Hung out to dry: brits ditching the tumble dryer

• More than a third (38 per cent) of households use their tumble dryer less now than they did this time last year
• Over half of households (54 per cent) that do not own a tumble dryer were put off by  high running costs
• Using a clothes airer (55 per cent), washing line (54 per cent) or radiator (36 per cent) are popular alternative drying methods
• Households could spend up to nearly £200 of their annual energy bill running a tumble dryer

Tumble dryers across the UK are spinning to a halt, as high energy bills and the rising cost of living deters people from using or owning them, reveals new research from Churchill Home Insurance.¹  Over half of households (53 per cent)  own a tumble dryer, of which more than a third (38 per cent) are using their machine less than last year and 7 per cent admit to never using their appliance at all now. Only 11 per cent now use their tumble dryer daily.

 Over half (54 per cent) of households that do not own a tumble dryer were put off by high running costs. Other reasons include preferring to dry clothes outside (38 per cent), concerns over their environmental impact (18 per cent) and taking too much time and energy to maintain it (17 per cent).

Table one: Reasons why households don’t use tumble dryers

Source: Churchill Home Insurance           

According to Ofgem, the average household uses 2,900 kWh of electricity each year, with a tumble dryer single cycle using 4.5kWh. This equates to an average electric bill of £986 per year or £82.17 per month.² Based on average usage households are spending nearly £200 of their annual energy bill running a tumble dryer.³

In response, households are turning to alternative drying methods. Of those who use their tumble dryer less frequently, or do not have one at all, most now prefer to dry their clothes on a non-heated clothes airer (55 per cent), followed by using a washing line outside (54 per cent) or placing clothes on a radiator (36 per cent). These methods are becoming increasingly popular as energy bills are expected to remain high this year.

Sarah Khan, Head of Churchill home insurance, Head of Churchill Home Insurance, said: “Amidst rising energy bills and the cost-of-living crisis, households are taking a hard look at their finances to determine where they can cut costs. What was once a staple household appliance, it is clear the practicality of regularly using tumble dryers now hangs in the balance. As a home appliance that has long been considered a ‘saving grace’ to laundry doers, people are now weighing up the benefits of cost over comfort and ease.”

However, tumble dryers significantly reduce the time and effort put into drying clothes, particularly for UK households facing less than perfect outdoor conditions in the colder months. According to Churchill’s research, most people use their tumble dryer between 2-3 times a week (32 per cent) or once per week (20 per cent).

ENDS

Notes to Editors

¹          Research conducted by Opinium among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 homeowners between 27^th and 31^st January 2023  

²          Ofgem, Gas & Electricity Usage Explained - Average gas and electricity use explained | Ofgem

³          Based on Opinium and Ofgem data

a.       According to the survey, people on average use their tumble dryer 126 times a year

b.       Average single cycle uses 4.5 kWh according to Ofgem

c.        The average unit cost of energy for people on an SVT (subject to the price cap) according to Ofgem (Oct 2022 - Mar 2023) = £0.34

d.       Households are spending 126 x 4.5 x 0.34 =£192.78

For further information please contact:

Hayley Saunders

Churchill PR Manager

Email: hayley.saunders@directlinegroup.co.uk 

Churchill

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering car, home, travel and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line. 

Churchill general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.  

Churchill and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.   

Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0300 200 300 or visiting www.churchill.com.