Last Updated: Mar 2024 Best Dehumidifier For Drying Clothes Inside 2024 (save energy & space)
Once winter sets in, finding the best dehumidifier for drying clothes becomes essential as drying laundry outdoors becomes impractical in the UK, typically from October onwards. Many resort to drying their winter laundry on radiators or airers placed in front of them. While this method effectively dries clothes, it can lead to issues.
The issue begins when moisture from drying clothes encounters cold surfaces such as windows and walls. This moisture turns into condensation, causing damp spots and mould. Mould spores are always in the air, and they settle on damp, humid places as it’s their ideal breeding ground.
Those with respiratory issues, including asthma, will generally experience discomfort once mould sets in. The solution for dampness and its effects is a dehumidifier. If you’re considering a dehumidifier, there’s good news: specific models are tailored for drying laundry.
Read on to learn how to choose the right dehumidifier that can make indoor laundry drying not just practical but efficient, protecting your space from dampness while saving on energy costs.
Recommended Laundry Dehumidifiers
Here are our recommended dehumidifiers for drying laundry:
1. NETTA 20L/Day Low Energy Dehumidifier - Digital Control Panel, Continuous Drainage, Auto Restart, 24 Hour Timer, 6.5L Tank - For Damp, Mould Control, Laundry Drying
In first place we have the NETTA 20L/Day Low Energy Dehumidifier - Digital Control Panel, Continuous Drainage, Auto Restart, 24 Hour Timer, 6.5L Tank - For Damp, Mould Control, Laundry Drying.
REMOVES HUMIDITY: This NETTA 20L Dehumidifier is ideal for removing the causes of humidity, damp and mould in homes, basements and bathrooms. Featuring a glossy white finish complete with black trim, this dehumidifier was designed with a sleek style in mind, ensuring that it looks great in your home. It is perfectly suited for rooms up to 30m² and it also has rolling caster wheels which make it super-easy to move around your home.
LARGE CAPACITY: This dehumidifier can remove up to 20 litres of water a day and features a water tank capacity of 6.5 litres. When maximum capacity is reached, the tank will automatically shut off and the indicator light will flash which allows you to make full use of this product without having to worry.
2. COMFEE’ Dehumidifier 12L,Dehumidifiers for Home,Dehumidifier and HEPA Air Purifier,Quiet 39dB,APP Control,24 Timer dehumidifier,Continuous Drainage,Laundry Drying,Low Energy Consumption,Air Dryer Pro
COMFEE' Dehumidifier 12L,Dehumidifiers for Home,Dehumidifier and HEPA Air Purifier,Quiet 39dB,APP Control,24 Timer dehumidifier,Continuous Drainage,Laundry Drying,Low Energy Consumption,Air Dryer Pro takes our 2nd spot on this list, which has 16 Reviews.
High Efficient Dehumidification Certification: COMFEE dehumidifiers for home strongly reduces moisture & water efficiently up to 12L/Day.This 12l dehumidifier is suitable for rooms with an area of approximately 20m²-35m².**Please Be Sure to REMOVE the HEPA filter before turning on the dehumidification mode.Dehumidifiers effectively eliminates water in the air, helping reduce damp, mould and condensation, protecting your walls and furniture from water damage
Excellent Quiet Only 39dB: This Air Dryer Pro Dehumidifier for home at only just 39dB sound level.You won't feel its' presence when running. It's the industry's best dehumidifier and air purifier for home when use on sleeping
3. NETTA 20L/Day Low Energy Dehumidifier - Digital Control Panel, Air Filter,Continuous Drainage, Auto Restart, Timer, 4.5L Water Tank, Child Lock- Damp, Mould Control, Laundry Drying, 200W, R290
In third place, we have the NETTA 20L/Day Low Energy Dehumidifier - Digital Control Panel, Air Filter,Continuous Drainage, Auto Restart, Timer, 4.5L Water Tank, Child Lock- Damp, Mould Control, Laundry Drying, 200W, R290.
ECONOMIC: This low energy dehumidifier uses 200W of power meaning you can run this appliance for as little as 12p per hour based on the latest UK energy tariff (34p per kWh). This enables you to keep your home free from mould and mildew without having to worry about a huge increase in your energy bills.
