The dehumidifier for drying clothes season is almost over with summer ending. However, for some, this device is still necessary to improve indoor air quality during the colder months. A dehumidifier can be very useful for drying clothes indoors, depending on the situation. The key is to find the best dehumidifier for this purpose.
Dehumidifiers can be useful in shortening the drying time of clothes in cool and damp indoor environments, as they absorb excess air moisture. Additionally, they can help balance indoor air humidity.
Experts recommend using a dehumidifier to dry clothes due to its effectiveness.
Experts were consulted to determine whether a dehumidifier, known for its effectiveness in removing condensation, is suitable for indoor clothes drying.
During colder months, laundry can be a challenging task. Due to the expensive operating costs of tumble drying, many individuals are opting for dehumidifiers as an economical option. Although tumble drying is fast, the current costs are quite high, leading to questions about whether a dehumidifier can effectively dry clothes at a lower cost.
Experts recommend investing in a dehumidifier as a practical and energy-efficient method for drying clothes faster during the winter.
With an increased focus on energy conservation and home heating during winter, learning how to effectively dry clothes indoors has become an important consideration.
Tips for drying clothes in cold weather.
As fall sets in across the country, some states are preparing for the colder, wetter weather by purchasing equipment and appliances to simplify daily life.
Dehumidifiers are effective at maintaining comfortable indoor conditions in hot and humid climates, but they are more useful during the cold and wet season.
Dehumidifiers are useful appliances, especially during humid seasons. Even though summer is ending soon, they can still be used for other purposes beyond dehumidifying rooms.
Here are some options for drying clothes during the cold season.
Avoid Drying Clothes in these Red Light Areas
To keep commonly used living spaces tidy, it’s best to refrain from drying clothes in areas like the bedroom, living room, and dining room.
Hanging clothes in these areas can lead to damp and musty effects that will cause an adverse effect on your health due to the potential allergens and triggers for asthma.
A clothes rack can be placed in a variety of rooms with low foot traffic, such as the kitchen, bathroom, hallway, and laundry room.
Is Drying Clothes Indoors Safe?
Drying clothes and doing laundry can pose challenges for homeowners, particularly during winter months, and may become a tiring weekly routine. This can become even more stressful during the rainy season, when clothes must be hung indoors to dry.
According to a recent study, indoor clothes drying may have adverse effects on air quality, health, and energy usage.
What are the drawbacks of drying clothes indoors?
Some people choose to hang their laundry indoors due to limited space for laundry and drying at home.
Leaving clothes hanging until they are fully dried is a common practice. However, the resulting heavy and musty indoor air can have negative impacts.
During the process of drying a typical load of laundry, approximately 2 liters of moisture are released into the air. This can create an ideal environment for the growth of mold and bacteria, which can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms in susceptible individuals due to increased allergen levels in the air.
Pneumonia and Other Lung Infections
Medical experts have found that drying clothes indoors can lead to health issues such as cough and pneumonia due to the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus spores in damp indoor conditions. Those with weakened immune systems may be particularly affected.
Continuously air-drying clothes can damage our walls, fixtures, and furniture. To solve this, we can use a tumble dryer to dry clothes faster. A tumble dryer may have drawbacks such as high cost and energy consumption, and can be an extra expense for those in rented housing.
Using a dehumidifier to dry clothes indoors can be a practical and cost-effective solution.
Is it possible to utilize a dehumidifier for the purpose of drying clothes?
The use of tumble dryers in UK households has decreased due to the rise of energy prices. The average cost of running a tumble dryer is around £0.35 per hour, leading people to search for more affordable indoor drying options.
Dehumidifiers are fulfilling a surprising need, as they are no longer seen as solely suitable for damp and condensation. Many modern units now offer a variety of functions that make them useful for different areas of the home. In addition, their relatively low running costs have made them a popular choice for drying clothes.
This guide intends to investigate the viability of substituting a tumble dryer with a dehumidifier, suggest appropriate models, and evaluate the efficiency of a dehumidifier in comparison to alternative techniques for drying garments.
