HOW TO DRY BEDDING IN WINTER
The Complete Guide
Drying bedding in winter can be a challenge due to colder temperatures and higher humidity levels. Proper drying is essential to keep your bedding fresh, hygienic, and free from mold or mildew.
This guide will explore practical solutions and helpful tips for drying bedding in winter, ensuring it stays in pristine condition. Let’s look at several options and help you decide which is the best and most convenient for your situation.
Table of Contents
Why Properly Drying Bedding in Winter Matters
The Challenges of Winter Drying
During winter, reduced sunlight, lower temperatures, and increased moisture in the air can slow the drying process, especially of bulkier items such as bedding. When bedding is not dried thoroughly, it can develop:
- Unpleasant odors
- Bacterial growth
- Dust mites and mold
Proper drying ensures that your bedding remains comfortable and hygienic, promoting better sleep and better health, especially if you are prone to respiratory issues, allergies, or other environmental sensitivities.
How to Dry Bedding in Winter: Key Tips
There are multiple ways to dry bedding in winter. Your preferred option may depend on what is available to you:
1. Use a Tumble Dryer
A tumble dryer is one of the most efficient ways to dry bedding in winter. Follow these tips for the best results:
- Set the right temperature: Use a low or medium heat setting to protect delicate fabrics.
- Avoid overloading: Dry one or two pieces at a time for optimal airflow. Your load will come out dryer faster than when overloading your washing machine.
- Add dryer balls: These wool dryer balls help reduce drying time by improving air circulation, and are a healthier and more sustainable option than dryer sheets.
2. Maximize Indoor Drying Spaces
If you don’t have access to a tumble dryer, an indoor drying rack can be a lifesaver (consider size if your primary goal is to dry larger bedding). Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Choose a well-ventilated area: Place the rack near a radiator or in a room with good air circulation.
- Rotate the bedding regularly: Turn and reposition the bedding to ensure even drying.
- Use a dehumidifier: This helps remove excess moisture from the air, speeding up the drying process.
3. Leverage Sunlight and Outdoor Drying (When Possible)
Even in winter, sunny days can be used for outdoor drying. Follow these steps:
- Pick the right time: Aim to hang your bedding outdoors during midday when sunlight is strongest.
- Protect against moisture: Use a cover to shield the bedding from unexpected rain or snow.
- Secure the bedding: Prevent it from being blown away by strong winter winds. Those clips are ideal to keep heavier items in place.
4. Utilize Heated Airers or Radiators
Heated airers are a modern solution for winter drying, offering a controlled heat source, similar to a heated drying rack. Alternatively, you can use radiators:
- Lay bedding flat on a heated airer: This ensures even heat distribution.
- Avoid direct contact with radiators: Place a towel between the bedding and radiator to prevent damage.
- Read more about radiators in our radiator section below.
Tips for Drying Specific Types of Bedding
What you are drying will impact best practices for that specific bedding:
Drying Duvets in Winter
- Machine drying: Most duvets can be tumble dried on a low heat setting. Check the care label first.
- Manual drying: Lay the duvet flat on a drying rack and shake it regularly to redistribute the filling. This is the bulkiest of your bedding and will require extra time to fully dry, however, ensure it is fully dried prior to adding back on your bed.
Drying Pillows in Winter
- Use dryer balls: These help maintain the pillow’s shape while drying.
- Air dry thoroughly: If air drying, ensure pillows are completely dry before adding the pillowcase to avoid mold or mildew, as well as odors.
- Consider pillow protectors: Adding a pillow protector to your pillow may slightly buff it up, however, it is much easier to throw in the washing machine and dry, than having to wash the actual pillow, which is a bulky item.
Drying Sheets and Blankets in Winter
- Fold strategically: Drape sheets and blankets evenly over drying racks to maximize surface exposure.
- Steam iron post-drying: This can help remove wrinkles and ensure any damp areas are addressed.
Preventing Dampness and Odors When Drying Bedding
1. Wash Wisely
- Avoid overloading your washing machine. Overcrowding prevents proper spinning, leaving excess water and detergent in your bedding. Wash bulkier items on their own, giving them the full benefit of the washer’s spin, leading to drier bedding after their wash.
2. Improve Indoor Ventilation
- Open windows slightly, even in winter, to allow fresh air to circulate. This helps reduce humidity indoors during the day. Remember to close windows at night or in case of snow and rain.
