Best way to use a tumble dryer?

[Idratherbeaunicorn]

This is going to make me sound a bit simple but I'm after some advice.

We had DD last year and at the same time bought a tumble dryer to help with the inevitable increase in washing. Previously we had just used an airier in what is now DDs bedroom.
I got a bit lazy and just checked everything in the dryer, but now having had a smart meter fitted I'm getting a bit neurotic about the energy we're using.
What's the best way to use a tumble dryer? Am I better to do two loads of washing and dry it all together? Put it on a short cycle (40 mins say) and then put it on again if it's not dry, or put it on a longer cycle til it's completely dry?
Do people use dryer balls? Are they any good?
Any tips would be gratefully received!

I've always had a tumble dryer, well, combined washer/dryer. I use it for towels, bedding and underwear. I dry until completely dry. I put clothes on rack as they shrink in dryer. Hth!

I try to line or airer dry as much as possible. Then dry/soften washing in smaller batches for a short period of time. If the load is too big / too wet I find the dryer just heats it rather than drying and you just waste the electricity.

My tumble dryer is a condenser sensor so stops when it's dry. Do you have that option? Over the years nothing has shrunk but there's still things that don't go in there. I don't use it to dry DS clothes, I still use the airer for that. I think our dryer is brilliant and it was a cheap reliable one. Even though we can't use it as it has a recall on it

I remember reading that the most economical method to use a drier was on a full cycle, beginning to end so in that case 2 loads if necessary. Think I read that in Which but don't quote me. I am equally concerned about the cost of running it and prefer to line dry if I can but it usually just creates a backlog. I fantasise about one of those heated clothes horses from Lakeland that apparently cost pence to run.

If you put a big (dry) towel in it dries things quicker

Have used the New Zealand wool dryer balls from home bargains and they're really good, your post has reminded me I need to buy some more! They're around £3.

I use the dryer when I can't hang the washing out which is a lot as I live in the NW.
I personally only use one load at a time, check the labels of anything new to see if suitable for tumble dryer.
It's great for towels, bedding, school uniform and baby clothes.
I do not put any football kits in there or bra's.
I remove the lint after every single use, sometimes after an hour if on for longer than this, builds up really quick and affects the drying capacity.
I have noticed over the years that the odd thing will shrink but that's the chance you take.
My dc have some expensive clothing for best which i never tumble as a rule and use the maiden instead.

Letsgohome, I sold my Lakeland airer on eBay and bought a tumble dryer!

I use a sensor setting on mine so it stops when the load is dry, and clean the lint filter after every load.

I have a heated airer but I hate it, it doesn't dry stuff well at all so I'd rather use the tumble dryer.

I try to put things on the line in the summer but always tumble dry bedding, pants, socks and towels because it keeps them lovely and soft, and reduces ironing. I have also been known to stick dry night clothes in the tumble dryer on cold days to heat them up, and the same with underwear.

Thanks guys!
I've bought a new washing line (mine got eaten by my climbing plants back when I let my garden turn into a jungle) and some tumble dryer balls!
While it's dry and I'm home (currently on mat leave) I'm going to hang most things out - smalls and baby bits will continue to tumble dry as no one likes a stiff pair of knickers!!
The smart meter is pretty cool, although it's made me neurotic about our energy usage!

I constantly use a tumble dryer. My hayfever is so bad that line drying clothing/bedding and then bringing that inside the house to sleep in or wear makes my eyes turn to slits. Dh is 10 times worse.

We used a energy meter that recorded what the tumble dryer used in a cycle. For school shirts wash ie 10 shirts (I have a 14 and an 11 year old boy) it dries it in around 35 minutes.

It is a condenser dryer so stops when the clothing is dry. For a general load of washing it takes about an hour.

I can't get worked up about the energy used by the tumble dryer as I feel it is a necessity for us as a family. I offset this though by recycling everything and I am as energy efficient in other ways (LED lights everywhere) etc