Researchers have found that a staggering number of UK households are turning away from the tumble dryer amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The research, which was carried out by Churchill Home Insurance, found that while 53% of Brits owned one of these appliances, 38% admitted to using it less.

A further 7% said they never use the machine to dry their clothes with only 11% saying they use it daily.

With so many people using their tumble dryers less, how much does it really cost to run your tumble dryer?

 

According to Ofgem, the average household uses 2,900 kWh of electricity each year with a single tumble dryer cycle using 4.5kWh.

This equates to an average annual electric bill of £986 or £82.17 a month. Based on the average household usage, people are spending nearly £200 of their annual bill on running a tumble dryer.

In response to this, household across the country are using their machine less as well as alternative methods of drying their clothes.

Alternative drying methods to the tumble dryer

More than half (55%) have started putting their clothes on non-heated clothes airers while 54% have also said they have begun using an outdoor washing line.

36% use the radiator to dry their apparel with such methods being seen as a great alternative to costly tumble dryers.

Of the findings, Sarah Khan, Head of Churchill home insurance, said: “Amidst rising energy bills and the cost-of-living crisis, households are taking a hard look at their finances to determine where they can cut costs.

"What was once a staple household appliance, it is clear the practicality of regularly using tumble dryers now hangs in the balance.

"As a home appliance that has long been considered a ‘saving grace’ to laundry doers, people are now weighing up the benefits of cost over comfort and ease.”

Despite the cost of tumble dryers, they do reduce the time and effort needed to dry clothes.

With many households facing colder and wetter conditions, drying clothes outdoors may also be impractical.

Your Money Matters

Your Money Matters is a campaign launched by us and our sister titles across Newsquest to help you overcome the surge in the cost of living.

This year has seen a whole host of household price increases — from the energy price cap rise to surging inflation and food prices — costing your family hundreds or even thousands of pounds extra per year.

We’re making it our mission to look out for your cash, offering money-saving deals, competitions, giveaways and insightful stories from your community on the impact this cost-of-living crisis is having on our readers.

The worldwide energy crisis exacerbated by the Ukraine invasion, the financial impact of the Covid pandemic, record inflation figures and a surge in the cost of goods, fuel and travel means we will all feel the pinch.

Through our newspaper, we want to do what we can to help make your cash go further because we know your money matters.