Researchers have found that a staggering number of UK households are turning away from the tumble dryer amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The research, which was carried out by Churchill Home Insurance, found that while 53% of Brits owned one of these appliances, 38% admitted to using it less.
A further 7% said they never use the machine to dry their clothes with only 11% saying they use it daily.
With so many people using their tumble dryers less, how much does it really cost to run your tumble dryer?
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How much does it cost to run a tumble dryer?
According to Ofgem, the average household uses 2,900 kWh of electricity each year with a single tumble dryer cycle using 4.5kWh.
This equates to an average annual electric bill of £986 or £82.17 a month. Based on the average household usage, people are spending nearly £200 of their annual bill on running a tumble dryer.
In response to this, household across the country are using their machine less as well as alternative methods of drying their clothes.
Alternative drying methods to the tumble dryer
More than half (55%) have started putting their clothes on non-heated clothes airers while 54% have also said they have begun using an outdoor washing line.
36% use the radiator to dry their apparel with such methods being seen as a great alternative to costly tumble dryers.
Of the findings, Sarah Khan, Head of Churchill home insurance, said: “Amidst rising energy bills and the cost-of-living crisis, households are taking a hard look at their finances to determine where they can cut costs.
"What was once a staple household appliance, it is clear the practicality of regularly using tumble dryers now hangs in the balance.
"As a home appliance that has long been considered a ‘saving grace’ to laundry doers, people are now weighing up the benefits of cost over comfort and ease.”
Despite the cost of tumble dryers, they do reduce the time and effort needed to dry clothes.
With many households facing colder and wetter conditions, drying clothes outdoors may also be impractical.
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