Woman says using one button on washing machine can speed up drying time

While I'm sure many of us are beyond excited for Christmas, which is now just a matter of weeks away, I'm sure we're all feeling the drop in temperatures as we descend further into the winter months.

Between the backdrop of the cost of living crisis, increased heating bills and the start of some pretty chaotic Crimbo present-buying mania - I'm sure we're all eager to save a quid or two where we can.

Well, luckily for you, one woman has come to the rescue and shared a nifty little pearl of wisdom on how just one button on your washing machine can massively speed up drying time - all without the use of an expensive tumble dryer.

Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis took to X - formerly Twitter - to ask the public: "What are your best, easiest home energy efficiency tips?"

One woman replied to the Twitter call-out and shared her time and energy-saving hack.

She penned: "After I have done a load of washing I always put the load on an extra spin to get more water out of the clothes will be quicker to dry then."

Incase that's all a load of jargon to you, the spin speed of a washing machine simply refers to the number of times the washing machine drum spins in one minute.

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So, for example, is your washing machine has a speed of 1,600 rpm - that means the drum spins 1,600 times every single minute.

It comes at the very end of a wash cycle and a higher spin significantly reduces the amount of water your clothes will retain which, in turn, means they will take less time to dry and therefore use up less energy.

So putting the washing machine on an extra spin cycle when it's finished could mean there's less water in the clothes to dry.

Others offered their equally savvy tips when it comes to energy-saving washing machine tips.

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A second suggested: "Wash at 20 degrees. Only use fast spin for bedding and towels. Hang clothes on hangers and clothes horse if unable to dry outside."

A third chimed in: "Continue to hang your washing outside in winter when the weather allows. Might only be 80 percent dry but that's 80 percent less energy required in the tumble dryer."

"If you have a delay timer on your washer, set it to finish 5am ish then it's ready to get a full day drying!" advised a fourth. "If it's sunny on colder days use a washing line if possible. Won't be completely dry, but it helps!"

Will you be trying out any of these tips this winter?