Drying laundry in bad fall and winter weather is difficult enough, but bed sheets pose a whole different problem of their own. They're often too large to comfortably fit on drying racks, yet when it's raining outdoors and you don't have a tumble dryer, there's little other option.

I recently learned, though, of a simple change you can make to the wash cycle. It cuts down on drying time, even if you are using a tumble dryer, and requires virtually no extra effort or cost.

Here, laundry experts explain why you should implement this easy step when doing laundry, and exactly why it works.

This laundry hack to save time couldn't be easier. As with drying clothes quickly, running an extra spin cycle removes additional excess water before hanging items up to dry.

'An extra spin cycle is one of the ways to cut down on drying time, especially with larger items like bed sheets,' explains Rechelle Balanzat, CEO and Founder of Juliette. 'The spin cycle uses force to pull out extra water from the fabric, so running it a second time helps get rid of moisture that might still be stuck in the sheets.

'The less water left in the fabric, the less time your sheets need in the dryer or on an indoor drying rack. It’s especially useful during months when drying laundry indoors can take a lot longer. Just make sure you’re following the fabric care label,' paying close attention to the laundry symbols, 'with more delicate bedding.'

Alicia Sokolowski, Cleaning and Laundry Expert and CEO and Founder of AspenClean agrees. 'In this case, there is no need for an extra wash or detergent,' she adds. 'It is important to mention that this advice does not mean we recommend turning every single load up to the maximum, especially if you are dealing with delicate fabrics or linen!'

Keep in mind that an extra spin cycle may not be necessary every time when washing bed linen. For example, brushed cotton, silk, or linen sheets will hold on to more water than synthetic types. It's a good idea to open your washing machine after the first wash cycle and check whether they need an extra spin with a simple feel.

'It’s not necessary to use an additional spin in every wash,' explains Enrique Gonzalez, Expert House Cleaner and Founder of Seattle Green Cleaning Fairy. 'If the sheets I take out feel fine and comfortable, I’ll use the dryer, but if they feel wet or too heavy, I’ll use another spin. This is just about the right load. There is no need to take an additional step if you don’t have to.'

Additional Tips to Speed Up Drying Times

Running an additional spin cycle isn't the only way to speed up drying times when air-drying bed sheets.

'I always recommend giving your sheets a good shake before putting them in the dryer or hanging them up,' says Rechelle. This is known as the 'Shake Method. 'Sheets have a tendency to twist and bunch together, which traps moisture and leaves you with those damp patches,' she adds.

Additionally, if you're air-drying indoors, Rechelle suggests spreading your sheets across two drying rack bars, rather than folding them tightly over one. 'Place the rack somewhere with airflow, ideally near a fan or dehumidifier,' such as the DuraComfort Dehumidifier, available at Walmart. Alternatively, simply opening your windows can make a significant difference.

If you are using a tumble dryer (where running an additional spin cycle can still help to save money when doing laundry), it's also a good idea to add wool dryer balls, available at Amazon. 'They help separate the fabric as it tumbles, letting air flow more evenly,' adds Rechelle. 'Avoid overloading the dryer,' which is a common laundry mistake. 'Your sheets need room to move.'

What to Shop

Below, I've handpicked six indoor laundry accessories and favorites to simplify drying laundry indoors during fall and winter.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

'The secret to faster drying isn’t more heat,' adds Rechelle. 'It’s removing as much moisture as possible before the drying process even begins,' and works just as effectively when drying clothes quickly, too.

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