Discover the amazing secret to achieving perfectly dry clothes indoors with the magic of dehumidifiers!
Using a dehumidifier can significantly decrease drying time. The device raises the temperature in the room and produces a mild airflow that helps evaporate moisture from the laundry.
Dehumidifiers with added features for indoor clothes drying are available in both portable and central models.
Factors to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers have undergone significant development and now possess multiple functions, which aligns with our natural inclination to seek out devices with comprehensive capabilities.
Some dehumidifiers may not be effective in drying clothes as it is not their primary function. While most dehumidifiers are designed to maintain balanced air humidity, some manufacturers have included specific settings for drying clothes.
Here are the qualities of a dehumidifier that will help you dry clothes:
Laundry Mode
A dehumidifier can make a room comfortable, but if you want to use it for drying clothes, consider brands with a laundry mode feature.
This feature can be beneficial for those living in apartments without access to laundry facilities.
By using the laundry mode, excess moisture from heavily damp clothes can be removed, and the indoor air humidity can be maintained.
Energy Cost
According to a recent energy cost comparison, dehumidifiers are more energy-efficient than tumble dryers, potentially resulting in cost savings. It’s important to note that the amount saved may also depend on the kWh rate in your state.
To determine the cost and duration of running a dehumidifier, one can consult the energy rate per hour in their city.
Size
When considering purchasing a dehumidifier, it is important to take into account the size of the room. Portable dehumidifiers come in varying sizes, but for a laundry room, it is necessary to calculate the room size and determine if the desired dehumidifier can properly operate in the space.
A 500ml dehumidifier is suitable for small rooms like bedrooms and wardrobes. Dehumidifiers with a capacity of 5L or more can cover larger spaces such as laundry rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
A central home dehumidifier may be a suitable choice if you live in a region with a recognized high level of humidity.
Timer
Dehumidifiers often have a timer function that allows for customized operation based on desired function. This could include turning on the dehumidifier after completing laundry for drying purposes.
Dehumidifier vs Tumble Drier
The most common method for drying clothes is a tumble drier. However, they can be costly to purchase and operate. The average drier consumes a lot of energy, which will be reflected in your bills. This can be especially difficult during winter when heating and lighting costs increase. As a result, the cost of using a drier can be too high for some.
A dehumidifier and a tumble dryer have different ways of drying clothes. The heat used in the dryer will make clothes feel stiff and rough. This happens because they are almost “baked” dry.
To prevent stiffness in clothes, it’s best to use a dehumidifier and an airer.
What distinguishes a dehumidifier from a clothes dryer?
Both appliances have the ability to dry clothes, but it’s important to consider which one is more practical and worth purchasing.
1. The principle of dry clothes is different.
A dehumidifier uses a compressor to convert room moisture into liquid water, effectively reducing air humidity and drying wet clothes. A clothes dryer uses heat to evaporate moisture from clothes, but this process can disperse water vapor into the room, increasing humidity.
2. Different functions
A dehumidifier can help to reduce moisture in a room, which may improve the overall quality of life by reducing potential health risks associated with excess moisture.
A dehumidifier can lower the moisture in a room, potentially reducing health issues like rheumatism and arthritis in the elderly. As well as preventing items from becoming damp or moldy, it can also prevent wood floors from absorbing moisture and deforming.
Clothes dryers do not reduce humidity in the room as commonly believed, but can actually increase it.
3. Somatosensory comfort
The clothes dryer uses high-temperature drying to remove moisture from clothes, which can increase humidity in the environment and cause discomfort to people.
Dehumidifiers convert humidity into liquid form and collect it in a container.
A dehumidifier can be useful for drying clothes and reducing moisture levels in homes, potentially improving the health of those living there.
4. Drying effect
Clothes dried with a dehumidifier will not be harmed, while clothes dried in a clothes dryer may experience reduced fiber structure and lifespan due to high temperatures (45~55 °C) and constant tumbling in the machine.
When washing and drying clothing that is vulnerable to high temperatures, such as silk, fur, and light-colored clothes, it is recommended to avoid using high-temperature water washing and high-temperature drying.
