The 'demon appliance' Martin Lewis says could be wrecking your energy bills

As the colder, wetter months approach, many UK households are bracing for the annual challenge of drying clothes indoors. Damp laundry that cannot be hung outside often stays wet for days, leaving a stale smell and creating ideal conditions for mould growth. While tumble dryers are the go-to solution for many, consumer expert Martin Lewis has warned that they are expensive, energy-hungry, and even pose a fire risk.

Speaking on an episode of The Martin Lewis Podcast available on BBC Sounds, Spotify, and Apple Music, Lewis referred to tumble dryers as "demon appliances" that households should reconsider this winter. According to expert guidance from the Aircon Centre, drying clothes in a tumble dryer is dramatically more costly than using a dehumidifier.

A typical 8kg load of washing takes about one hour to dry in a tumble dryer, costing approximately 69p in electricity. By contrast, a dehumidifier can dry the same load in six hours but at a fraction of the cost, just 27p.

This represents a 258% increase in running costs for tumble dryers compared with dehumidifiers. For households doing laundry daily, this could amount to a potential saving of around £12 per month, or more than £150 per year, making the dehumidifier an economically sensible option.

Beyond cost savings, dehumidifiers offer additional benefits. By reducing moisture levels indoors, they help create a more comfortable living environment and lower the risk of damp and mould.

Tumble dryers, while convenient, consume significant electricity and can present a safety hazard if not maintained properly.

Lewis emphasised that while both appliances make drying laundry easier, households should consider the financial and environmental impact of their choice.

Dehumidifiers are versatile, energy-efficient, and suitable for multiple purposes around the home, from drying clothes to keeping rooms free from excess moisture.

Tumble dryers, although faster, have limited uses and substantially higher running costs.

With the arrival of wet autumn and winter weather, many households are facing the same dilemma: how to dry clothes quickly and safely without inflating energy bills.

For those looking to save money and reduce their carbon footprint, Martin Lewis' advice is clear, ditch the "demon appliance" tumble dryer and consider switching to a dehumidifier this winter.