In the ever-evolving landscape of home appliances, dehumidifiers have emerged as a game-changer for drying clothes indoors, especially during the cold, damp months or in regions with high humidity. With energy costs soaring and environmental consciousness on the rise, many households are turning to dehumidifiers as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional tumble dryers. 

This article delves into the latest insights on using dehumidifiers for drying clothes, addressing common questions found on platforms like YouTube and Google, and providing practical tips to optimize your laundry routine. Whether you’re a seasoned user or new to the concept, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know about drying clothes with a dehumidifier in 2025.

The Rising Popularity of Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers have gained significant traction in recent years, particularly for their versatility beyond just controlling indoor humidity. According to consumer expert Martin Lewis, dehumidifiers are a cost-effective alternative to tumble dryers, which he famously dubbed “demon appliances” due to their high energy consumption, costing up to £1 per hour to run. In contrast, dehumidifiers can operate at a fraction of the cost sometimes as low as 3p to 30p per hour making them an attractive option for budget-conscious households.

The surge in popularity is also driven by the need for practical solutions in small living spaces, such as apartments, where outdoor drying isn’t feasible. YouTube tutorials and reviews, like those from channels such as Which? and TechRadar, highlight how dehumidifiers not only dry clothes efficiently but also prevent issues like mold, mildew, and musty odors, which are common when air-drying indoors. With advancements in technology, modern dehumidifiers come equipped with features like laundry modes, smart controls, and energy-efficient designs, making them a staple in 2025 households.

How Dehumidifiers Work for Drying Clothes

Dehumidifiers function by drawing in humid air, passing it over cold coils to condense moisture, and then releasing drier, slightly warmer air back into the room. This process reduces the humidity around wet clothes, allowing moisture to evaporate more quickly from the fabrics. Unlike tumble dryers, which use high heat and mechanical tumbling, dehumidifiers are gentler on clothes, reducing wear and tear on delicate fabrics. This makes them ideal for drying everything from everyday wear to delicate items like wool or silk.

The efficiency of a dehumidifier in drying clothes depends on factors like its moisture extraction capacity (measured in liters per day), the room’s baseline humidity, and the setup of your drying area. Models with a dedicated “laundry mode” optimize fan speed and humidity levels (typically around 40% relative humidity) to expedite the drying process. For instance, the EcoAir DD3 Classic Slimline, tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute, dried a 3-4kg load in about four hours, using just 40p of electricity.

Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier for Drying Clothes

One of the most compelling reasons to use a dehumidifier for drying clothes is the significant cost savings. A typical tumble dryer consumes between 1.8 and 5 kWh per cycle, translating to 50p to £1.45 per hour based on the 2025 energy price cap of 25.73p per kWh. In contrast, a dehumidifier with a wattage of 150-480W might use only 0.15 to 0.48 kWh per hour, costing as little as 4p to 12p per hour. For example, drying an 8kg load with a tumble dryer takes about one hour and costs 69p, while a dehumidifier takes six hours but costs only 27p for the same load.

Over time, these savings add up. Air Con Centre estimates that switching to a dehumidifier could save households over £150 annually on energy bills, especially for frequent laundry loads. Additionally, dehumidifiers require less maintenance than tumble dryers, which often need regular filter cleaning or vent repairs, further reducing long-term costs.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Dehumidifiers are not only cheaper to run but also more environmentally friendly. By consuming less electricity, they reduce your carbon footprint compared to energy-hungry tumble dryers. Some models, like Aerial’s laundry dryers with Blue-Dry® technology, are designed for exceptional energy efficiency, converting each unit of energy into 2.5 times the amount of usable heat. This dual benefit of drying clothes and heating the room can reduce reliance on other heating sources, making dehumidifiers a sustainable choice for eco-conscious households.

Preventing Mold and Improving Air Quality

Drying clothes indoors without proper ventilation can increase humidity, leading to mold, mildew, and musty odors. Dehumidifiers mitigate these risks by removing excess moisture from the air, maintaining optimal humidity levels, and preventing dampness-related issues. For instance, the Meaco Arete One 20L, praised in The Independent’s 2025 review, not only dries clothes efficiently but also improves air quality with its HEPA filter, reducing allergens and odors. This is particularly beneficial for households with respiratory issues or allergies.

Gentle on Fabrics

Unlike tumble dryers, which can shrink or damage delicate fabrics due to high heat, dehumidifiers dry clothes at ambient temperatures, preserving fabric quality. This makes them ideal for items like sweaters, lingerie, or sportswear that require gentle care. Users on YouTube, such as those in MyLondon’s experiment, have noted that clothes dried with a dehumidifier feel softer and lack the musty smell often associated with indoor air-drying.

Optimal Setup for Drying Clothes

To maximize the efficiency of a dehumidifier for drying clothes, proper setup is crucial. Here are some expert-recommended steps based on the latest advice from sources like Morris Direct and Currys:

Choose a Well-Ventilated Room: Place the dehumidifier in a small, enclosed space like a utility room or bathroom with good ventilation. Open a window or run an extractor fan to allow moist air to escape, enhancing the dehumidifier’s effectiveness.