A dehumidifier is capable of drying clothes by reducing the moisture in the air. It also circulates warm air that is slightly warmer than the room temperature, usually 1-2 ℃ higher than the ambient temperature. This approach to drying clothes is effective in achieving the desired result while helping protect the clothes.
Clothes dried by a dehumidifier maintain a comfortable level of dryness for an extended period, a task that a clothes dryer cannot accomplish.
5. Green energy saving
The dehumidifier typically uses less than 500W and takes around 2 hours to dry 5 kg of clothes, while the clothes dryer requires at least 1,000W and also takes 2 hours to dry the same amount of clothes. Therefore, the dehumidifier is more energy-efficient and cost-effective.
6. Aesthetic degree of clothes.
Clothes that are dried using a clothes dryer may have wrinkles and require additional equipment like ironing machines or irons. Alternatively, they can be flattened and folded immediately after drying for preservation.
The use of a dehumidifier can help reduce wrinkles and keep clothes relatively flat after drying.
7. Area covered
The dehumidifier does not require an outer frame and can be placed in a suitable space without assembly. It is also easy to move.
This dryer can be used not only for drying clothes, but also for items such as quilts and cloakrooms, providing all-around drying capabilities.
What is the more cost-effective option for operation: a dehumidifier or a tumble dryer?
According to the Energy Saving Trust, running a tumble dryer for one load of laundry consumes between 3 to 4.5 kilowatts per hour, depending on the model’s wattage. This results in a cost of £1.02, based on the October 2022 tariff of 0.34p per kilowatt.
Laundry Mode
Modern dehumidifiers have a laundry dry mode that is specifically designed to quickly dry loads of washing. This mode operates at the highest fan speed and aims to lower the relative humidity to approximately 40%.
The fan plays an important role in the drying process by pulling in moist air, drying it, and expelling air that is typically 5°C warmer than the surrounding temperature.
High fan speed increases warm airflow from the machine, helping wash dry faster. The increased airflow also causes the dehumidifier in the machine, which collects moisture created during the drying process. In this way, the air can dry relatively quickly without causing condensation or clamminess.
Most dehumidifiers offer a laundry dry mode, which is essential for indoor clothes drying.
Running Costs
In order to address the initial inquiry, it is necessary to first reintroduce the three primary varieties of dehumidifiers that are readily accessible to the residential market.
There are three types of dehumidifiers. First, we have refrigerant or compressor dehumidifiers. It is the cheapest to operate, costing 1.5 – 3p per hour. It is also the most durable and can withstand heavy use for years. However, it is heavy and not very portable, weighing over 10Kg. This kind of dehumidifier is by far the cheapest to operate.
In many cases, costing as little as 1.5 – 3p an hour to use. The most robust of all dehumidifiers, they can usually withstand heavy use for many years. However, the compressor pump also makes them the heaviest and least portable, and they can often weigh in excess of 10Kg.
There are desiccant-powered dehumidifiers which are more expensive to operate at around 3-6.5p/hour. They have the advantage of warming the room and reducing the need for external heat sources to dry wash. In addition to being lighter than refrigerant dehumidifiers, they can also be as light as 6Kg.
The least common type of dehumidifier is a Peltier based dehumidifier. They are only found in a few units. We don’t recommend them for drying clothes because most domestic units lack the power and a large enough water tank to collect the water produced from drying clothes all at once.
Drying Time
The drying time for clothes using a dehumidifier is longer than that of a tumble dryer. On average, a tumble dryer can dry a standard-sized load within an hour while a dehumidifier can take 3-5 hours to complete the job.
It is debatable whether this presents a significant disadvantage.
So, Which is Better?
While a dehumidifier may require more time to achieve the desired result, it still proves to be a cost-effective option with running costs averaging at around 4.5p/hour, which is less expensive than using a tumble dryer.
A dehumidifier’s heat is released into the home and can potentially warm a room, which may eliminate the need for additional heating methods, especially with desiccant models.
A dehumidifier can reduce the humidity in your home, which can prevent condensation and make it easier to heat. It’s also a good alternative to a tumble dryer.