3. Use Scented Products
- Add a mild fabric conditioner or dryer sheets to your drying process to keep bedding smelling fresh, though wool dryer balls are preferred to dryer sheets for a healthier and more sustainable option.
4. Avoid Prolonged Dampness
- Remove damp bedding from the washer immediately upon the load being finished, to prevent unpleasant odors from building up. Once present, those odors are really hard to get rid off, and often warrant an extra wash and air drying in full sun.
Eco-Friendly Solutions for Drying Bedding in Winter
For those who prioritize sustainability, drying bedding in winter does not have to increase your energy footprint. Here are eco-friendly methods:
1. Opt for Air Drying
Use indoor racks near natural heat sources like sunlight or residual radiator warmth. This option will eliminate the need to run a power-heavy dryer, though drying times will be prolonged so patience will be your best friend.
2. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
Modern tumble dryers with energy-saving modes are an excellent option for minimizing electricity use. Consider energy-saving models when the time comes to replace your older dryer.
3. Focus on Quick-Dry Bedding Materials
Switch to lightweight, quick-drying fabrics like bamboo for winter use. Those fabrics dry much quicker and will reduce drying time, whether in a dryer or air drying.
How Long Does It Take To Dry Bedding in Winter?
The time it takes to dry bedding in winter depends on several factors, including the drying method, the type of bedding, and environmental conditions. Here is a breakdown of drying times for different methods:
Tumble Dryer
- Time: 1–2 hours
- Factors:
- Bedding size and material (e.g., cotton dries faster than wool).
- Dryer settings (use medium to low heat to prevent fabric damage).
- Best For: Quick and effective drying of all bedding types, including heavy duvets and blankets.
Indoor Drying (Air Drying on Racks)
- Time: 12–24 hours
- Factors:
- Room temperature and humidity levels (lower humidity speeds up drying).
- Ventilation (using fans or dehumidifiers can reduce drying time).
- Bedding thickness (thicker items like duvets take longer).
- Tips: Rotate the bedding frequently and place it near a heat source like a radiator, but avoid direct contact.
Outdoor Drying in Winter
- Time: 4–8 hours (on a sunny, breezy day)
- Factors:
- Weather conditions (sunlight and wind are crucial).
- Temperature (even cold air can aid drying if it is not too humid).
- Best For: Freshening up bedding, but less reliable in wet or overcast conditions.
Using a Dehumidifier or Heated Airer
- Time: 6–12 hours
- Factors:
- Power and capacity of the appliance.
- Room size and moisture levels.
- Best For: Efficient indoor drying with less reliance on external weather conditions.
Specific Bedding Drying Times
Sheets and Pillowcases
- Tumble Dryer: 30–45 minutes
- Indoor Air Drying: 6–12 hours
- Outdoor Drying: 3–6 hours
Duvets and Comforters
- Tumble Dryer: 1.5–2 hours
- Indoor Air Drying: 24–48 hours
- Outdoor Drying: 6–10 hours
Blankets and Quilts
- Tumble Dryer: 1–1.5 hours
- Indoor Air Drying: 12–24 hours
- Outdoor Drying: 5–8 hours
Factors That Affect Drying Time
Material Type
- Natural fibers like cotton and linen absorb more water and take longer to dry. For natural fibers, opt for bamboo for faster drying times, instead.
- Synthetic fibers like polyester dry faster but may retain static. Synthetic fibers are never our bedding of choice as it is often a derivative of plastic, which can deregulate hormones, amongst other things.
Environmental Conditions
- Cold, damp conditions slow down drying.
- Good ventilation and lower humidity speed it up.
Bedding Size and Thickness
- Larger, thicker items like duvets take longer than thinner sheets.
Drying Method Enhancements
- Using a fan or dehumidifier can cut indoor drying time by several hours.
- Dryer balls in a tumble dryer reduce drying time by improving airflow.
Tips to Speed Up Bedding Drying in Winter
- Pre-spin in the Washer: Use a high spin cycle to remove as much water as possible before drying.
- Use Dryer Balls: They improve airflow in the tumble dryer, cutting down drying time.
- Improve Air Circulation: Use fans or open windows slightly when air-drying indoors.
- Choose Quick-Dry Materials: Opt for lightweight fabrics like microfiber or bamboo for winter bedding.
