Complete Guide to Drying Clothes with a Dehumidifier

Traditional tumble dryers, while effective, can be costly to run, and not everyone has access to an outdoor clothesline. Unlike tumble dryers, which use heat, dehumidifiers lower the room's humidity, allowing moisture in wet clothes to evaporate more quickly. This can be a particularly effective solution for people without outdoor drying space or who want to save money on their energy bills.

Link to Step-by-Step Guide to Drying Clothes with a DehumidifierStep-by-Step Guide to Drying Clothes with a Dehumidifier

• Set Up Your Clothes: Hang your wet clothes on a drying rack or hanger, spreading them out to allow good air circulation. Avoid placing clothes on top of each other.
• Position the Dehumidifier: Place the dehumidifier close to the drying rack, about 4-6 feet away. Ensure the room is sealed by keeping windows and doors closed, which allows the dehumidifier to work more efficiently.
• Select the Right Setting: If your dehumidifier has a laundry mode, use it. Otherwise, set the humidity level to 30-40% for optimal drying.
• Check Regularly: Monitor your clothes periodically to make sure they are drying evenly. You may need to adjust their position to improve airflow.

Link to Additionally, consider these tips:Additionally, consider these tips:

• Close the Room: Keep windows and doors shut while drying to reduce the workload on the dehumidifier.
• Extra Spin Cycle: Before drying, run an extra spin cycle on your washing machine to remove as much moisture as possible.
• Use a Fan: Position an electric fan on the opposite side of the drying area to improve airflow, further speeding up the drying process.

With these steps, you can significantly reduce drying time. A typical load can dry in about 4-6 hours, depending on the room's temperature and humidity level.

Link to Dehumidifier vs. Tumble Dryer: Cost ComparisonDehumidifier vs. Tumble Dryer: Cost Comparison

The cost-effectiveness of using a dehumidifier instead of a tumble dryer is one of its key advantages, particularly given rising energy costs. Below is a comparison of the average running costs of both appliances, using the latest OFGEM energy price cap rates.

Link to OFGEM Price Cap and Energy CostsOFGEM Price Cap and Energy Costs

Following the latest OFGEM price cap, as of January to March 2025, the cost of electricity is 24.50 pence per kWh.

• Dehumidifier: Dehumidifiers typically use between 157W to 480W per hour. At the current energy rate, running a 200W dehumidifier costs approximately 5p to 12p per hour. For a full load of clothes that takes about 6 hours to dry, the total cost would range from 30p to 72p.
• Tumble Dryer: Tumble dryers consume significantly more power, generally between 2,000W to 3,000W. At 24.50 pence per kWh, running a tumble dryer costs approximately 49p to 73p per hour. Drying a load of laundry, which takes about 2 to 3 hours, would cost between £0.98 to £2.21 per cycle.

Link to Tumble Dryer vs. Dehumidifier CostsTumble Dryer vs. Dehumidifier Costs

Based on these figures, using a dehumidifier can save you about 66% compared to a standard tumble dryer. For instance, a dehumidifier costing 30p to 72p for a full drying session is substantially cheaper than a tumble dryer, which can cost up to £2.21 for the same amount of laundry.

Link to Dehumidifier Running Cost CalculatorDehumidifier Running Cost Calculator

Link to Types of Dehumidifiers for Drying ClothesTypes of Dehumidifiers for Drying Clothes

When choosing a dehumidifier for drying clothes, there are two main types: refrigerant (compression) dehumidifiers and desiccant dehumidifiers. Each has its strengths and weaknesses:

Link to Recommended DehumidifiersRecommended Dehumidifiers

Here are some dehumidifiers that are particularly good for drying clothes indoors:

1. EcoAir DD1 Simple Desiccant Dehumidifier

   • Features: Laundry mode, 7.5L extraction capacity, 2L water tank
   • Pros: Easy to use, excellent moisture extraction, good for winter

Take a look at our in-depth review.

2. De'Longhi DEX212F Dehumidifier

   • Features: Laundry mode, suitable for small to medium rooms, low noise level
   • Pros: Quiet operation, sleek design, effective laundry drying mode

   Take a look at our in-depth review.

Link to Pros and Cons of Using a Dehumidifier for Drying ClothesPros and Cons of Using a Dehumidifier for Drying Clothes

Link to How Long Does It Take to Dry Clothes with a Dehumidifier Compared to Tumble Drying?How Long Does It Take to Dry Clothes with a Dehumidifier Compared to Tumble Drying?

The time it takes to dry clothes with a dehumidifier can vary based on several factors, such as the room temperature, humidity level, and the thickness of the clothing. Generally, a typical load of laundry can take 4 to 6 hours to dry when using a dehumidifier. In comparison, a tumble dryer typically dries clothes in 2 to 3 hours. A dehumidifier does take more time but it is far more energy-efficient and gentler on fabrics, making it ideal for people looking to reduce energy bills and protect delicate items.

Link to Is It Worth It?Is It Worth It?

Many people who have tried drying clothes with a dehumidifier report positive experiences. According to user accounts, such as those shared in a recent viral Tiktok video, a Swan 10-litre dehumidifier cost about 41p to run for 6 hours, compared to £1.97 for a tumble dryer for a similar load. Although the drying process took longer, the lower energy cost made it worthwhile.

Martin Lewis, the well-known financial expert, also recommended using a dehumidifier as a cost-saving alternative to a tumble dryer, estimating costs at 7p per hour for a 200W dehumidifier, which is slightly higher than the calculated 5p per hour based on the latest OFGEM rate. This minor discrepancy could be due to rounding, additional minor costs, or different assumptions about energy usage. Nonetheless, the overall recommendation remains valid, highlighting significant savings compared to running a tumble dryer.

Link to Final ThoughtsFinal Thoughts

Drying clothes with a dehumidifier can be a good cost-effective solution for those looking to save on energy bills.

Follow the steps outlined in this guide to keep your energy bills low and dry your clothes effectively. The upfront investment in a good quality dehumidifier will pay off through lower running costs and a more environmentally friendly approach to laundry.