As families across the UK grapple with stubborn food inflation and soaring energy bills, the consumer champion Martin Lewis has warned one household appliance can really make a dent in people's budgets.

Taking to the Martin Lewis podcast, the money saving expert branded tumble dryers as a "demon" appliance because they are "really expensive".

Those who want to try and cut their energy costs, however, don't have to resign to having damp clothes hanging around the house for days on end. 

A dehumidifier can tackle condensation and keep moisture away from your home. If you’re endlessly trying to dry your washing indoors, having a dehumidifier can help to make this easier too, as dehumidifiers work by removing excess moisture from the air.  

But this isn't the only cost-effective option to turn to instead of keeping your costly tumble dryer running.

Many say investing in a fan will help circulate air around drying clothes, reducing drying time. Even simply opening a window will improve ventilation and prevent musty odours in the house, helping the drying process. 

You should also make sure to place your drying rack in a well-ventilated room or near a radiator for faster drying, and while it may seem inconvenient to leave it up - it will be cheaper than using a dryer. 

But, if you're hoping to get your clothes dried quicker, a heated clothes airer is an energy-efficient alternative to a tumble dryer as it uses less electricity and can dry clothes in just a few hours.

If you're often finding yours on, there's no time like the present to look for an alternative.