Winter in South Africa looks different depending on where you live. In Cape Town, it means weeks of drizzle and overcast skies. In Joburg, it means cold, grey days that stretch on longer than expected. And wherever you are, it means one thing for your laundry: it’s not going anywhere fast. Damp clothes draped over chairs, laundry that smells musty before it’s even dry, and baskets that just keep growing; it’s a frustrating seasonal reality. The good news? With the right approach and the right appliances, you can cut drying time significantly, even when the weather refuses to cooperate. Here’s how to get your laundry dry faster when the sun isn’t doing you any favours.

1. Spin It Out Properly

The drying process starts in the washing machine. The more water your machine removes during the spin cycle, the less work everything else has to do. Make sure you’re using the highest spin speed suitable for your fabric type. Most everyday items like towels, jeans, and cotton clothing handle a high spin without any issues. Reducing excess moisture at the source makes a noticeable difference to how quickly clothes dry indoors.

2. Keep the Air Moving

Still air is your enemy when drying indoors. Clothes dry through evaporation, and evaporation slows dramatically when there’s no airflow to carry moisture away. A fan placed near your drying rack makes a significant difference, especially in rooms that tend to feel stuffy or closed off during winter. Position your laundry rack away from walls and give each item enough space to hang freely. Overlapping clothes trap moisture between them and extend drying time considerably. If you’re drying a full load, spread it across two racks if possible.

3. Use Your Appliances Smartly

You might be surprised by how many appliances you already own that can help speed up the process.

Fan heater

Pointing a fan heater toward your drying rack combines warmth and airflow, two of the most effective drying conditions you can create indoors. Keep the heater at a safe distance and never leave it unattended near laundry.

Air cooler or portable air conditioner

These appliances work by drawing moisture from the air, which effectively reduces humidity in the room and helps clothes dry faster. Running one in a room where laundry is hanging can noticeably speed things up.

4. Choose the Right Room

Drying clothes in a cold, poorly ventilated room is a recipe for slow results and musty smells. Choose the warmest, most ventilated space in your home . A bathroom with an extractor fan running, a warm lounge, or a room with a small gap in a window all work better than a cold bedroom or a closed cupboard. Avoid drying large amounts of laundry in spaces where you sleep. The moisture released into the air as clothes dry can make rooms damp and cold, and create conditions that aren’t great for your health over time.

5. Give Thick Items Extra Attention

Thick items like denim, hoodies, and towels take the longest to dry and are often the ones that develop that damp, unpleasant smell when they’re left too long. Shake them out well after washing to loosen the fibres and improve airflow through the fabric. Flip them halfway through drying to ensure both sides get equal exposure. If you’re using a fan heater, direct it toward these heavier items first.

A Quicker Dry Starts with the Right Setup

Cold and rainy weather doesn’t have to mean a laundry backlog. With good airflow, smart use of your appliances, and a bit of planning, you can keep on top of the washing pile all year round. The right Bennett Read appliances make it easier, from fan heaters that warm and circulate air to air fryers that handle the small stuff fast. For more laundry tips and great deals follow us on Facebook and Instagram.