How to Dry Towels With and Without a Dryer

Drying towels may seem like a straightforward task, but there are actually multiple methods you can use. Not to mention some pitfalls to avoid in order to prevent fibre damage and a buildup of mildew.

With that in mind, we’ve created a handy guide on how to dry towels with and without a dryer. That way, you can learn different techniques for all budgets and seasons.

While many people rely on their tumble dryer to get the job done, others prefer to conserve energy. And some simply don’t have space to install another appliance.

So, if you want to know how to dry towels quickly and thoroughly without a dryer, read on.

Equally, if you’re after tips for using a dryer, we’ve got plenty of advice for keeping your towels in good condition.

 

How to Dry Towels Using a Tumble Dryer

The process starts as soon as the washing cycle ends. Rather than leaving your damp towels in the machine for any length of time, remove them as soon as you can to limit mustiness. (The same rule applies if you’re drying towels without a tumble dryer).

Take the towels out one at a time and shake them well to encourage any creases to fall out.

Then place them straight into the dryer – again, one at a time. This helps the towels dry more evenly versus tossing them in as a crumpled bundle.

As you would during laundry cycles, separate white and coloured towels to prevent potential dye transfer.

It’s also a good idea to wash towels separately from clothes, as zips, buttons or embellishments can pull the fibres.

Likewise, as most towels are made of heavy cotton, they can cause pilling on more delicate fabrics, so dry alone.

What’s the best dryer setting for towels?

Some tumble dryers may have dedicated towel settings, but most do not. Instead, simply select a standard cycle and a medium heat setting.

While it may be tempting to go for a high heat cycle given the thick fabric, you should avoid this.

Excess heat can damage the fibres of your towels, making them rough and reducing their absorbency.

So, err on the side of caution and dry them on a cooler temperature for longer—typically at least 1 hour for a full load.

Your dryer may have a moisture-detection feature that will let you know when the towels are dry.

Otherwise, check them intermittently and remove them from the machine as soon as they are dry.

You can then fold them right away while they are at their most pliable. Finally, put your towels in the airing cupboard for a few hours to ensure they’re completely dry before storing.

Tip: Skip chemical-ladened dryer sheets and add a couple of dryer balls (or clean tennis balls) to the cycle instead. This will aid aeration to shorten drying time and fluff up your towels.

 

What’s the Fastest Way to Dry Towels Without a Dryer?

Depending on the weather, there are two approaches you can take to quickly dry towels without a dryer…

Line drying

The first is good old-fashioned line drying which will help to brighten white towels and leave them smelling fresh.

You should aim to pick a day with little to no rain in the forecast. And there’ll need to be either warmth in the air or a breeze, otherwise your towels will likely dry quicker indoors.

If you’ve ticked both boxes, they should dry outdoors in a few hours.

Just remember to hang them from the narrower end and secure with pegs on each corner, folding over as little material as you can.

While it may seem more secure, don’t drape towels fully in half over the line, as this extends drying time. This can leave a damp smell.

Once dry, fold your towels and place in the airing cupboard – preferably overnight. Or, if you have a dryer, run a short, no or low heat cycle (if still slightly damp) to remove any stiffness.

 

Drying pod

Alternatively, if the weather is poor, you could use a drying pod. These innovative clothing and towel dryers circulate hot air around covered garments to dry them more quickly indoors.

They are great if you don’t have a dryer, especially in winter. They’re also cheaper to buy and run, won’t wear the fabric and take up less space—many tuck into corners.

However, it’s worth noting that given their compact size, drying pods are generally best suited to smaller towels.

You’ll also ideally need to find one with pegs at the top, rather than rails designed solely for hangers. PowerDri’s Electric Clothes Dryer is a good example – browse this model and other top-rated drying pods in our dedicated guide.

 

How to Dry Towels Indoors on an Airer

Seeking an even more economical way to dry towels indoors without a dryer? Then you can simply use a traditional clothes airer and follow the steps below to improve its effectiveness:

• When washing your towels, select the highest spin speed to remove as much moisture as possible prior to drying. Then remove from the machine one by one and shake.
• To hang your towels, make sure you drape each one over at least two rails and that they aren’t touching. This will allow air to circulate between them for faster drying – key to minimising musty smells.
• Position your airer beside a radiator in winter to utilise its heat. Choose one in a spare room or area you don’t use very often so that the airer won’t be blocking vital heat. If you can crack a window too, that will improve air flow and minimise the risk of damp. Otherwise, run a dehumidifier for a couple of hours – this will also reduce drying time.

Tip: don’t hang wet towels directly on your radiators or they may well dry crunchy.

• Remember to rotate both the towels and the airer at least once during the drying process for more even results.
• When the towels feel dry to touch, put them in the airing cupboard overnight. This helps to ensure there are no damp spots before they’re put away, preventing mildew.

 

Should You Dry Towels in the Tumble Dryer?

There’s no denying that using a dryer is the quickest and easiest way to dry towels and keep them soft.

However, it will also shorten their lifespan as the fabric will shed more fibres (lint) when tumble dried. Dryers aren’t the most cost-effective method you can use either.

Line drying, for instance, costs nothing. But it is weather dependent and your towels may feel rougher.

Alternatively, drying pods use less electricity than dryers and have a lower upfront cost. However, you’ll need to find a model with pegs or racks suitable for hanging towels. And you won’t be able to dry as many items at once.

In short, if you’re keen to make savings and prolong the life of your towels, there are plenty of alternatives to tumble dryers.

With that said, if speed, softness and convenience are your top priorities, then a dryer is probably your best bet.