How to keep laundry smelling fresh when you have to dry indoors?

[HS1990]

In order to cut electricity costs, we have started drying our laundry on a rack, before giving it a quick blast in the tumble dryer. But the laundry is not smelling so fresh as a result. I am currently using Aldi products, but just wondering if you made the switch for similar reasons, did you also change the products you are using? I have always tried to avoid expense branded products to save money but am willing to give it a try to reduce complaints from my family!

FYI I have started adding fabric conditioner and also clean my drum monthly. I generally use quick 30 because my 40 degree wash just takes far too long.

All tips welcome!

Getting the laundry dry as fast as possible is key, and making sure its well aired. Open windows, pop it outside if there's a dry spell or use a dehumidifier. Just my opinion, but I don't think just using a quick wash is helpful. I would wash on longer cycles for a better clean. I only use quick wash if I need to get one or two items washed in a hurry.

If you think your washing has built up a bit of a damp smell from slow drying, put some white vinegar in the pre-wash compartment or the machine, and the main wash compartment along with usual detergent.

On a rack, space out the items, if they’re too closely packed on they won’t dry fast enough.

With thick clothes like hoodies I put them directly on the radiator and flip them over after an hour (not ideal I know but I find they just don’t dry fast enough on a rack).

Dehumidifier is your friend here. Drying laundry indoors is a major cause of condensation and damp and hence mould. A dehumidifier placed near the airer stops this and hugely speeds up drying. Lower energy than running a tumble dryer. www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/martin-lewis-dehumidifier-clothes-drying

Heated airer

Dehumidifier. Cheaper to run than a tumble dryer and everything dries quickly so smells fresh.

The quick wash is intended for small loads and often only has a short rinse, so you can get your laundry cleaner by increasing the rinse or doing an extra rinse after the quick wash finishes. Laundry sanitiser is great for keeping things smelling clean because it inhibits mould age bacteria growing while the laundry is still damp. Plus it avoids the artificial fragrance of fabric conditioner, if that's not your preference.