What Does Drying Mode Mean?
The dehumidifier drying mode can be used to dry clothes, and while the effect is similar to that of a clothes dryer, it is not as fast.
Using a clothes dryer allows for drying one item at a time, whereas a dehumidifier can blow dry multiple items simultaneously, providing added convenience.
What is the best way to dry clothes with a dehumidifier?
When set to drying mode, a dehumidifier utilizes a warm, dry airflow to dry clothes. At the same time, it removes moisture from the surrounding air, decreasing the overall humidity in the room and creating a favorable environment for fast clothes drying.
Drying wet clothes with a dehumidifier is a convenient process, particularly when utilizing a Removable Dehumidifier since it can be transported to any room where the damp clothes are situated.
By putting your wet clothes in a relatively small room and working in different areas based on their capacities, you will ensure your dehumidifier works as efficiently as possible.
If the working area of your dehumidifier is 30 m2, and it is placed in a 20 m2 room, it will effectively absorb moisture from wet clothes at a quicker rate.
To optimize the efficiency of the dehumidifier, it is advisable to close the room where clothes are being dried and shut all doors and windows to avoid excessive intake of moist air.
Does the dehumidifier bucket need to be emptied regularly?
Dehumidifiers typically come with a collecting bucket that has the capacity to hold a significant amount of water. It is usually necessary to empty the bucket once a day under normal conditions.
Water Tank
Using a dehumidifier to dry your damp clothes indoors can quickly fill up the collection container with water.
For prevention of leaks, it is advised to have an automatic closing or water full reminder function in place for buckets filled with water.
An alternative solution is to purchase a dehumidifier equipped with a drainage hose, allowing for continuous water discharge and eliminating the need for bucket emptying.
Drainage House
One limitation of using a dehumidifier with a drainage hose is that it needs to be positioned near a drain, which may require placing the dehumidifier in a room with access to a gutter or sink.
Unleash the power of your dehumidifier when drying your laundry
Experts recommend following certain tips to increase the efficiency of using a dehumidifier while drying clothes indoors.
1. Create some space between your laundry and the walls.
For optimal drying time, it is recommended to provide ample space for air circulation around clothes being dried.
To ensure your clothes dry properly and avoid any unwanted smells, it’s best to avoid overcrowding your drying rack by spreading out your laundry and avoiding overlaps.
2. Smaller rooms are better for drying clothes.
For optimal use of the laundry function on your humidifier, consider drying your clothes on an airer in a limited area like a utility room.
It is best to place your washing in a smaller room and close the door to expedite the drying process by reducing air circulation.
3. Add a spin cycle to the laundry.
For optimal dehumidifier performance, it is recommended to minimize moisture levels before drying clothes indoors.
To ensure clothes are properly dried, it is recommended to add an extra spin cycle in the washing machine to remove any remaining moisture from the fabric.
To prevent increased moisture in the air and added strain on your dehumidifier, it is not recommended to place your laundry on a hot radiator. Instead, consider utilizing an extra spin cycle, spacing clothes out on an airer, and taking advantage of natural light.
This is the most effective dehumidifier for drying laundry.
1. Desiccant-version of IRIS OHYAMA Dehumidifier
The IRIS OHYAMA Clothes Drying Dehumidifier is intended for indoor laundry drying and air moisture reduction.
This device has a powerful Japanese heating system that is more effective at drying clothes than regular dehumidifiers. It is designed for use in rooms with a humidity level of 61°.
This device operates quietly at 34 decibels and allows for 180° wind direction adjustment that moves upward and downward to target hanging clothes.
For optimal use of the device, position it facing your laundry and direct the vents towards your clothes.
The device’s compact and portable design allows for easy movement and transportation throughout the house, with built-in carry handles for convenience.
The water tank of the product has a capacity of only 2L, which may require frequent checking and draining. The product also has a notification system to inform you when the tank is full.
The laundry mode function of this model is practical for individuals residing in urban areas and leased apartments or condominiums.
