Ignored washing machine button that dries clothes faster during cold months

Drying clothes during the bracing autumn and winter months can turn into quite a challenge - but a savvy woman has let slip an under-the-radar trick that could get your threads ready to wear in no time.

Most Brits undoubtedly miss those balmy summer days while they're stuck indoors wrestling with soggy laundry on a drying rack - it's not just because there's more daylight and warmth, but because clothes just seem to dry off in no time.

For those eager to find ways to speed up their drying process, a cleaning whizz's advice might be just what you need. Self-styled decluttering and organising buff Nicola Lewis loves to spill the beans about her best tips on her Instagram page @thisgirlcanorganise, where she imparts wisdom to almost 200k avid followers.

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In a recent Insta video, Nicola dropped a bombshell about a "secret" washing machine feature that can zap moisture from your clothes faster while you're holed up inside. The Instagram reel, entitled "How to dry your clothes indoors", kicked off with Nicola flicking her washing machine over to the "Drum/Spin" setting, accompanied by the caption "Double Spin for the Win."

Nicola has a handy tip for getting your laundry drier straight out of the washing machine. After her wash cycle is complete, she leaves her clothes in the drum and runs a spin cycle.

This doesn't add any water but gives your clothes an extra spin to extract more moisture. The caption on her reel reads: "Double spin your laundry! Your clothes will come out much drier allowing them to dry quicker. Always give your clothes a quick shake before hanging to dry to remove any creases."

Nicola then shares her method for drying clothes indoors. She advises grabbing an airer and setting up a dehumidifier, explaining in her caption: "A dehumidifier will draw moisture from the air and dry your clothes quicker. If you don't have a dehumidifier open a window and place the airer near natural light."

She also suggests using a fan to "circulate cold air helping your clothes to dry faster and prevent mould", adding that it's "cheaper than putting the heating on". Nicola reminds viewers to space out clothes on the airer and hang them on hangers first to "speed up the drying process".

She also recommends rotating the clothing a few times. Nicola's followers were quick to express their gratitude for her sage advice, with one writing: "We've just invested in a dehumidifier and it's bloody amazing."

Meanwhile, another added: "No more condensation on the windows and that battle with mould feels like a distant memory!" A third chimed in, sharing their surprise at the efficacy of Nicola's suggestions: "surprised" at how well they worked and just how quickly their clothes airer was dry. Another enthusiastic follower advised: "Very pleased but don't forget to double spin!"