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Instead of wasting time waiting for your laundry to dry (such as folding clothes or changing bedsheets), you can take control of the process. You don’t have to endure long drying cycles—there are ways to make it faster. Start by ensuring your lint trap is clear and your vents are clean. Then, experiment with these proven strategies.
Add a dry, clean towel to your dryer
This trick has gained popularity on TikTok, but it’s actually a timeless hack that’s been around for years. By placing a dry, clean towel in the dryer with your wet clothes, it absorbs excess moisture, significantly reducing drying time.
CNET suggests removing the towel after five minutes for smaller loads. For a full load, leave it in for 15 minutes. The damp towel can then air dry while the rest of your clothes finish drying in the machine.
Add tennis balls to your wet laundry
We’ve previously suggested using two tennis balls to accelerate drying, though with a warning about potential dye transfer. If you still want to try this, choose white tennis balls—available here for $12—or consider wool dryer balls as an alternative.
Squeeze excess water from clothes before drying
Using some elbow grease to wring out your clothes before drying can significantly reduce drying time, as Bob Vila points out. However, for larger loads, this might not be practical. Instead, run your washing machine’s spin cycle twice before drying. This quick step can save more time than it takes, as recommended by CNET.
Keep your dryer in top condition
Set aside time monthly to care for your dryer. Ensure the lint trap is emptied, vacuum around and beneath the machine, and clear any debris from the exterior vent if needed. Regularly clean the interior to eliminate dirt or foreign objects (such as melted crayons) that can hinder performance. (Refer to this monthly cleaning guide for both your washer and dryer.)
