Tumble dryer hacks: how to cut your bills
Tumble dryers are energy hogs, adding up to £190 a year to your bills. We all know it would be better not to use them, but if you can't quit the habit, we've got your back.
From hidden "eco" buttons to a weirdly satisfying fluff filter ritual, here are five hacks to cut costs without sacrificing fluffy towels.
Tumble dryers are among the most energy-draining devices in any home and the worst models can add £190 to energy bills if used three times a week, according to Which?.
But we get it: you're busy; you're partial to a fluffy towel. So if you just can't bear to break up with your dryer, here are our top five ways to cut your bills. And if you are ready to try life without a dryer, skip to the end — we’ve got lots of tips for that too.
1. Unlock your dryer's hidden power-ups
Your machine isn't just a big spinning drum, it has secret talents! Dig out that manual (yes, the one you shoved in a drawer) and check if yours has these bill-slaying modes:
- Sensor drying: Lets the machine decide when the laundry is dry, preventing it from wasting time (and money) on already crispy clothes.
- Eco or low heat settings: Slow and steady wins the race ... and saves money.
- Auto-cleaning: Because a clean dryer is a happy (and efficient) dryer! (Watch out, though! Although some models will automatically clean the condenser drawer, you’ll still have to tackle the fluff filter).
2. Calculate the perfect load
Don't be a laundry extremist! Too little? It's a waste of energy for a few lonely socks. Too much? Your clothes will be jammed in a sweaty, non-circulating mass, and nothing will actually dry. Plus, you might just break the poor machine. Aim to fill them just over halfway. And the fabrics matter too. Don't dry heavy towels with T-shirts. The towels stay clammy for ages while the T-shirts roast, confusing your dryer's sensors and washing money. Dry similar fabrics together for the best results.
Fighting for you
At Octopus Energy, we'll never stop battling to get your bills down. Find out why they're still so high (and what the government should do about it) in our new newsletter, Rewire.
3. The 10-second fluff ritual
Treat your dryer like it has asthma: it needs to breathe! A clogged fluff filter drastically cuts airflow, choking your machine and forcing it to work much harder to dry your clothes. Most people don't clean theirs often enough (but try it, it’s weirdly satisfying). And if you make a habit of wiping it before every load, it won't get gross, will take seconds and will keep your drying times short.
4. Goodness greatness, great balls of... efficiency!
Tumble dryer balls don't just look cute: these fuzzy little wizards literally bounce around inside your dryer, separating your clothes so that all that lovely warm air can zoom through the gaps. That means faster drying times and lower bills!
Pick wool balls over plastic ones to cut down on the noise generated when they thump around the drum. Plus, you can drop essential oils on them to make everything smell divine. You can even get ones that look like penguins (they won't make your clothes dry faster, but they might make you smile while you're doing that mountain of laundry).
5. Weaponise your machine's spin cycle
Before your clothes even see the dryer, give them the high-speed centrifugal treatment. A faster spin cycle is the cheapest way to remove maximum water. But beware! Treat your delicates with respect; they may object to being spun like a fairground ride.
Bonus: Looking for a new dryer? Choose an overachiever
Forget "good enough". You want an appliance that acts like a financial adviser! The rating label is your crystal ball to future savings. Hunt out the models with a ridiculous amount of plus signs (like “A+++”). The Energy Saving Trust did the maths and found that choosing one of these champions over a B-rated one could save about £750 over its 13-year lifespan. That's practically a free holiday.
Conquering winter wetness without a tumble dryer
Tired of socks that take a week to dry? Try these cheeky cheats for a fresh-smelling, damp-free domicile:
- The moisture gobbler: Give your drying area its very own personal fan club that sucks water right out of the air! Pop a dehumidifier in there and watch it declare war on dampness.
- The indoor sunbather: Ditch the great outdoors and treat your clothes to a prime piece of indoor real estate. Harness the power of the sun by getting a decent indoor drying rack and putting it in front of a sunny window (you might need to kick the cat out first). If it’s gloomy, try a spot near a radiator, but make sure you open a window if you aren't using a dehumidifier or you may run into damp problems.
- Acrobatic hangers & the line that vanishes: Maximise your tiny kingdom with space-saving hangers that defy gravity (and clutter), or install a retractable washing line.
- Go with the airflow: Don’t shove your jeans just anywhere. Space out your clothes as much as possible so air can circulate between them.
Published on 2nd April 2026 by:
Hey I'm Constantine, welcome to Octopus Energy!
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