Overload
Making sure you fill your dryer appropriately is a great way to get maximum efficiency. Too little, and you’ll end up having to do numerous loads to dry your laundry. Too much, and it will take multiple cycles to dry a single load. The best way to find out what works well is to consult your dryer’s manual, then apply a little trial and error, since every machine is slightly different.
You should bear in mind that loads are calculated on weights, rather than volume, so if you’re washing highly absorbent items such as towels, the amount in the dryer may look less, but the load will be the same.
On a related note, make sure you take a few moments to clean the lint filter after every load. It may seem tedious, but it can make a real difference to your dryer’s efficiency. When you put it in perspective, an extra couple of seconds with the lint filter pales into insignificance when compared to the extra half hour (or even whole hour) that will be needed to run an extra cycle when your clothes come out damp.
Multitasking
If you’re able to stay close to your dryer while it runs, you can eliminate the need to iron in many cases. The trick is to hang and fold your laundry as soon as a cycle is completed, as the heat involved will allow any creases to simply fall out of the garments. The same heat will also set any folds or rumples in the garment if they are left in the dryer to cool, so hang immediately to save yourself the chore of ironing. The only question is, what will you use all that extra time for?
Productivity
Many dryer cycles run for either 30 or 60 minutes. Waiting for a load to dry can be an excellent way to block out time to really focus on an important task. This could be work-related, or you could take the opportunity to do some exercise. There are plenty of workout DVDs available that don’t require you to leave the house, or you could try interval training, perhaps by using a skipping rope or other equipment that doesn’t take up much room.
Towards the end of the cycle, set yourself challenges to turn the work into a game, and see if you can beat the machine!
Housework is another useful thing you can do. Few people enjoy domestic chores, so limiting the time by linking it to dryer cycles can really help make it seem more manageable.
© Axonn 2015