How a Dehumidifier Dries Clothes
A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, which allows wet clothes to release their water faster than they would naturally.
When clothes dry, they release moisture into the surrounding air [S1]. As the air becomes saturated, drying slows down because the air can hold no more moisture. A dehumidifier continuously extracts this moisture, keeping the air dry and allowing clothes to release water much faster.
This process works in any room with the doors and windows closed. The dehumidifier creates a cycle: dry air absorbs moisture from the clothes, the dehumidifier extracts that moisture, and the now-dry air absorbs more [S1]. This continues until the clothes are fully dry.
- Clothes release moisture into the air as they dry
- Saturated air slows the drying process
- Dehumidifier extracts moisture, keeping air dry
- Dry air absorbs more moisture from clothes, speeding drying [S1]
- Cycle continues until clothes are fully dry
| Drying Method | How It Works | Moisture Handling |
|---|---|---|
| Dehumidifier | Extracts moisture from air [S1] | Moisture collected in tank |
| Tumble dryer | Heats air to evaporate moisture | Moisture vented or collected |
| Air drying (natural) | Air absorbs moisture naturally | Moisture trapped in room |
| Radiator drying | Heat accelerates evaporation | Moisture trapped in room |
Setting Up for Clothes Drying
Place the dehumidifier within 1-2 metres of the clothes airer, close all doors and windows, and set to laundry mode or lowest humidity.
Position the dehumidifier close to the clothes airer, ideally within 1-2 metres [S1]. The closer it is, the more efficiently it can extract moisture directly from the air around the wet clothes. Point the air output away from the clothes to avoid blowing them.
Close all doors and windows in the room to create a sealed space [S1]. This prevents moist air from other parts of the house entering and stops the dehumidifier from working harder than necessary. Set the dehumidifier to its lowest humidity setting or use the dedicated laundry mode if your model has one.
- Place within 1-2 metres of the clothes airer [S1]
- Point air output away from clothes
- Close all doors and windows in the room
- Set to lowest humidity or laundry mode
- Ensure the dehumidifier has clear airflow around it
| Setup Step | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Position near airer | Maximum moisture extraction from wet clothes [S1] |
| Close doors and windows | Prevents moist air entering from other rooms |
| Set to laundry mode | Higher fan speed for faster drying |
| Clear airflow around unit | Prevents overheating and maintains efficiency |
| Empty tank regularly | Prevents auto-shutoff during long drying cycles |
Drying Time and Capacity
Typical drying time is 6-12 hours, depending on load size, fabric type, and dehumidifier extraction rate.
A standard load of laundry (approximately 5-7kg of wet clothes) takes 6-12 hours to dry with a 10-12L dehumidifier [S1]. Larger dehumidifiers (16-20L) can dry the same load in 4-8 hours. Thicker fabrics like towels and jeans take longer than lightweight items like t-shirts and shirts.
For best results, hang clothes on the airer with space between items to allow air circulation [S2]. Do not overload the airer, as this traps moisture between garments and slows drying. Use multiple airers if necessary to spread the load.
- Standard load (5-7kg) with 10-12L dehumidifier: 6-12 hours [S1]
- Standard load with 16-20L dehumidifier: 4-8 hours
- Thicker fabrics (towels, jeans): add 2-4 hours
- Lightweight items (t-shirts, shirts): dry faster
- Spread clothes on airer with space between items [S2]
| Dehumidifier Size | Standard Load | Light Load | Heavy Load (towels) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-12L | 8-12 hours | 6-8 hours | 10-14 hours |
| 12-16L | 6-10 hours | 5-7 hours | 8-12 hours |
| 16-20L | 4-8 hours | 3-5 hours | 6-10 hours |
| 20L+ | 3-6 hours | 2-4 hours | 5-8 hours |
Laundry Mode Explained
Laundry mode runs the fan at higher speed and extracts moisture faster, designed specifically for drying clothes indoors.
Many modern dehumidifiers include a dedicated laundry or clothes drying mode [S1]. This setting runs the fan at maximum speed, directing airflow towards the clothes to speed up evaporation. The compressor or desiccant element works continuously to extract the increased moisture.
If your dehumidifier does not have a laundry mode, you can achieve similar results by setting the target humidity to its lowest level (typically 30-35%) and running continuously [S1]. Once clothes are dry, return to your normal humidity setting.
- Laundry mode: maximum fan speed for faster drying [S1]
- Compressor or desiccant element runs continuously
- Without laundry mode: set lowest humidity and run continuously
- Return to normal setting once clothes are dry
- Laundry mode uses more energy but reduces drying time
| Feature | Normal Mode | Laundry Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Fan speed | Variable or low | Maximum [S1] |
| Target humidity | 45-50% | Lowest setting |
| Compressor cycling | On/off at target | Continuous |
| Energy use | Lower | Higher |
| Drying speed | Slower | Faster |
Cost Per Load
Drying a standard load with a dehumidifier costs approximately 30-80p, significantly cheaper than a tumble dryer.