4. Honeywell TPFIT 12L/Day Dehumidifier For Home With Digital Display | Lowest Running Cost On Market | Dehumidifier With Washable Dust Filter, 24Hr Timer, Laundry Drying Dehumidifier, 2.5L Water Tank
The Honeywell TPFIT 12L/Day Dehumidifier For Home With Digital Display | Lowest Running Cost On Market | Dehumidifier With Washable Dust Filter, 24Hr Timer, Laundry Drying Dehumidifier, 2.5L Water Tank comes in at fourth position.
LOWEST ENERGY CONSUMPTION ON MARKET: This energy efficient dehumidifier from Honeywell has low power consumption and optimised energy usage, costing only 6p per hour (based on 29p/kWh). Removing up to 12 litres of water per day, the Honeywell TP-FIT combines excellent performance and superior quality with low energy costs
QUIET DEHUMIDIFICATION & COMPACT SIZE: With sound levels as low as 34.5dB this is one of the market-leaders in low noise. Its compact design, sturdy carry handle and 4 caster wheels make it perfect for use in tight spaces, working tirelessly and reliably to achieve your desired room humidity
5. HUMSURE Dehumidifier 16L, Dehumidifiers for Home with Digital Humidity Display, 24 Hour Timer, Auto Defrost, Laundry Drying, Continuous Drainage Ideal for Damp Flats, Apartments
Our number 5 pick is the HUMSURE Dehumidifier 16L, Dehumidifiers for Home with Digital Humidity Display, 24 Hour Timer, Auto Defrost, Laundry Drying, Continuous Drainage Ideal for Damp Flats, Apartments.
【Efficient Dehumidification】Our humsure dehumidifier 16L are able to remove up to 16L (under 95°F, 90%RH) of moisture per day and adjust humidity from 40% to 80%. This dehumidifiers for home damp is ideal to dry a damp room up to 3000-4500 sq ft. Perfect dehumidifier for bedroom, homes, basements, offices, living rooms, garages, laundry rooms, cellars and other places. The dehumidifiers for home reaches its optimum performance at room temperatures of 5°C - 35 °C. Dehumidifier with drain hose.
【Intelligent Humidity Sensor】This dehumidifiers with drain hose with digital display can provide convenient and accurate humidity readings. Set your desired humidity level, the dehumidifier for bedroom will automatically switch on and off by sensing the ambient humidity and comparing it with the humidity value you set, 16L dehumidifiers for home drying clothes with 24 hours timer you can preset automatic switching time, which is not only convenient but also reduces energy consumption.
6. Dehumidifiers for Home Damp, Compressor Dehumidifier with Laundry Dry, Digital Humidity Display, Ultra-quiet, Energy-efficient, Continuous Drainage and 24 Hour Timer, Ideal for Damp, Laundry Drying
The Dehumidifiers for Home Damp, Compressor Dehumidifier with Laundry Dry, Digital Humidity Display, Ultra-quiet, Energy-efficient, Continuous Drainage and 24 Hour Timer, Ideal for Damp, Laundry Drying takes our 6th spot.
【Laundry Dry & Efficient Compressor Dehumidifier】This laundry mode dehumidifier specially designed laundry dry mode, the dehumidifiers for home drying clothes is great if you want to prevent mold in your house and get rid of bad smell of clothes due to not drying properly in weather of UK, it is also useful during extreme hot weather to reduce humid. Capable of removing a remarkable 6L of humidity daily and covering areas of up to 1500 Sq.Ft.
【Energy-efficient & Ultra-quiet】This low energy dehumidifier consumptio is 120W, you will have not seen any significant surge in consumption at all even when you leave it on for most of the day. With sound levels of less than 38dB, this compressor dehumidifiers for home is a market-leader in low noise and operates extremely quietly. 2 fan speed the lower one you can sleep with on.