2. EcoSeb DD122EA-CLASSIC Dehumidifier
The EcoSeb DD122EA-CLASSIC Dehumidifier is equipped with a laundry mode, making it a top choice among dehumidifiers. Its portable design allows for easy relocation.
This product effectively reduces humidity levels in low temperature areas, and includes an electronic control panel for ease of use. It also features a 2-liter tank that can be easily carried and emptied.
To dry your clothes, select the desired mode by pressing the red laundry button on the control panel. The available modes are normal and turbo.
The EcoSeb DD122EA-CLASSIC Dehumidifier is portable, weighing only 13.2 pounds, allowing for easy movement between rooms or to preferred locations.
Pros:
It suits areas with low temperatures.
It has an electronic control panel.
It has a laundry mode.
Portable.
3. hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq Ft Dehumidifier
For those who prioritize long-term benefits over the functionality of a clothes dryer, this gadget is a superior option.
The hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq Ft Dehumidifier is ranked first among my top five dehumidifiers. It is suitable for larger rooms, has user-friendly controls, and effectively eliminates moisture and unpleasant odors.
The device can remove excess humidity in a space of 4,500 square feet, regardless of the indoor air moisture level or presence of scattered garments.
A convenient laundry device that can be operated while multitasking and allows you to set the desired moisture level and allow it to run. Afterward, you can either empty the water tank or use the drain hose.
4. Cost-effective alternative ART DOU 50 Pint Dehumidifier
The ART DOU 50 Pint Dehumidifier is a cost-effective alternative to the Ivation Small-Area Desiccant Dehumidifier, providing the same level of efficiency.
This device has the capacity to eliminate up to 50 pints of moisture daily. Additionally, it includes a clothes drying mode which allows for the hanging of clothes around the device while using two fan speeds to quickly dry the garments.
The appliance features a durable compressor, two fan speeds, a clothes-drying function, and a 24-hour on/off timer, providing convenient usage.
With its removable water tank, digital display, and continuous drainage option, the gadget operates smoothly. Maintenance tasks such as carrying the gadget, emptying the tank, or washing the filters are simple.
Pros:
It has a clothes-drying mode.
Easy to use and clean
Affordable
5. Ivation Small-Area Desiccant Dehumidifier
The Ivation Small-Area Desiccant Dehumidifier is a suitable option for small spaces. It is lightweight yet equipped with numerous features. It can be conveniently stored in a closet and used to dry wet clothes.
The air outlet is designed to dry wet clothes, including thick items like towels and blankets, by directing the surrounding air towards them.
This product has various features, including the ability to perform well in both high and low temperatures. The device allows for easy control through setting a timer, adjusting humidity levels, and activating a sleep mode. Additionally, it operates quietly which probably means there is no need for the sleep mode.
Pros:
Suits small areas.
Swings the air out seamlessly.
Functions well under high and low temperatures.
It has a whisper-quiet feature.
6. Vremi 70 pints dehumidifier
If you require a dehumidifier for medium-sized areas with high humidity levels, particularly for drying clothes, the Vremi 70-Pint Portable Dehumidifier is worth considering.
The device is user-friendly as it only requires the user to set their preferred moisture level. Additionally, it includes a turbo mode fan, which is a crucial feature that aids in quick drying of clothes by increasing the fan’s speed.
The gadget features wheels and a handle, making it easy to move around. It has a 3-liter water tank and can run for up to 24 hours. The device automatically shuts off when the tank is full.
Pros:
It has a clothes-drying mode.
Easy to use and clean.
Affordable.
Suits medium spaces.
It has both a fan and a turbo mode.
7. Xiaomei Portable Dehumidifier
The device has a digital LED screen that shows the current humidity level, eliminating the need for an additional device to measure humidity.
This device automatically begins dehumidifying and stops based on the set humidity level. It starts when the room’s humidity drops below the set level and stops when it goes above it.
The xiaomei is an efficient dryer that can remove up to 16L of water per day despite its small 1.2L water tank capacity. It also has a timer setting that allows for automatic scheduling according to your laundry needs.
