Unveiling CHOICE: Your Guide to Selecting Superior Dryers
In a bid to help Australian consumers make informed decisions, consumer advocacy organisation CHOICE has developed and implemented a brand-new bedding test to assess dryers designed for washing bedsheets. The test aims to provide consumers with an accurate understanding of a dryer's performance in real-world conditions.
The Importance of Moisture Content
According to CHOICE laundry experts, a moisture content of 4-4.5% in clothes coming out of the dryer strikes the best balance between fabric care and energy efficiency. This range is ideal because it preserves garment life by avoiding excessive heat exposure, reduces energy waste from unnecessarily long drying cycles, and ensures clothes feel sufficiently dry to the touch and visually dry.
Preserving Garment Life
By drying clothes to a moisture content of 4-4.5%, the risk of fabric degradation, excessive wrinkling, and shrinkage due to over-drying is significantly reduced. This is because clothes are not subjected to the harsh conditions that can weaken fibres when they are too dry (below about 2.5% moisture).
Reducing Energy Waste
Drying to 4-4.5% moisture content also helps in reducing energy waste. Drying beyond this point consumes more electricity without material benefit, as the dryer continues to run unnecessarily.
Ensuring Clothes Feel Dry
Clothes dried to a moisture content of 4-4.5% feel dry to the touch and visually dry, unlike those with moisture contents over 6% which may leave clothes feeling damp or requiring further drying.
The Process Behind the Recommendation
CHOICE determines this ideal moisture range by weighing fabrics before and after drying and physically inspecting for damp spots to ensure even dryness. This moisture content window also aligns with dryer sensor technology that aims to automatically stop cycles at the optimum dryness point, balancing fabric care and energy use.
The Impact on Dryer Performance
The best-performing dryers leave fabrics with a moisture content of 4-4.5%. Models that don't effectively and evenly remove moisture from all items score less in the bedding tests. This means that consumers can rely on CHOICE's findings to identify energy-efficient and effective dryers for their laundry needs.
Collaborative Approach
CHOICE reaches out to members when developing test methods to ensure they meet the real-world needs of Australian consumers. The 3.5kg load size used in the tests was determined with the help of consumers and members, making it a better representation of how the average Australian uses their dryer.
A Trusted Voice for Consumers
CHOICE has been making a difference for Australian consumers for over 60 years. As a member-funded organisation, it ensures that tests meet the needs of Australian consumers and provides expert reviews and independent product testing. This commitment to consumer protection and advocacy has earned CHOICE a reputation as a trusted voice in the Australian market.
[1] CHOICE (2021). Tumble dryers. [Online] Available at: https://www.choice.com.au/electrical-appliances/washing-drying/tumble-dryers/articles/tumble-dryers
[2] CHOICE (2021). How to dry your laundry: The best way to dry your clothes. [Online] Available at: https://www.choice.com.au/electrical-appliances/washing-drying/tumble-dryers/articles/how-to-dry-your-laundry
[3] CHOICE (2021). How to use your dryer's sensor. [Online] Available at: https://www.choice.com.au/electrical-appliances/washing-drying/tumble-dryers/articles/how-to-use-your-dryers-sensor
- In addition to their bedding tests, CHOICE has also developed methods to assess the energy efficiency and performance of various gadgets and home-and-garden appliances, such as dryers designed for drying home textiles beyond bedsheets.
- This focus on energy efficiency extends to other areas of lifestyle, as CHOICE champions the use of technology in applications where it can lead to significant energy savings, such as energy-efficient dryers and washing machines.
- To further promote energy-efficient living, CHOICE advises homeowners to implement technology and lifestyle choices that prioritize energy conservation, such as using smart home gadgets and making conscious decisions about their home appliances and gardening tools.