The cost per load depends on your dehumidifier's wattage, how long it runs, and your electricity rate [S2]. At the current UK rate of 26.32p per kWh, a 200W dehumidifier running for 8 hours costs approximately 42p. A 250W unit for 8 hours costs approximately 53p.
Compare this to a tumble dryer, which typically costs £1-2 per load [S2]. Over a year of drying 4 loads per week, a dehumidifier saves approximately £68-156 compared to a tumble dryer. The dehumidifier also eliminates the damp and mould risks of indoor air drying.
- 200W dehumidifier, 8 hours: approximately 42p per load [S2]
- 250W dehumidifier, 8 hours: approximately 53p per load
- Tumble dryer: approximately £1-2 per load [S2]
- Annual saving (4 loads/week): approximately £68-156
- Dehumidifier also prevents damp and mould from indoor drying
| Method | Cost Per Load | Annual Cost (4 loads/week) |
|---|---|---|
| Dehumidifier (200W, 8h) | 42p | £87 |
| Dehumidifier (250W, 8h) | 53p | £110 |
| Dehumidifier (desiccant, 6h) | 80p | £166 |
| Tumble dryer (vented) | £1-2 | £208-416 |
| Tumble dryer (condenser) | £1-2 | £208-416 |
Tips for Best Results
Hang clothes properly, run the dehumidifier overnight, and clean the filter regularly for optimal drying performance.
Hang clothes with space between items on the airer [S2]. Overlapping garments trap moisture and slow drying. Use the full width of the airer and consider a larger airer if you frequently dry full loads.
Running the dehumidifier overnight is often the most convenient option. Set it up before bed, empty the tank in the morning, and your clothes should be dry [S1]. Most dehumidifiers are quiet enough to run while sleeping, particularly desiccant models.
- Hang clothes with space between items for airflow [S2]
- Use overnight drying for convenience: set up before bed, empty tank in morning
- Clean the filter regularly to maintain extraction efficiency
- Empty the tank before starting a long drying cycle
- Do not dry clothes in multiple rooms simultaneously
- Use a dehumidifier with a large tank or continuous drainage for convenience
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Space clothes on airer [S2] | Faster, more even drying |
| Run overnight | Convenience, clothes dry by morning |
| Clean filter monthly | Maintains extraction efficiency |
| Empty tank before starting | Prevents auto-shutoff mid-cycle |
| Use continuous drain hose | No need to empty tank manually |
| Close room doors | Contains moisture for efficient extraction |
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry clothes with a dehumidifier?
Typically 6-12 hours for a standard load with a 10-12L dehumidifier [S1]. Larger dehumidifiers (16-20L) can dry clothes in 4-8 hours. Thicker items like towels take longer than lightweight garments.
How much does it cost to dry clothes with a dehumidifier?
Approximately 30-80p per load depending on your dehumidifier's wattage and runtime [S2]. At 26.32p per kWh, a 200W dehumidifier running for 8 hours costs about 42p. This is significantly cheaper than a tumble dryer at £1-2 per load.
Where should I put my dehumidifier when drying clothes?
Place the dehumidifier within 1-2 metres of the clothes airer in a closed room [S1]. Close all doors and windows to create a sealed space. Point the air output away from the clothes to avoid blowing them.
Can I dry clothes with a desiccant dehumidifier?
Yes, desiccant dehumidifiers are effective for clothes drying, particularly in winter [S1]. They produce slightly warm air which helps the drying process. However, they use more energy than compressor models, so running costs are higher.
Is a dehumidifier better than a tumble dryer for drying clothes?
A dehumidifier is cheaper to run (30-80p vs £1-2 per load) and produces less heat in the room [S2]. However, a tumble dryer is faster (1-2 hours vs 6-12 hours). For most people, the cost saving and lower heat output make a dehumidifier the better choice.
Bottom line
Using a dehumidifier to dry clothes is significantly cheaper than a tumble dryer, costing just 30-80p per load. Place the unit near a clothes airer, close doors and windows, and run continuously until dry. Typical drying time is 6-12 hours with a 10-12L unit, or 4-8 hours with a larger model. Use laundry mode if available for faster results.
Sources
Sources are shown so readers can check time-sensitive or factual claims directly.
- S1 Dehumidifier Buyer's Guide — Energy Saving Trust
- S2 Energy price cap explained — Ofgem