What is a dehumidifier, exactly? In a nutshell, it’s an appliance that removes excess moisture from the air inside your home.
It’s a great piece of kit if you think your indoors might be too humid, as this can lead to things like mould on ceilings, condensation on windows and water stains on walls - any one of those is bad news for your home.
Dehumidifiers are great for getting rid of damp, but that’s not all. Because a humidifier is just what you need if you want to dry clothes indoors – in the winter, or all those other times it’s not-so-sunny outside…
How does a dehumidifier dry clothes?
Clothes can take a long time to dry properly indoors, especially when the air already feels thick with moisture. But when you switch on a dehumidifier, it starts pulling excess water vapour out of the air, creating the perfect environment for your clothes to dry faster.
With less humidity around, the moisture in your laundry can evaporate more quickly - meaning no more waiting days for your favourite jumper to feel wearable again.
A dehumidifier can also help get rid of those damp smells that sometimes clings to clothes dried indoors without good airflow. By keeping the air fresher and less humid, you’re cutting down the chance of musty odours developing. And as a bonus, your room feels more comfortable too.
How do I use a humidifier to dry clothes?
If you want to use a humidifier to dry your clothes indoors, here’s what to do:
1. Keep your distance. Make sure the dehumidifier is reasonably close to the clothes you want to dry (between 4-6 feet away). This is the perfect distance for effective air circulation and evaporation.
2. Spread things out. Use a drying rack or hangers to keep your clothes spread out, and don’t put any on top of each other. Keeping everything spaced out helps the airflow get to every inch of your garments.
3. Use in a well-ventilated area. Choose a room where you know the ventilation is good or open windows to allow moist air to escape while the dehumidifier removes excess moisture.
4. Choose the correct setting. If you’re not sure of the best setting to use, consult the manufacturer’s instructions. A lot of humidifiers have a ‘laundry’ mode, so look out for that. Otherwise, you’ll need to find the right balance the drying speed and a comfortable humidity level.
5. Keep an eye out. Be sure to regularly check how your dryings getting on. If the clothes are drying to slow, you might need to adjust the settings on your humidifier.
Humidifier drying FAQs
How long does a dehumidifier take to dry clothes?
The exact amount of time will vary a lot, depending on factors like how wet your clothes are and how well ventilated the room is. But a rule of thumb, you should expect clothes to dry in around 4-5 hours.
What size dehumidifier do I need for drying clothes?
Dehumidifiers with larger water tanks are best for drying clothes. We’d suggest you go for at least a 1.8L tank size if you want to dry full loads a laundry without having to refill your humidifier.
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
Dehumidifiers are a lot more energy-efficient than they were a couple of years ago, and some now have energy-saving features such as programmable timers and auto-shutoff functionality. Also, more efficient dehumidifiers can extract larger amounts of moisture per unit of energy used, which means that they use less energy than older less efficient models. Look out for a dehumidifier with an ‘A’ energy rating, and you’ll know you’re getting one of the most energy efficient models out there.
Do all dehumidifiers dry clothes?
Most dehumidifiers that offer even basic levels of power, airflow and tank capacity will be suitable for drying clothes indoors. Having said that, if you’re serious about using a humidifier for regular drying we suggest you go for one with a ‘laundry mode’. Then you know you’re getting one specially designed for the job.
What other appliances are good for drying clothes?
While a dehumidifier is a great helping hand for indoor drying, it’s not quite as powerful or speedy as a dedicated tumble dryer. Some newer models have energy-saving heat pump technology to keep your running costs lower.
If you’d like to compare your options, check out our handy article that answers the question which tumble dryer is right for me? You might just find the perfect partner for your laundry days, whether that’s a full-sized dryer or a compact model that fits snugly in your space.
Need any help?
You can read more about why you should buy a dehumidifier here. Need some help picking the right humidifier or air treatment appliance? Pop in-store and chat to one of our expert colleagues. They’re always happy to help.
