Gransnet forums

Chat

Do you use a tumble dryer?

(124 Posts)
kittylester Mon 24-Feb-25 07:02:50

We have always had a tumble dryer. When the children were all at home and still at school it worked very hard.

We had uniforms, sports kits, casual clothes, DH's blue coats etc and so it seemed to be perpetually on the go. I did dry washing outside and on the pulley.

I continue to have a tumble dryer but it is rarely used now - mostly for drying down coats with tennis balls.

Do you use one regularly?

Crossstitchfan Tue 25-Feb-25 13:52:07

What poor boring lives we must lead if we can waffle on for so long about tumble drying! And what does it say about those of us who read it?!

TerriBull Tue 25-Feb-25 13:53:10

Yes I have a garden, but of late it's been wet! wet! wet! Winter weather isn't particularly conducive to drying clothes unless it happens to be windy.

Norah Tue 25-Feb-25 13:54:28

Rasamara

I’m now curious — does anyone on this thread not have access to a garden or outdoor space to have a washing line in?

Just wondering about the demographic of this particular thread!!

We have a line that retracts to a wall/post. Rarely used, I prefer a dryer.

Graygirl Tue 25-Feb-25 14:25:26

All the time, health problems makes hanging on line almost impossible.
We have had soler panels done under a government scheme about 18 years ago so do everything large ie washing machine /tumble dryer when pulling power from panels meters in garage so can look.

Mojack26 Tue 25-Feb-25 15:00:44

Generally only in the winter as I hang my washing out in summer.

Barbadosbelle Tue 25-Feb-25 15:07:07

.

Have used my dry

Barbadosbelle Tue 25-Feb-25 15:10:40

.

I've had a dryer for over 30 years and use it all the time.

Afraid to stop really as my husband would realise the difference in the electricity bills!!

Also we have lots of trees around us and I didn't like them pooping on my clothes. Hence the purchase and continued use of the dryer!!
.

orly Tue 25-Feb-25 15:29:43

We use one when we need to. In the same way I drive a petrol engined car and put my central heating on when I need to. I don't need to be lectured by the brown rice eating, sandal wearing Ed Milliband muppet followers

mum2three Tue 25-Feb-25 15:32:16

When I had a household of five to cater for, my washer and dryer were on every day. Now, I'm alone, I manage with a clothes horse.

SueEH Tue 25-Feb-25 15:38:51

Only for the same as you OP, but I use rolled up walking socks 🙄

jocork Tue 25-Feb-25 16:11:51

When I was working I used mine a lot but since retiring I rarely need things dried in a rush. Now it has developed a fault and trips the electric after a few minutes on. I decided not to replace it as it is an unnecessary expense. I should take it to the tip to make space! I mostly dry things on an over-bath airer as I don't use my bath 'cos I have a separate shower. I use a dehumidifier to speed up the drying in winter.
The only thing I miss is the things that came out wrinkle free if removed quickly. Now they need ironing or look a bit scruffy as I hate ironing. I couldn't have coped without one when I had kids at home - school shirts would have needed ironing all the time.

4allweknow Tue 25-Feb-25 16:15:19

Had a tumble dryer since the 1960s. Now have a heat pump tumble dryer but rarely use it. Do prefer line drying but like many others say, weather isn't always kind so use a cloths airer in a fully tiled bathroom so mo damp on walls. If I am desperate the tumble dryer goes on to finish off and to soften towels.

GrammaH Tue 25-Feb-25 16:37:34

I use my tumble drier during winter but prefer to line dry in the better months. However, I do like towels dried in the drier as they tend to go crunchy on the line. Having said that, they always absorb better when they're crunchy. I can't bear having laundry draped around the house.

kittylester Tue 25-Feb-25 17:09:33

We have a small garden and a washing line or a rotary line take up too much space. Our washing goes on a pulley in the utility room.

Foxyferret Tue 25-Feb-25 17:38:55

Not any more as too expensive. Dry outside on the line or inside on the rack.

Milest0ne Tue 25-Feb-25 18:31:46

I use mine when the solar panels are operating in winter. Not so nessesary in summer

Zumba369 Tue 25-Feb-25 19:07:40

I use my tumble dryer throughout winter when it’s too cold and damp to hang washing outside to dry. I’ve used Lakeland tumble dryer balls for several years as they reduce drying time and save money www.lakeland.co.uk/23672/2-dryerballs-tumble-dryer-balls

Greciangirl Tue 25-Feb-25 19:45:50

No, definitely not. I don’t need one either.

GrauntyHelen Tue 25-Feb-25 20:44:25

I have a condenser dryer on regular use I spin everything at 1200 Rpm twice then towels go straight in dryer which keeps them soft and fluffy clothes go on clothes horse for 24 hours then on dryer so don't usually need ironing I have no outside drying facilities can't stand damp clothes hanging everywhere and hate ironing my dryer solves all these problems

cowshindtail Tue 25-Feb-25 20:57:08

I have one that hasn't been used in decades,so I should really sell it.I line dry in the summer and use a ceiling hung airer near my woodburner in the winter.

grannybuy Tue 25-Feb-25 21:00:18

I have one but seldom use it. Line dry when possible, then onto driers in the garage, which has access from the utility room. I don’t use fabric softener, but often iron my towels before they’re completely dry, then hang them in the utility room. The ironing softens them somewhat. I don’t mind ironing.

Modompodom Tue 25-Feb-25 21:38:56

I have a Lakeland Dry Soon which serves me well. I have never had a tumble dryer.

Magrithea Wed 26-Feb-25 09:37:21

I try not to but with the recent wet weather it's essential!