Drying bedding in winter can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day, depending on the method used. For faster results, a tumble dryer is the most efficient option, while using a dehumidifier or heated airer is a reliable indoor solution. By choosing the right method and enhancing drying conditions, you can keep your bedding fresh and ready for use all season long.
Should I Use a Dehumidifier When Drying Bedding Indoors in Winter
Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier While Drying Bedding
1. Reduces Moisture in the Air
Drying wet bedding indoors increases the humidity level in your home, which can create a damp environment. A dehumidifier helps remove excess moisture, preventing condensation on walls and windows.
2. Speeds Up the Drying Process
A dehumidifier pulls moisture from the bedding and surrounding air, significantly accelerating the drying time.
3. Prevents Mold and Mildew
High humidity levels can encourage mold and mildew growth on walls, ceilings, and even on the bedding itself. A dehumidifier helps maintain a drier environment, reducing this risk.
4. Improves Air Quality
By removing excess moisture, a dehumidifier reduces the likelihood of allergens like dust mites and mold spores, promoting a healthier indoor atmosphere.
How to Use a Dehumidifier When Drying Bedding Indoors
1. Place It Strategically
Position the dehumidifier near the drying rack but ensure it is not directly against the wet bedding. This setup ensures efficient moisture removal while maintaining good airflow.
2. Choose the Right Size
For drying bedding, a mid-sized or large-capacity dehumidifier works best, as it can handle the increased moisture load effectively.
3. Keep Doors and Windows Closed
To maximize efficiency, close doors and windows in the drying area to create a vacuum and concentrate the dehumidifier’s effect.
4. Run It for the Right Duration
Depending on the size of the bedding and the room’s humidity level, you may need to run the dehumidifier for several hours. Monitor the progress and adjust as needed. Make sure to empty the water container as needed, to avoid auto-shut off.
Eco-Friendly Tip
If you are concerned about energy consumption, choose an energy-efficient dehumidifier with a timer function. This way, you can set it to run for specific intervals, reducing electricity usage.
Using a dehumidifier is an excellent way to dry bedding indoors during winter. It not only speeds up the drying process but also ensures a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment. If winter drying has been a struggle, incorporating a dehumidifier can make all the difference.
Is It Okay to Dry Bedding on a Radiator?
Final Thoughts: How To Dry Bedding in Winter
References
- Heat and Plumb. (2019). Should You Dry Clothes of a Radiator. Retrieved from https://www.heatandplumb.com/blog/should-you-dry-clothes-on-a-radiator
- Briscoes. Tumble Drying vs. Air Drying – Which is Better for Bedding. Retrieved from https://www.briscoes.co.nz/guides/cleaning-laundry-guides/tumble-drying-vs.-air-drying-which-is-better-for-bedding/
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Yes, you can dry bedding outdoors on sunny, breezy winter days, but it may take longer due to cooler temperatures and lower sunlight.
Use a dehumidifier, heated airer, or place your bedding near a radiator (with proper ventilation) to reduce drying time.
It’s safe if done carefully, but direct heat can damage fabric. Use a drying rack near the radiator to avoid overheating.
Wet bedding releases moisture into the air, raising humidity levels. Ventilate the room or use a dehumidifier to prevent dampness.
More Sleep Resources
Can I dry bedding outside in winter?
Yes, you can dry bedding outdoors on sunny, breezy winter days, but it may take longer due to cooler temperatures and lower sunlight.
How can I speed up indoor drying in winter?
Use a dehumidifier, heated airer, or place your bedding near a radiator (with proper ventilation) to reduce drying time.
Is it safe to dry bedding on a radiator?
It’s safe if done carefully, but direct heat can damage fabric. Use a drying rack near the radiator to avoid overheating.
Why does drying bedding indoors increase humidity?
Wet bedding releases moisture into the air, raising humidity levels. Ventilate the room or use a dehumidifier to prevent dampness.
What’s the best way to dry heavy bedding like duvets?
A tumble dryer is the quickest method for heavy items. If air-drying indoors, use a drying rack and ensure good airflow.
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Laura Georgieff
Laura is a mother of three who did not sleep through the night for the first 5.5 years of her kids' lives. She is passionate about sleep quality and loves sharing her experience and knowledge of all thing bedding! It is her mission to help you make the best decisions when it comes to sleep and help you get the best deal on the market!
