Expert tricks to speed up your tumble dryer cycle and save money on your energy bills
Still want to use your tumble dryer during winter without it costing a fortune? Try these expert tips to accelerate the process


As winter approaches the dreaded energy bill will no doubt be looming over you, especially with the sudden use of the tumble dryer. So what can you do to make those bills a little smaller? This cleaning expert has just the thing.
When it comes to drying your clothes indoors there's nothing quite as effective and timely as the drying power of a tumble dryer. However, there's no denying that the dryer uses a daunting amount of energy, which is not exactly ideal when you're trying to adopt essential energy-saving tips in the home to save you some money.
Luckily there are several savvy things you can do to speed up your tumble dryer process to dry clothes quickly without using as much electricity.
Expert tips for speeding up your tumble drying process
Aside from avoiding laundry drying mistakes this winter, it's important to know some helpful tips and tricks to get the most out of your energy-draining appliances. This means optimising your tumble dryer's power for a quicker and more thorough drying process.
Professional cleaner Lynsey Crombie shares her three top tips and hacks for doing just this on her Instagram @lynsey_queenofclean. She says, "Want to save time (and energy) when drying your laundry? Here are a few simple tricks to help speed up the drying process!"
Her first trick might not surprise you, in fact, you may already have them but their effectiveness for reducing drying time is often forgotten.
Lynsey says, "Use three dryer balls for a small load and 6 for a larger one. I recommend New Zealand lambswool, and they’re good for up to 1,000 uses! They work by soaking up moisture and bouncing around to separate clothes, reducing drying time."
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
A post shared by Lynsey Queen Of Clean (@lynsey_queenofclean)
A photo posted by on
In the same way, you can use salt or baking soda to help reduce the humidity in your home, wool's moisture-absorbing properties will make a huge difference in your tumble dryer.
For her second tip, Lynsey explains the benefits of a Boss It Ball. She says, "This one’s a game-changer! You only need one, and it redistributes heat around the drum, speeding up drying by up to 40%!"
The Boss It Ball uses HeatBounce technology to distribute the heat around your tumble dryer quickly and evenly. It's also weighted and sized to work on all dryers helping you reduce the length of your dryer cycle, saving you money on your energy bills.
Shop Lynsey's drying recommendations
RRP: £9.89 | Whether you want to try out the drying hack or need to replace your beloved wool balls these ones from Amazon are made of New Zealand premium wool and come highly recommended. They're also a great alternative for drying sheets and will help seperate your clothes in the dryer.
RRP: £7.99 | There's good reason that Lynsey speaks so highly of this product, it slashes the drying time and cost when used in your tumble dryer. It's also completely reusable so you won't need to worry about having to replace it after so many uses.
RRP: £7.99 | Whilst these certainly won't help decrease your drying time, they will help keep your clothes smelling fresh. They can also help with static in your tumble dryer and add even more softness.
Aside from purchasing new drying aids, Lynsey also explains how throwing in a dry towel to your drying load will absorb the excess moisture and help your clothes dry faster. Just make sure you clean the towel regularly and dry it properly after each use.
She finishes her post by saying, "These little changes can make a BIG difference to your drying time and your energy bills!"
Should you still need extra help with drying clothes during winter then we'd also recommend investing in one of the best dehumidifiers. Because dehumidifiers are good for drying clothes and on average will use less energy overall.
Along with using tips to make your tumble dryer more effective you might want to try some hacks to keep your house warm for less too. Central heating like your tumble dryer will probably make up the most of your energy bill as winter arrives so it's smart to know how to optimise that heat.

Emily joined woman&home as a staff writer after finishing her MA in Magazine Journalism from City University in 2023. After writing various health and news content, she now specialises in lifestyle, covering unique cleaning hacks, gardening how-tos, and everything to help your houseplants thrive.
-
My confidence 'soared' after I tried the 3-2-1 workout method - here's how it revolutionised my routine
For the past two weeks, I have been doing the 3-2-1 workout method to boost my fitness, flexibility, and strength
By Susan Griffin
-
Princess Eugenie gives knitwear a spring makeover with short sleeved jumper and satin skirt at poignant London visit
Princess Eugenie isn’t a working member of the Royal Family, but she’s a dedicated Patron of several vital charities and organisations.
By Emma Shacklock
-
How to declutter your shed for a calm, more functional space – where everything is immediately accessible
We often forget to spring clean our sheds, and yet they are usually chaotic and greatly in need of organising
By Kayleigh Dray
-
How to get rid of carpet beetles: pest control experts share their most efficient methods
What are they, and how can you get rid of them?
By Emily Smith
-
Pistachio green colour trend: 11 ways to use this trending hue in your home
This delicious soft shade is everywhere right now
By Jayne Cherrington-Cook
-
When to plant sunflower seeds to ensure big and beautiful summer blooms
Timing is everything when it comes to planting
By Tamara Kelly
-
Vegetables to plant in April: 8 crops to start now for a delicious harvest later in the year
Discover which vegetables to plant in April, and top tips for growing success
By Holly Crossley
-
How to plant freesia bulbs: easy steps for colourful summer blooms
If you're looking to add some vivid colour and life to your garden, freesias are the perfect choice
By Emily Smith
-
Gardening experts reveal how often you should water grass seed for a luscious lawn this summer
Want your lawn to be looking its best by the time summer rolls around? You'll need to make sure you're watering it the perfect amount
By Emily Smith
-
Lynsey Crombie reveals the surprising laundry mistake leaving your clothes smelling 'stale and nasty'
Do your clothes smell unpleasant even after you've washed them? It could be your fabric conditioner
By Emily Smith