Position the Dehumidifier Correctly: Place the dehumidifier 4-6 feet away from the drying rack to ensure optimal air circulation. For models with a fan that blows warm air, like the Swan 10L, position the back of the unit toward the clothes to direct the airflow. Avoid placing the dehumidifier too close to walls or furniture, as this can restrict air movement.

Use a Drying Rack or Airer: Spread clothes out on a drying rack or hangers to allow air to circulate around each item. Avoid overlapping clothes, as this can trap moisture and prolong drying time. The Dunelm Concertina Airer or Wilko Over Door Drying Rack are popular choices for maximizing space.

Select the Right Settings: If your dehumidifier has a laundry mode, use it to set the humidity to around 40% and increase fan speed. For models without a specific laundry mode, set the humidity to 30-40% for faster drying. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal settings.

Monitor the Water Tank: Dehumidifiers collect moisture in a tank, which may need emptying during the drying process. Models with larger tanks (e.g., 2L or more) or continuous drainage options are ideal for handling full laundry loads without interruption.

Choosing the Right Dehumidifier for Drying Clothes

When selecting a dehumidifier for drying clothes, consider the following features based on 2025 reviews and YouTube recommendations:

Laundry Mode: A dedicated laundry mode optimizes drying by increasing fan speed and targeting lower humidity levels. Models like the EcoAir DD3 Classic and Novita ND2000 are designed specifically for this purpose.

Extraction Capacity: Choose a dehumidifier with a capacity suited to your room size and laundry load. A 10-12L model is sufficient for small rooms or light loads, while 16-20L models, like the Duxx Smart Dehumidifier, handle larger spaces or heavier loads (up to 8kg).

Energy Efficiency: Look for models with an ‘A’ energy rating or low wattage (150-300W) to minimize running costs. The Meaco Arete One 20L, for example, costs just 3p per hour to run.

Water Tank Size or Continuous Drainage: A larger tank (2L or more) reduces the need for frequent emptying. Continuous drainage options, available in models like the Daewoo 16L, allow uninterrupted operation.

Smart Features: Some dehumidifiers, like the Duxx Smart Dehumidifier, offer app control and Alexa compatibility, allowing you to monitor humidity and schedule drying times remotely.

Additional Air Purification: Models with HEPA or carbon filters, such as the Meaco Arete One, improve air quality while drying clothes, removing odors and allergens.

Future Trends in Dehumidifier Technology for Laundry

In 2025, dehumidifier technology continues to evolve, with manufacturers focusing on smart features and energy efficiency. YouTube reviews highlight models with AI-driven humidity sensors, like the Duxx Smart Dehumidifier, which adjust settings automatically for optimal drying. Integration with smart home systems, such as Alexa or Google Home, allows users to schedule drying cycles remotely. Additionally, eco-friendly designs with lower wattage and sustainable materials are gaining traction, aligning with the growing demand for green appliances.

FAQs

Can a dehumidifier replace a dryer for drying clothes?

While a dehumidifier can significantly reduce drying time indoors, it doesn’t replace a traditional electric dryer that uses heat and tumbling action. However, it’s an energy-efficient and gentle alternative to drying clothes indoors without causing shrinkage or damage that sometimes happens with dryers.

How does a dehumidifier work for drying clothes indoors?

The dehumidifier pulls in humid air from the room, condenses the moisture onto a cold coil, collects the water in a tank or drains it, and releases drier air back into the room. This reduces the overall humidity, accelerating water evaporation from wet clothes hung in the room.

Can I use a dehumidifier in a small room to dry clothes?

Yes, a dehumidifier is very effective in small, enclosed spaces where airflow can be controlled. In fact, drying clothes in a small room with a dehumidifier works best because the moisture is concentrated, and the dehumidifier can remove it faster.

How long does it take to dry clothes using a dehumidifier?

Drying time depends on several factors including the fabric type, amount of clothes, humidity level, and dehumidifier capacity. On average, clothes can dry within 3-8 hours indoors with a good dehumidifier running continuously.

Does drying clothes indoors with a dehumidifier save energy?

Using a dehumidifier typically consumes less energy compared to using a heated clothes dryer. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly since it avoids the high heat and tumbling energy costs. However, the actual savings depend on the model’s efficiency and the drying duration.

In Summary

Using a dehumidifier to dry clothes is a smart, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to tumble dryers in 2025. With running costs as low as 3p per hour, the ability to prevent mold, and gentle drying that preserves fabric quality, dehumidifiers are a versatile addition to any home. 

By choosing a model with a laundry mode, adequate extraction capacity, and energy-efficient features, you can transform your laundry routine while saving money and protecting your home from dampness. Whether you’re inspired by YouTube tutorials or expert reviews, the right setup and model can make drying clothes indoors a breeze. Invest in a dehumidifier today, and enjoy faster, fresher, and more sustainable laundry drying all year round.

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