Focus on Dryers continued...
What to look for
It's all about maximising the options available while minimising energy use. Clothes dryers have copped a bad rap as energy-wasting appliances as reflects our environmentally aware social ethic. Why do we need them when we can dry things beautifully, albeit slowly, on the clothesline or rack, thank you very much? And of course, this is perfectly true – clothes dryers are a luxury item. We don't necessarily require them – but, in time-poor busy households, you can't argue that they do make life easier. So if you choose to buy a clothes dryer, make your purchase a smart one.
SIZE and STYLE. Unless you have six children and must, for necessity, buy the largest dryer on the market, purchase a compact unit that can sit above the washing machine to make the most of the space. Matching units look neat and tidy, and are easy to fit into cupboards for small apartment dwelling. Alternatively, a combined washer/dryer might best suit your needs.
ENERGY EFFICIENT is the name of the game – go for the model with the highest energy efficiency rating that you can afford. The planet will thank you.
FUNCTIONS are many and varied on the models currently available. Look for the new wrinkle-free and crease-free functions, where the dryer reverse tumbles to minimise the need for ironing garments. The specialty function for 'dry clean only' clothes is also immediately endearing.
SAFETY is your first concern. Never overload a dryer and always clean the lint filter after every use. Too much lint is a fire hazard!
The best of the rest
Should you prefer the age-old method of drying clothes, we have the perfect product for you. The Pegasus 200 Deluxe Drying Rack from Leifheit of Germany is available through Howard's Storage World and offers a classy alternative to the clothes dryer. With 20m of line to accommodate washing, pegs, clips for lingerie, a top net for drying woollens and a clothes peg bag, this deluxe model has everything you need for rack drying without the fuss. When finished, it folds flat for easy storage. Smaller ones are available also. The Pegasus 200 Deluxe – RRP $180.
6 Top Tips For Clothes Drying
1. Don’t over-dry your clothes. Look for models with automatic cut-off sensors that will turn the machine off when the load is done.
2. An absolute must is to clean out the lint filter before each load to reduce fire hazard and ensure your dryer is working to its maximum capacity.
3. Match fabrics in the load to make sure it all takes about the same time to dry.
4. Dry two or more loads in a row to make the most of the heat remaining in the dryer.
5. Use Mother Nature whenever possible for drying on fine days!
6. Newer washing machines with advanced spin cycles remove more moisture from clothes reducing the amount of drying time required.
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