8. Meaco 25L Dehumidryer
Meaco 25L Ultra Low Energy Dehumidifier is built for Medium to Large Family Sized Homes removing condensation, prevents damp and helps dry laundry indoors. The Meaco 25L dehumidifier boasts specialized clothing drying features, making it the first of its kind. However, it also effectively addresses dampness and condensation in the household.
When it comes to the 25L there are 3 key things that set it apart from the competition when it comes to drying washing:
DC motor – An increase in workload for a DC motor corresponds to a decrease in energy consumption, resulting in efficient power utilization when drying laundry in a 25L capacity.
Large collection tank – The 25L has a water collection tank of 5L which can efficiently dry 2- 3 loads of washing without needing to be emptied frequently, making it easy to use.
Powerful airflow – Proper airflow is important in drying clothes and ensuring they have a fresh scent. The 25L model produces 280m/3 of air per hour, similar to a gentle breeze for drying clothes.
9. Meaco DD8L Zambezi
Meaco Air Dehumidifier DD8L Zambezi is a desiccant energy-saving dehumidifier that works best for outdoor areas and homes up to 5 bedrooms, preventing Condensation, Mould & Damp.
The Zambezi has a laundry dry mode similar to the DD1 and Dehumidryer, but with additional smart-tech that ensures efficient and energy-saving drying of laundry.
The Laundry+ system by Meaco means the unit only removes moisture from the air when required only. The fan still runs even when not collecting moisture to aid in drying laundry. Meaco claims that this system is highly efficient and uses 600 watts less electricity than other similar dehumidifiers.
10. EcoAir DD1 MK5 Classic
The DD1 MK5 classic has various drying modes, including a laundry dry mode. It can be used to dry clothes instead of a tumble dryer. Its 3-D motorized louvre directs airflow to specific areas. Its tank size is 2L, smaller than Dehumdryers’ 5L tank. However, it is still effective in drying. The 3-D motorized louvre directs airflow precisely where it is needed. Its 3-D motorized louvre can direct airflow to specific areas, making it an effective alternative to a tumble dryer.
Although its 2L tank size is smaller than the Dehumdryers’ 5L tank, it is still respectable. When this is coupled with its unique 3D motorized louvre (that can direct airflow precisely where it is needed), it is an effective alternative to using a tumble dryer. It is still a very respectable 2L tank despite being smaller than the Dehumdryers’ enormous 5L tank.
The MK5 desiccant unit provides both the features needed for drying washing and the advantages typically found in more expensive models, all at a mid-range price point.
The EcoAir DD1 Classic Blue Desiccant Dehumidifier can extract up to 7.5 L/Day. It operates quietly at only 34dBA. Additionally, it includes an Ioniser Anti Bacteria Silver Filter to promote a healthier environment. The EcoAir DD1 MK5 Classic also features laundry and timer modes.
Finally, the ECO E7 Technology provides three types of modes: full power, economy power, and standby mode.
11. Yaufey 30 Pint Dehumidifier
The Yaufey portable dehumidifier is designed for use in areas with humidity levels ranging from 30% to 80%, such as the laundry room, garage, kitchen and bathroom.
This appliance is suitable for spaces up to 1500 sq.ft and can eliminate up to 480 oz of moisture per day.
The unit has an automatic humidity scanning feature upon activation and a timer option that spans 24 hours.
The control panel is designed with simplicity and ease of customization in mind.
The unit is equipped with handles and wheels, allowing for easy transportation to rooms with high humidity levels.
While this unit does not have a specific laundry setting, it does efficiently control the room’s comfort and reduce the time it takes for clothes to dry indoors.
This unit has received positive reviews for effectively removing air moisture and musty smells, particularly in indoor spaces with towels and clothes. Additionally, it is a good option for mid-range dehumidifiers.
Our Final Verdict
The Iris Ohyama Cloth Drying dehumidifier ranks highest for its efficient moisture extraction and year-round functionality. The EcoSeb DD122EA desiccant dehumidifier comes in second, offering an ionizing function and over-drying protection to prevent clothes from becoming too stiff.