improving the unit’s efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and extending the lifespan of the appliance.
Not setting the humidistat correctly
A dehumidifier uses a built-in humidistat to measure humidity. It enables you to set a target humidity level for your dehumidifier to maintain. The dehumidifier will work towards reaching this target before turning off, only switching on again if it detects an increase. For UK households a comfortable target humidity is between 50% and 55%rh (relative humidity). It’s unnecessary to set the humidity much lower than this. Doing so makes the machine work harder for longer when its not needed.
Getting the wrong size for the property
Getting the wrong-sized dehumidifier for the job will mean a household is either wasting energy or cannot remove moisture effectively from the home. A 10L or 12L compressor dehumidifier is suitable for use in up to a three-bedroom house suffering with mild damp. In larger properties or for greater damp needs, larger 20L or 25L dehumidifiers should be considered.
