I used little-known washing machine button to dry clothes faster in winter — now I'll do it every time

One cleaning expert recently shared a 'secret' feature on washing machines that can significantly reduce moisture in clothes whilst the weather is colder - and it really works

As the summer days fade, drying laundry becomes a challenge, particularly with efforts to reduce central heating usage.

Even with heated airers, drying wet clothes, like thick jeans and hoodies, can be a slow process. This prompted me to try a lesser-known tip that gained popularity online for its ability to hasten the drying time.

Last month, we covered a story about a clever woman who posted a hack for dealing with damp garments.

Nicola Lewis, a decluttering guru with almost 200k Instagram followers at @thisgirlcanorganise, shared a 'secret' washing machine feature in an Instagram video titled 'How to dry your clothes indoors', which can cut down moisture in clothing during colder months.

She advised using the "Drum/Spin" setting on the washing machine, coining the term 'Double Spin for the Win', meaning to leave the clothes in for an additional spin cycle, reports the Manchester Evening News.

This extra spin doesn't use more water but works to pull out further moisture, a trick that garnered praise from her audience.

Eager to test it myself, I selected the 'Spin and Drain' option on my washing machine after the regular wash cycle.

It only required an extra 10 minutes of spinning, not significantly increasing electricity consumption, yet it noticeably improved the dryness of the clothes.

She noticed a significant difference, as they were remarkably lighter than usual after washing and dried much faster on her trusty heated airer, which she swears by.

Nicola's reel is captioned: "Double spin your laundry! Your clothes will come out much drier allowing them to dry quicker. Always give your clothes a quick shake before hanging to dry to remove any creases."

She then shares her technique for drying clothes indoors, recommending the use of an airer and a dehumidifier. Her caption explains: "A dehumidifier will draw moisture from the air and dry your clothes quicker. If you don't have a dehumidifier open a window and place the airer near natural light."

Additionally, she suggests utilising a fan to "circulate cold air helping your clothes to dry faster and prevent mould", noting that it's a more economical option than turning on the heating. To further speed up the drying process, Nicola advises viewers to space out clothes on the airer and initially hang them on hangers.

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