First time owner of a tumble dryer

[theneverendinglaundry]

I've never had one before, but as my username suggests I am drowning in laundry, so this morning I ordered a tumble dryer.

Do I still need to use softener? Are those dryer balls worth the money? Any other tips?

[Cynderella]

I would have said yes to softener, but I've stopped using it completely and everything is fine. I often bring things in off the line damp and iron them or tumble dry for twenty minutes. Tumble drying makes the biggest difference for towels.

I have got the balls but not convinced they make any difference.

[user1480880826]

You don’t need to use softener with a tumble dryer. I’ve never used the balls and things always come out nice and soft.

However, I only use it for towels and sheets because it’s very energy intensive and terrible for the environment.

Why do you have so much laundry? How often are you washing things?

[theneverendinglaundry]

I am definitely not the type to ditch things in the laundry after one wear. Unless things are grubby we will often wear the same clothes for 2 or 3 days in a row! But there are 5 of us, and the heated airer just isn't cutting it anymore.

In any case, the dryer has been ordered after months of deliberation.

[redwoodmazza]

I have a garden but choose to use a tumble dryer.
Towels are beautiful and soft.

I never use a programme to fully dry anything - I just get it out while still a little damp and either fold, put on a hanger or in the airing cupboard to finish off. Can't remember the last time I used an iron...

[itsUnderMyPillow]

This will make your life sooooo much easier ! Enjoy !!
( I don't use conditioner at all on my fabrics and tennis balls work just as well in dryer )

[theneverendinglaundry]

I am really looking forward to skipping the ironing!!!

I will still dry outside when the weather is good. But the dryer will be a sanity saver at this time of year. Especially with a bedwetting child!

[PigletJohn]

You probably won't need softener. It actually builds up a residue of wax on the clothes.

Experimentally, try washing your towels on a max heat cotton wash, with NO powder, NO fab soft, and a cup of Soda Crystals (washing soda).

Does it foam up, the water go grey, and the towels come out whiter and softer than before? If so, that's the residue of soap and fab soft washing out. It's actually quite common.

Towels cleansed of fab soft also dry better and are more absorbent.

[StiffUpperQuip]

Yes to softener no to tumble drier balls because they make your clothes threadbare quickly.

[mencken]

fabric softener is pointless - never used it and never will, and have moderately hard water. Just extra pollutant. Similarly dryer balls/sheets etc - all babble.

use half the amount of washing powder/liquid recommended, again manufacturers are just trying to sell you the fifties dream.

I prefer things dried outside, smell better and towels absorb better after line dry than tumble dry. As I work from home I try to wash only on good drying days so tumble dryer use is minimsed.

remember to empty water and remove fluff after each use, and clean the condensor every few weeks.

[theneverendinglaundry]

Thank you all for the advice.

I don't use any softener on things like towels, flannels, cleaning cloths, but am curious to see if the dryer can 'uncrunch' them. My towels are like cardboard. I'll try a strip wash next time I wash them!

[Khione]

I find that adding white vinegar instead of fabric conditioner helps with good rinsing, softening and reducing static. It's also very cheap and helps to prevent 'gunk' build up in the washing machine

[theneverendinglaundry]

So those with a dryer - can I shove pretty much anything in? We don't own anything particularly fancy or precious, it is mostly jeans, t shirts, uniform, underwear and running gear, and then bedding and towels.

[PigletJohn]

it does tend to shrink cottons.

I think it is most noticeable on t-shirts and similar. Just end up buying a roomier size when new.

[jackparlabane]

A dryer can only take about half a wash load. I rarely use mine (it was one my parents bought in the 80s, still working), but it's most useful for those small things that are a pain to hang up, and then to get heavy items from damp to dry. Don't mix your heavy jeans in with light stuff as it'll all take forever to dry.
But just being able to tumble dry for 20 min makes towels fluffy and damp clothes dry and warm to put on.

Never use softener here despite rock-hard water.

[theneverendinglaundry]

I just came back to say my dryer arrived this morning, I have washed all the towels and flannels and they are dry and put away. If I was still using the heated airer they'd be hanging around drying until tomorrow morning! Result!

I need to crunch some numbers but I'm convinced it can't be any more expensive to use a dryer for an hour than using a heated airer for 10-15 hours.

[Bawbags]

My tumblr drier is on all the time and I've not noticed a huge difference electricity wise. They're a lot more economical these days.