Financial Guru Labels Tumble Dryers 'Demon Appliances,' Urging People To Use More Affordable Option

Martin Lewis has officially dragged the humble tumble dryer into the public square, calling it a “demon appliance” and daring Brits to stop feeding it electricity. The wild part is, this isn’t just a rant, it comes with a very real alternative: swap it for a dehumidifier and let your laundry dry without the constant heat blast.

And it gets complicated fast, because this whole debate started with everyday homes and everyday habits. BBC listeners heard Lewis break down the cost of running dryers, then shopping writer Sam Jones went and tried it for himself, ordering a Russell Hobbs 10L dehumidifier and watching his rainy-day laundry routine change overnight.

Now the question is whether the “demon appliance” label is just dramatic, or if Sam’s damp clothes, condensation problems, and radiator-clutter pet hate are proof of something bigger.

Finance guru Martin Lewis is urging Brits to get rid of their tumble dryers and opt for dehumidifiers to dry their clothes instead.

ITV

Martin states that tumble dryers are far too costly to run and has even gone as far as labeling them 'demon appliances.'

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The guru spoke about the hefty usage costs of dryers on BBC's 'The Martin Lewis Podcast.'

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Shopping writer Sam Jones purchased the Russell Hobbs 10L dehumidifier, and he noticed an immediate difference.

Daily Express

"It not only eliminated the overnight window condensation, but it now allows me to dry clothes on an airer on rainy days without having to turn on the heating," he said.

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Sam Jones wasn’t even looking for a revolution, he just wanted to stop the overnight condensation and ended up testing Lewis’s “demon” claim in his own house.

That’s when the Russell Hobbs 10L dehumidifier started doing the job, drying clothes on an airer without turning on the heating, even when the weather refused to cooperate.

This energy-saving argument also echoes a Reddit AITA where someone refused to lend money to emotionally manipulative parents.

Sam mentions that he sometimes still uses a tumble dryer to remove any remaining moisture from thicker items, but overall, using a dehumidifier saves a significant amount of electricity. "It also means the house doesn't have the dreaded clothes draped all over the radiators during winter, which is a real pet hate of mine," he said.

As the name suggests, a dehumidifier works to remove moisture from the air. Therefore, it makes sense that it could also effectively assist in drawing out dampness from clothes hanging on a drying rack.

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Of course, Sam still reaches for the tumble dryer for thicker items, because nobody’s trying to dry a duvet using vibes and a rainy windowsill.

Concerns about indoor air quality are becoming increasingly relevant as colder months approach. The use of tumble dryers, which generate significant heat, can contribute to problems like respiratory issues and mold growth within homes. With the British winter looming, it becomes essential to consider alternatives that promote a healthier indoor environment.

Switching to dehumidifiers not only offers a more affordable drying option but also helps maintain proper ventilation. This is particularly important in winter when homes are sealed against the cold, increasing the likelihood of stagnant air and moisture accumulation.

Then the downsides show up, the price tag and the noise, right as Brits weigh whether “demon appliance” energy is worth a dehumidifier upgrade.

However, Sam notes that there are also a few downsides to dehumidifiers. They can be quite expensive, and some models can be noisy.

"Dehumidifiers aren't exactly a bargain to buy, and this particular model is somewhat noisy," he said. "It does have a 'silent' button, which reduces the noise, but calling it 'silent' seems an oversight as it's far from silent."

Some other recommended dehumidifiers include the Pro Breeze 12L and the Devola 20L with an integrated air purifier.

The recent advice from financial guru Martin Lewis emphasizes the need to ditch tumble dryers, labeled as 'demon appliances,' in favor of more economical dehumidifiers. This shift not only promises significant savings on energy bills but also contributes to better indoor air quality.

By considering these alternatives, individuals can take proactive steps towards enhancing their financial situation while simultaneously improving their living environment. Adopting such sustainable practices not only lightens the load on the wallet but also supports overall well-being during the colder months ahead.

Sam’s laundry room might have just fired the tumble dryer, and now he’s stuck wondering why it took a “demon” label to make him change.

Before you judge Martin Lewis, see why a Redditor asked a neighbor to split a dog walker cost.