7. 12L/Day Dehumidifier with 2L Water Tank, Digital Display, Intelligent & Sleep & Continuous Mode, 24H Timer, Auto or Manual Drainage, Laundry Clothes Drying, Childlock for Home and Large Room Basement
The 12L/Day Dehumidifier with 2L Water Tank, Digital Display, Intelligent & Sleep & Continuous Mode, 24H Timer, Auto or Manual Drainage, Laundry Clothes Drying, Childlock for Home and Large Room Basement takes the 7th position.
【Powerful Dehumidifier】Dehumidifier with drain hose for large rooms is perfect to use in basement, bathroom, bedroom, garage or home which is supported by advanced inner hardwares: Low energy consumption and high efficiency compressors. The dehumidifier removes up to 12L of excess moisture in the air per day (under 86°F & 80%RH condition) with the ultra-efficient compressor efficiently to help reduce damp and mould and protect the wall and furniture from water damage.
【Portable & Multifunction】Portable dehumidifer with air filters has 4 wheels so you can move and place it anywhere that cover the areas up to 15㎡. Dehumidification function has three operation modes: intelligent mode for daily usage, continuous mode for extreme damp weather or season and sleeping mode for nighttime as well as a 24 Hour Timer for auto turn on or shut off. Air filter reduces dust and odor to make clothes drying becomes fast and easy.
8. MONHOUSE 12L/Day Digital Dehumidifier - Sleep Mode, 24 HR Timer For Laundry Drying, Bedroom, Basement, Garage & Kitchen - Portable Electric Mould, Damp, Condensation Remover - Quiet Moisture Absorber
The MONHOUSE 12L/Day Digital Dehumidifier - Sleep Mode, 24 HR Timer For Laundry Drying, Bedroom, Basement, Garage & Kitchen - Portable Electric Mould, Damp, Condensation Remover - Quiet Moisture Absorber takes our 8th spot.
Dehumidifiers offer a range of benefits that contribute to a healthier and more comfortable living environment. They prevent condensation and associated damage, expedite the drying of clothes, hinder mold growth, protect home furnishings, and help alleviate humidity-related respiratory problems. By maintaining balanced humidity levels, dehumidifiers play a significant role in enhancing both the physical and respiratory well-being of people in indoor spaces.
Ultra-Quiet & Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier: Incorporates advanced technology for quiet operation (<45dB level) and energy efficiency (185 watts). Features carbon filter for air quality, 2 fan speeds for customization, and 3 modes: Continuous mode for drying clothes, Sleep mode for quiet operation during the night and target mode to set a preferred humidity range.
How Does A Dehumidifier Dry Laundry?
The dehumidifier’s laundry setting aims to replicate ideal drying conditions by reducing the relative humidity and generating air flow. This makes the moisture from your clothes transfer into the air more quickly. The generated air flow provides the optimal conditions for drying laundry – warmth and a gentle breeze.
What Features Should A Dehumidifier Have To Dry Wet Washing?
Before you go out and buy the first dehumidifier you see with laundry mode, let’s have a look at the features to consider for the job.
Laundry Mode/Laundry Boost Mode/Laundry Setting Mode
There are numerous dehumidifiers available, all of which will dry clothes over time. However, seek out models with a laundry mode or similar function. These specialised programs are designed exclusively for drying clothes, creating ideal conditions for faster drying.
Noise Level
When choosing a dehumidifier for drying laundry, it’s key to pick one that balances efficiency with quietness. Especially in small homes or for nighttime use, dehumidifiers with a night mode or quiet mode are useful, as they lower noise and won’t disturb sleep or everyday tasks.
Bear in mind that the dehumidifier will be running for a considerable time. If it’s particularly loud, you’ll need to endure its noise for approximately 12 hours.
There are models that claim a quietness of 33 decibels, comparable to someone whispering. Yet, most dehumidifiers emit sound between 40 and 50 decibels, similar to the level of a normal conversation.
The Water Tank
For practical purposes, the dehumidifier’s water tank should be easily removable to clean and should not leak water while being carried for emptying. Also, the water tank’s capacity is crucial.
If you’re using the dehumidifier for 12 hours to dry your laundry, it’s inconvenient if it stops working because the tank is full before your clothes are dry. Certain models are equipped with drainage pipes from the tank to a sink or drain, allowing uninterrupted operation even when the tank is full.
