How to use a dehumidifier to dry clothes: the 14p hack that'll dry clothes in half the time

As the seasons change and summer rolls into autumn, drying laundry can start to pose a bit of a challenge. Dry, sunny days become few and far between, ruling out drying clothes outside, and high energy prices have made using a tumble dryer an expensive option.

The best dehumidifiers will speed up drying laundry indoors, as well as preventing mould-causing moisture from collecting in your home.

What is a dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is an electrical household appliance designed to reduce excess moisture in the air in enclosed spaces. It works by drawing in humid air, cooling it to condense the moisture, and then reheating the air before releasing it back into the room. This process results in drier air with a lower humidity level. The excess moisture is collected in the dehumidifier’s water tank, ready to be poured away.

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What's the most efficient way to dry clothes with a dehumidifier?

I spoke to Chris Michael, CEO at Mumsnet's favourite dehumidifier brand, Meaco, to discuss his recent findings on the best way to dry clothes with a dehumidifier.

"Even in 2025 energy prices are still significantly higher than they were in 2021 and, with the cost of living rising and household budgets under pressure, people have understandably looked for cheaper and faster ways to dry clothes indoors," he told me. "We carried out our own controlled tests to provide a clear guide to drying laundry quickly, cheaply and safely while protecting your home from damp, condensation and mould."

Chris and his team measured drying time and energy costs for three different methods for drying laundry indoors:

• Natural drying of the t-shirts with no mechanical help
• Drying using an energy efficient 20L compressor dehumidifier
• Drying using the same dehumidifier together with a pedestal cooling fan

"For each test we used the same 13 t-shirts, put through the same rinse and spin cycle in the same Samsung washing machine. They were hung on the same clothes horse in the same utility room, and we recorded the starting temperature and relative humidity using a calibrated thermohygrometer accurate to ±1.5 percent relative humidity."

So, what did the tests show? The results were quite astounding. Natural air drying took 20 hours. With a 20l dehumidifier, 4 hours and 45 minutes - and with a dehumidifier and pedestal fan, an incredible 2 hours.

"The dehumidifier alone offered a substantial improvement over natural drying, but pairing it with the pedestal cooling fan made the biggest difference. Drying time dropped by 58 percent, from nearly five hours to around two. The short runtime meant both appliances consumed far less energy overall, and the very low running cost of the fan helped keep the total to just 14 pence for the load.

"The fan is not just an add-on. It is the catalyst that forces moisture out of the clothes so the dehumidifier can collect it more quickly. Used together, they produced results faster than we expected."

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How do you use a dehumidifier to dry clothes?

Using a dehumidifier to dry clothes is a fairly straightforward process:

Select the right dehumidifier: Perhaps the most important part of this process is selecting the best dehumidifier to meet your needs. Choose a dehumidifier with a laundry mode or a high-powered option. These are specifically designed to facilitate faster clothes drying. Ensure the dehumidifier's capacity matches the room's size to maximise efficiency. 

Sort and hang laundry: Start by sorting your clothes by fabric type and thickness. Thicker fabrics take longer to dry, so separate them from lighter materials. Hang the clothes on clothes airers or hangers, allowing enough space for air circulation. To dry clothes even faster, heated airers can be used in conjunction with a dehumidifier. Check out Mumsnet’s guide to the best heated clothes airers to find one that best suits your family’s needs.

Position the dehumidifier: Place the dehumidifier in a well-ventilated room near the drying area. Make sure there's enough space between the dehumidifier and the hanging clothes to avoid direct contact.

Add a fan: Place the fan about 30cm from your laundry, and set it to oscillate at around 75% speed.

Activate laundry mode: If available, activate the dehumidifier's laundry drying mode. Alternatively, set it to a high fan speed and a lower humidity level for the best results.

Rotate your laundry: If you want to speed the process up, check and rotate your laundry periodically to make sure everything is drying evenly. Don’t forget to factor in that thicker fabrics may take longer to dry.

Which is the best room to use for drying clothes with a dehumidifier?

Ideally, choose a well-ventilated room for drying clothes with a dehumidifier. Utility rooms, or spare rooms with good air circulation are ideal. Ensure the room is clean and free from obstacles that could impede air movement. 

When you buy a dehumidifier, the manufacturer usually states the maximum room size, so you can be sure that you have chosen the best size appliance for your living space.

Which dehumidifiers are good for drying laundry?

Mumsnet's most-recommended dehumidifier is the Meaco Arete One, which has a dedicated laundry mode and built-in air purifier. Other great dehumidifiers we've tested here at Mumsnet include the ElectriQ 20l Low-Energy Dehumidifier and the Wood's MRD25GW 25l Dehumidifier.

When shopping for a dehumidifier, take particular care choosing the correct size for the room you'll be using it in. 12l models are good for single bedrooms and utility rooms, 20l is perfect for larger rooms like sitting or dining rooms, and a 25l model can handle open-plan spaces with ease.

How much does a dehumidifier cost to run?

The cost of running a dehumidifier depends on factors like the unit's size, energy rating and how often you use it. Some models are more energy efficient than others, using less electricity while producing the same level of dehumidification. 

To estimate the cost, multiply the wattage by your electricity rate. Dehumidifier experts Meaco estimate that, on average, the running costs of a standard dehumidifier works out at less than £1 a day. In comparison, a tumble dryer can cost anywhere between 65p and £1.60 to run per cycle, depending on the type of tumble dryer and the programme used. So if you are looking at simple ways to keep the costs down, switching your tumble dryer for a dehumidifier is really a no-brainer.

Using a dehumidifier to dry clothes indoors can be a game-changer, especially when outdoor drying is challenging. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can make the most of your dehumidifier and enjoy the benefits of efficient and convenient clothes drying, regardless of the weather conditions. Remember to choose the right dehumidifier, optimise its settings, and be mindful of energy consumption to keep costs down.