For many, drying freshly washed laundry in a clothes dryer is the best option. But if you’re worried about shrinking your best knits or the rising cost of energy, you might be seeking other ways to dry your wet items.
I’m based in the U.K., where it’s not as common as in the U.S. to use a clothes dryer year-round. So, whenever the weather turns, instead of hanging my washing out in my backyard, I prefer to find alternative ways to dry my laundry.
But what really convinced me is that it’s far cheaper to run a dehumidifier than a clothes dryer, and it’s also quieter. What’s more, it eliminates the issue of shrinkage, which can be a big worry when drying your laundry in a clothes dryer.
Why dry your laundry with a dehumidifier?
“Drying laundry indoors with a dehumidifier is a smart winter option,” says Rachel Fraser, Product Specialist at Pillow Talk. “They help clothes dry faster while reducing moisture in the air, which prevents that damp or musty smell.
“In many homes, it’s also more cost-effective than constantly running a clothes dryer, and it’s gentler on fabrics because the drying process is slower and more even.”
Is it cheaper to dry your clothes with a dehumidifier?
“A dehumidifier uses much less energy than a clothes dryer,” says Olivia Xu, Chief Marketing Officer at Dreo. And she explains that running a dehumidifier for one hour costs a fraction of running a tumble dryer for the same time.
Heated clothes airers are also becoming a popular method to dry clothes, and again Xu says using a dehumidifier works out cheaper. “A dehumidifier and heated airer are much the same per hour, but a dehumidifier can often dry clothes quicker than a heated airer, so it would be running for a shorter amount of time,” she explains.
How long will a dehumidifier take to dry your laundry?
There’s no specific answer to how long your laundry will take to dry using a dehumidifier, and the same applies when using a clothes dryer — it depends on several variables.
“A mid-sized dehumidifier can help a standard load dry in four to six hours, but heavier fabrics, larger rooms, and colder or more humid conditions will take longer,” says Fraser.
Xu says that a full load of washing can take up to 12 hours to dry, which is why it’s important to know what sort of dehumidifier you need to buy.
We've also got some handy tips (see below) on how to dry your laundry efficiently with a dehumidifer.
Look for a dehumidifier with a laundry mode
If you’re planning to use a dehumidifier to dry laundry, it’s best to choose one with a laundry mode.
“Models with a dedicated ‘laundry mode’ simply boost extraction and run continuously, so if you regularly dry laundry indoors, it’s worth choosing one with that feature,” explains Fraser.
And Xu also adds that, unlike other modes, when set to laundry mode, the dehumidifier doesn’t stop once the room reaches a specific humidity level.
However, although Xu says it’s worth buying a dehumidifier with this feature if you intend to frequently use it to dry clothes, “it is still possible to dry your clothes with a regular dehumidifier, it just may take slightly longer.”
Does the size of the dehumidifier matter?
Dehumidifiers, regardless of size, work the same to dry your laundry, but some offer more convenience.
“The best dehumidifiers for drying laundry are those with a larger water tank and features like automatic shut-off or a hose connector,” explains Xu. “Smaller tanks work just as well, but you’ll need to empty them more often, which can slow down the overall drying process.”
And she adds, “The drying quality doesn’t change, just the convenience and speed.”
How to get the best out of your dehumidifier for better drying
The techniques for drying laundry efficiently with a dehumidifier are the same as those for other drying methods.
“With or without a dehumidifier, the way clothes are laid out and the volume of clothes drying at any given time will impact how long it takes for your washing to be ready for the ironing pile,” says Xu.
The size of the room will also make a difference. “The smaller the room, the quicker your clothes will dry, so it’s worth placing your clothes horse or drying rack in a smaller room to get the most out of using your dehumidifier for clothes drying,” she adds.
Space them out
For the fastest results, she suggests spacing your clothes out on the drying rack so nothing overlaps and turning bulkier items inside out. Xu also has another couple of types.
“Hanging shirts on coat hangers helps them dry more evenly by exposing more of the fabric to airflow. It also pays to rotate your clothes after a few hours, this keeps the air circulating and ensures an even, efficient dry.”
Close windows and doors
Apart from spacing your laundry out to allow air to circulate, Fraser suggests closing the doors and windows so it can work efficiently, and adds, “If the room is chilly, gentle heating alongside it speeds things up.”
Get the room temperature just right
Xu explains that there’s an optimal temperature to heat your room. “For the most effective results, we would suggest keeping the temperature to around 64°F–72°F (18°C–22°C). This is warm enough to help moisture evaporate efficiently, but not so warm that you’re wasting energy,” she says.
Top tips when buying a dehumidifier to dry your laundry
1. Choose a dehumidifier with a laundry mode — it’s designed to work for this specific purpose.
2. A timer setting will give you extra flexibility. I often run mine for a few hours before checking on the progress.
3. Buying a dehumidifier that automatically shuts off when the water tank is full is a must. Wet laundry holds onto a lot of water, and this avoids the problem of an overspilling tank.
4. Check out the size of dehumidifier you need. A 10-litre appliance is ideal for a solo household, 12-20 litres is suitable for 3-4 people, and 25-litres is best for large households.
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