Tested
IN-A-SPIN
I tested budget bath airers – the winner helps keep the tumble dryer off and costs just £9.99
Find out how to keep your energy bills low
NO-ONE likes having soggy laundry draped around their house, and hanging your wet washing inside could cause condensation, damp and even mould.
But the high cost of tumble drying means it isn't a viable option for many of us all winter.
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But a simple bath airer could help you dry your laundry indoors while also saving you money on your energy bills.
While bath clothes airers sometimes come with a hefty price tag, expert tester Lynsey Hope has tried the best budget-friendly options to help you save money and stay dry this winter.
Lidl Livarno Home Over Bath Airer - £9.99, Lidl
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According to Lynsey, for under a tenner, Lidl's Livarno airer is "an impressive piece of kit".
It's compact and versatile, making it ideal for those tight on space.
Read more on dryer hacks
Whether you want it free-standing, flat, or leaning against a wall, it offers a generous 7 metres of drying space.
Despite its budget price, it feels sturdy, thanks to plastic feet and solid locking joints, although they’re a bit stiff at first.
Perfect for small homes and budgets, this little gadget holds its own.
Lynsey gave it an overall score of 5/5.
The product is only available in Lidl stores.
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Black+Decker Bath Airer - £24.99, Amazon
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While it’s more expensive, the Black+Decker model is built to last.
It features an adjustable hinge that allows it to lock in at any angle you like, providing 5.6 metres of drying space.
Lynsey claims it's "more robust" than many of its competitors and handles heavier loads with ease.
If you’re looking for something durable and reliable, this one's worth the extra cash, with an overall score of 4/5.
The product can be purchased on .
Argos Home 7m Over Bath Clothes Airer - £15, Argos
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For £15, Argos delivers surprising value with this spacious airer. Offering 7 metres of drying space, it holds a decent amount of laundry.
Lynsey said: "It’s easy to set up but feels a bit flimsy for heavier loads".
If you're not planning on drying too much at once, it does the job, but there are sturdier options out there.
Lynsey gave this an overall score of 3/5.
The product is available for purchase at Argos, you can use the store finder tool to .
The Range Over Bath Airer - £11.99, The Range
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The Range offers an airer that’s affordable and functional, with 10 metres of drying space.
It’s adjustable to fit most baths and can handle light loads well.
However, it did take some time to get the feet positioned properly.
Once set up, she claims "it’s great for drying clothes without taking up too much room" and got an overall score of 3/5.
Its available both online and in stores. You can find your nearest store using the.
Leifheit Pegasus 190 Extendable Bathtub Airer - £44.99, Amazon
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The priciest of the bunch, the Leifheit airer is big enough to handle up to three loads of washing at once, thanks to its extendable design offering up to 18.9 metres of drying space.
It grips the bath securely and folds away compactly when not in use.
While it’s undeniably expensive, its durability and size make it a worthwhile investment for larger households, making it a 4/5.
4 ways to keep your energy bills low
Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at shared her tips.
1. Turn your heating down by one degree
You probably won't even notice this tiny temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bills as a result. Just taking your thermostat down a notch is a quick way to start saving fast. This one small action only takes seconds to carry out and could potentially slash your heating bills by £171.70.
2. Switch appliances and lights off
It sounds simple, but fully turning off appliances and lights that are not in use can reduce your energy bills, especially in winter. Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, can save you up to £20 a year on your energy bills
3. Install a smart meter
Smart meters are a great way to keep control over your energy use, largely because they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity is being used.
4. Consider switching energy supplier
No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you've let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven't browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there.
OHS Over the Bath Clothes Airer - £14, OMS
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Lynsey said of this airer: "It’s easy to set up, though a bit smaller than some of its competitors."
She added that it would be ideal for light use in smaller homes and gets the job done without breaking the bank and so received a solid 4/5.
The product is available on
Lakeland Bathtub Clothes Airer - £24.99, Lakeland
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Lakeland’s stylish teal airer is one of the more attractive options, offering a solid 10 metres of drying space.
It’s easy to set up and can handle a decent amount of laundry, making it a great all-rounder.
According to Lynsey, if you want something that "looks good while being functional", this is a top pick with a smashing 5/5 score.
The product is available for purchase in Lakeland stores and online, you can find your nearest store using the.
VERDICT
Lidl’s £9.99 airer punches above its weight, providing excellent value for money.
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However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more, the Lakeland and Leifheit options offer more space and durability for larger households, Lynsey said.
Whether you’re after budget or quality, there’s an over-bath airer for everyone this winter.
How to dry wet washing inside, in winter
Drying rack or airer
Load up your airer with wet washing and place near a heat source - like a radiator or direct sunlight - to help distribute air around your clothes.
Dehumidifier
Plug in a dehumidifier in a room with clothes hanging to dry quickly and prevent dampness and mould. Many now have a laundry setting.
Tumble dryer
A tumble dryer can heat moisture out of wet washing, saving time and can be used in any weather.
Heated airer
Many brands and shops now sell heated airers for as little as £30. The racks heat through electricity and can speed up drying time.
Open a window
Choose a spare room or unused room for keeping your washing and crack open a window, but close the door behind you.
Using curtain poles
Hang wet washing on radiators then hook them onto curtain poles with radiators below. The heat will rise and dry the items. Alternatively, if you have a shower curtain pole, hang your clothes in the bathroom with a window open.
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