Having a tumble dryer is a luxury, and using it in the winter months can be expensive.

With energy prices remaining a concern for households, finding a cost-effective way to dry laundry is a priority for many.

With modern drying gadgets, you can speed up drying times without relying on tumble dryers, which according to an expert, can cost around 85p an hour to run.

Chris Madikian, an electrical expert at The Local Electrician, has given a breakdown of other gadgets to try out this winter.

This includes a heated airer, drying pods as well as dehumidifiers.

1. Heated airer - 8.4p per hour

The expert said: “Heated clothes airers are an excellent alternative to tumble dryers, using significantly less energy while still speeding up the drying process.

“With heated bars, they can dry clothes gently and reduce dampness in the air.

“Use a heated airer cover or blanket to trap the heat, making the drying process faster and reducing the overall running time."

2. Drying pods - 34p per hour

Drying pods circulate warm air around the clothes, drying them quickly and reducing the need for ironing due to fewer creases.

For best results, use the drying pod for smaller loads to maximise efficiency and avoid overcrowing, which can increase drying time.

3. Dehumidifiers - 11p per hour

Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air, accelerating the drying process and preventing dampness.

Place the dehumidifier in a warmer room and near the drying area to maximise airflow and drying efficiency.

4. Clothes wringer - free

Chris continued: “A manual clothes wringer, while old-fashioned, helps squeeze out excess water, significantly cutting down on drying time.

“Wringing out heavy items like towels or jeans before placing them on an airer or in a drying pod can make the drying process even faster and reduce your energy usage.”

5. Heated drying cabinet - 57p per hour

Drying cabinets use warm air circulation to dry clothes hung inside, offering more space than a drying pod. For quicker drying, rotate the items halfway through the cycle.

The expert added: “Energy-efficient drying solutions offer a practical way to cut costs while keeping your home warm and dry.

“With options like heated airers and drying pods, you can significantly reduce your energy bills compared to using a traditional tumble dryer.

“It’s all about choosing the right tool for your needs and making small adjustments that add up to big savings.”