Martin Lewis urges people to avoid one ‘demon appliance’ that drains money

Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has issued a stark warning to UK households about a common appliance that could be quietly draining their finances. As the Cost of Living crisis continues to put pressure on energy bills, the BBC and ITV financial guru has highlighted one of the most expensive appliances to run, the tumble dryer.

Speaking on his ITV show, the 52-year-old urged people to rethink how they dry their clothes, as the cost of using a tumble dryer can quickly add up. “Do you know what the real demon appliance is in most people’s houses?” he asked viewers. “The one that you don’t want to use because it’s really expensive, tumble dryers.”

Tumble dryers, which use high amounts of electricity to generate heat, can cost up to £1 per load, according to Lewis.

This makes them one of the most energy-hungry appliances in the home, particularly for families who do multiple loads of laundry each week. For households struggling to keep their energy bills down, the cost of running a tumble dryer regularly could be substantial.

Instead of relying on tumble dryers, Lewis encouraged people to consider alternative drying methods. “Dry your clothes on an airer outside to shorten the amount of time you’re using your tumble dryer, or avoid using it completely,” he advised.

He also suggested dehumidifiers as a potentially cheaper alternative, explaining that they “take some of the moisture out” of the air while using less electricity than a tumble dryer.

His advice comes as members of the Money Saving Expert (MSE) forum have been sharing their own tips for cutting energy costs.

Many forum users have backed the idea of using heated airers or dehumidifiers instead of tumble dryers, while others recommend timing laundry for warmer, breezier days to allow clothes to dry naturally.

With energy prices still a major concern for many UK households, Lewis’s warning serves as a timely reminder to be mindful of high-energy appliances and look for more budget-friendly solutions.

As the warmer months approach, households should consider drying clothes outside, which could save them money in the long run.