Energy-Efficiency
Choose an energy-efficient dehumidifier model to save money. With an average of 12 hours running time, you don’t want dry washing at the expense of raging electricity costs.
Preset Timer
Many models have a preset timer function, this allows you to get the washing dry even when you’re out of the house. You can even set it to start when the economy 7 electricity rate starts.
Filtration System
Some models have built-in filtration systems, which remove minute dust and other particles from the air. This can be a great feature to have if you have any asthma sufferers at home. Beware though, this feature can cause the dehumidifier to be pricey.
Water Capacity
The water capacity of a dehumidifier indicates the amount of water it can extract over a 24-hour period. For instance, you may notice specifications like “capacity 20 litres, water reservoir 4 litres”. This implies that the dehumidifier can remove 20 litres of water in 24 hours, yet its tank can only hold 4 litres.
Consequently, if the dehumidifier operates non-stop, you’d need to empty the tank 5 times to achieve 20 litres.
What Size Dehumidifier Do You Need
We often get asked this question, and it really is dependent on the size of the room you’re planning to run the dehumidifier in.
To work out the size of your room just multiply the length by the width, the answer will be the size of the room in square metres. So if your room is 5 metres long, and 4 metres wide your total square meterage is 20 square metres
Length x width = square metres, in this case, that would look like this:
5 x 4 = 20
Once you have the area of the room it’s easy to work out what size dehumidifier you need.
| Total area Square metres | Capacity recommended |
|---|---|
| Up to 1500 | 17 litres |
| Up to 2000 | 28 litres |
| Over 2000 | 39 litres |
Most standard rooms will never need a larger capacity than 17 litres and using our example of 20 square metres, you’ll probably get away with a 12-litre capacity.
Now you are armed with all the relevant facts and tips for drying laundry indoors using a dehumidifier, it’s over to you.
SEE ALSO: Are Dehumidifiers Expensive To Run?
How To Dry Clothes Indoors Using A Dehumidifier
The issues linked to dampness, such as condensation, mildew, and mould, signal a serious concern. Drying laundry inside worsens this issue, especially when the humidity level is not controlled.
The ideal fix is a properly vented tumble dryer, but lacking space for one, a dehumidifier with a laundry setting is an excellent alternative.
Manufacturers claim that dehumidifiers are better than tumble dryers for drying clothes. They explain that the absence of heat prevents clothes from shrinking or becoming stiff and overly dry. They aim to mimic ideal drying conditions.
For the best way to prevent dampness when drying laundry indoors follow these tips.
- Keep the room ventilated
When you’re operating a dehumidifier, keep the door to the room it’s in open to allow air to flow freely. But keep windows and outside doors closed. Because you don’t want to let damp air in. - Never dry clothes directly on a radiator
Not only can the intense heat from the radiator damage your clothes, but it can also cause a fire hazard and it prevents heat to spread through the room. Not to mention the humidity wet washing on hot radiators creates. - Use a coat hanger
Hang shirts on hangers and then place the hangers on the airer, this allows airflow that promotes drying, and the shirts won’t get so creased, saving time on ironing. - Situate the clothes airer correctly
Try to put the clothes airer in direct sunlight if possible. But never dry clothes in a room containing soft furnishings, like bedrooms. The moisture can soak into soft furnishings and create more damp problems. - Don’t overfill wardrobes
When clothes are crammed in together in a home with damp issues, the mildew and mould will settle on the clothes and create all kinds of problems. It can be extremely difficult to eradicate mould from a wardrobe full of clothes.
SEE ALSO: What Does A Dehumidifier Do?
Frequently Asked Questions
Dehumidifiers are good for drying clothes especially dehumidifiers with laundry settings.
The size of dehumidifier you need to dry clothes depends on the size of the area you are drying clothes in. If it’s an average-sized utility room a 10 to 12-litre dehumidifier will be perfect.
It takes a dehumidifier around 3 to 5 hours to dry clothes.
A dehumidifier is better than a tumble dryer when it comes down to energy-efficiency.
