Finding Excellent Dryers Made Easy with CHOICE
In the realm of laundry, finding the perfect balance between fabric care, energy efficiency, and longevity is crucial. According to CHOICE, a leading organisation for independent product testing and expert reviews, the ideal moisture content for clothes after drying lies within the range of 4-4.5%.
The Importance of Moisture Content
CHOICE's laundry experts emphasise that clothes should be slightly moist when they come out of the dryer. Over-drying can lead to fabric damage, shrinkage, and increased wear, while under-drying may cause odour or mildew. This slight moisture also helps maintain energy efficiency by preventing excessive drying time and preserving the fabric's integrity.
Testing Dryers for Optimal Performance
CHOICE tests dryers rigorously, focusing on those with a 'bed' or 'bedding' mode. To ensure consistency, they have developed a specific loading technique for testing these dryers. The organisation uses a 3.5kg load size, a more realistic representation of average Australian use, as opposed to the full load size often used in manufacturer testing.
The testing process involves purchasing a specific amount of bedding (2.4kg per test dryer) from local retailers for the bedding test. Every centimetre of the bedding in each load is physically checked for concentrated damp spots that may not be evident in the weigh-in.
Energy Ratings and Energy Efficiency
The star stickers on appliances are part of the Energy Rating certification system, indicating the energy efficiency of a product. More stars on an Energy Rating mean greater energy efficiency. However, manufacturers' testing methods may not always reflect home use, so it's essential to consider real-world scenarios when evaluating energy efficiency.
Balancing Fabric Care and Energy Efficiency
Dryers with a moisture content between 4.5-6% can still be acceptable products. Clothes dried to this range balance fabric care, energy use, and longevity effectively. It's important to note that dryers that cannot bring the total moisture content of a load of washing down to 6% or less should not be registered for sale in Australia.
Additional Considerations
CHOICE experts also advise against mixing different fabric weights in one drying load, as they dry unevenly. Thicker items retain more moisture, while thinner ones dry faster, causing over-drying of the thinner fabrics. Using the highest spin speed allowed by fabric care instructions helps reduce drying time by removing more water before the drying cycle.
CHOICE is an organisation that prides itself on unbiased advice, as it does not accept ads or sponsorship. Joining CHOICE can help ensure that tests meet the real-world needs of Australian consumers.
[1] Source: CHOICE's Expert Advice on Laundry [5] Source: CHOICE's Expert Advice on Drying Techniques and Fabric Care
- To maintain energy efficiency and fabric integrity, consider purchasing a dryer with a 'bed' or 'bedding' mode, as they have shown to perform optimally under CHOICE's testing.
- When evaluating home-and-garden appliances, such as dryers, it's crucial to consider real-world scenarios, as manufacturers' testing methods may not always reflect typical usage.
- In the quest for energy efficiency and lifestyle conveniences, incorporating technology gadgets, like smart laundry systems, can help balance fabric care and energy consumption in your home.
