Considering the fact that we Irish don’t seem to have too much luck when it comes to getting good drying weather, we tend to rely on our tumble dryer to get our clothes good and dry for the 364 days of the year when it is not raining. The issue is that most people assume that you plug your dryer in, turn the knob to any setting that looks good, and hope for the best.

Tumble dryers have come a long way in recent years, and many newer models have detailed settings attached that can make your drying experience a very enjoyable one. In this article, we aim to look at some of those settings, the different types of tumble dryers, and we will even give you some money and energy-saving tips!

Whether you are shopping to buy a Samsung tumble dryer, a Whirlpool tumble dryer, or another brand dryer, understanding how to use the settings on it properly will ensure that you get the best experience and value possible.

Many dryers have eco-friendly programmes built-in to them that are better for the environment and better for your wallet.

The anti-crease setting is a favourite among tumble dryer owners. This reduced ironing cycle will continue to agitate the clothes even once the cycle has ended. This stops them from creasing and lessens the ironing load.

There is also a range of different ‘cotton’ settings attached to a dryer, some of the most popular cycles are the ‘ready to wear’ and ‘easy iron’ cycles. The easy-iron setting is a hidden gem! It cools down the clothes quickly after they have been dried. This allows the fibres on the clothes to loosen up, and as a result, they are easier to iron.

A final hidden gem that everyone with a tumble dryer should know about is the ‘anti-allergy’ setting. If you or someone in your home has sensitive skin or is prone to irritation, then this setting is for you. With this cycle, the machine looks to remove any excess dust particles or pollen from the clothes so that allergies or irritation are not flared up. This is particularly useful in the summer, where the pollen count might be higher.

An important thing to remember when buying a tumble dryer is that not all of them are the same in size, scope, and capability. There are 4 types of dryers available through DID, and we have a handy buying guide right here if you want more information.

Condenser Dryers – There is a range of condenser tumble dryers available in DID stores. These dryers separate water from the moisture in the air, and a built-in waste pipe pumps this water out. There is no vent hose included with these tumble dryers, so it traps the heat more conveniently, and as a result, you can save energy.

Vented Dryers – A vented dryer uses a hose to get rid of any damp air whilst drying. In using a hose like this, however, they need more energy to function and may be more expensive to run as a result.

Heat Pump Dryers – We love a good heat pump dryer because it is an efficient way to dry your clothes if using a dryer. They do this through recycling and reusing the hot air created. Heat pump dryers are a little more expensive than other variants but they are the cheapest to run as they are so energy efficient.

Washer Dryers – These dryers are the best of both worlds and are ideal for those looking to save space in their homes by combining two appliances into one. Have your wallet ready, though, because convenience does not come cheap.

It should also be pointed out that drum sizes in tumble dryers can vary, and whilst bigger might seem better, a larger drum will use more energy, so be sure to consider this before deciding what dryer to purchase.

Smaller drums have a load capacity of 3-5kg, medium, or average drums have a load capacity of 6-7kg, and larger drums have a load capacity of 8-12kg. Of course, the drum size you decide on will depend on how much laundry you do, so if you live in a busy home with lots of people, then regardless of the added energy cost, a larger load capacity will really suit you!

Are you using your tumble dryer a lot and are looking for some quick and easy ways to save money? Well here are three top tips from us to you! 

1. Try not to add wet clothes in the middle of a drying cycle; doing this will increase the overall drying time of the clothes inside. Instead, you would save a lot more time, energy, and money by just drying in two separate, shorter cycles. 

2. Look to keep your dryer filter lint-free. Removing any lint from the filter every 1-2 cycles will ensure that your clothes are getting the freshest dry possible. If there is more lint in the filter, the dryer is not performing as efficiently and has to work harder to dry clothes. Blocked filters can also damage your machine and shorten its lifespan. 

3. Dryer balls are a great way to help freshen your clothes. They lift and separate clothes bundled together, allowing for better overall airflow.

Are you looking to purchase a new tumble dryer? Are you unsure of where to start? Simply get in touch with your local store, or call our online sales team, who will be happy to assist!