You dry laundry indoors without a dryer by hanging it on a drying rack in an unheated room with good ventilation, leaving enough space between the garments. A dehumidifier speeds up the drying process and removes the moisture released from the air, preventing it from lingering in your home.
Direct answer: hang the laundry separately on a drying rack in an unheated, ventilated room and remove the moisture from the air, for example with a dehumidifier or by ventilating.
Why does laundry dry so slowly indoors?
A washing machine never spins your clothes completely dry. What remains evaporates in the room over the coming hours. Cold air can hold little moisture, so in autumn and winter the air quickly becomes saturated. Then the laundry dries more slowly and the moisture condenses on the coldest surfaces in the room, such as windows and exterior walls. Over time, mould can develop there.
Milieu Centraal advises hanging laundry indoors in an unheated room with extra fresh air, because you need more energy to keep a heated room at the right temperature. A drying rack in an unheated room is also much more energy-efficient than a dryer.
How to hang laundry indoors properly
The arrangement makes a big difference. Do not hang clothes in a tight bunch, but leave space between them so that air can flow past. Hang heavier items such as jeans and towels on the outside of the rack, and thinner items in the middle. Give each garment a good shake before hanging it up and use an extra spin cycle whenever possible. This can quickly save a lot of time.
Preferably choose a room where you do not sleep and where the door can remain closed, so that the moisture does not spread throughout the house. A small room or utility room where you only dry laundry often works better than the living room.
Ventilating without making the room too cold
Milieu Centraal states that when drying laundry indoors, you should ventilate the room properly. At the same time, the organisation warns that a window should not be left open for too long: if the room becomes too cold, condensation and mould can develop. A short, powerful burst of fresh air is therefore more effective than leaving a window ajar for hours. The RIVM recommends opening windows wide open for 10 to 15 minutes after cooking or showering; this is also a useful rule of thumb after hanging up the laundry.
Using a dehumidifier when drying laundry
A dehumidifier extracts the moisture that evaporates from your laundry and collects it in a tank. This allows the laundry to continue drying and keeps the humidity in the room lower. Place it in the same room as the drying rack and keep the door closed. Please note: Milieu Centraal also emphasises that dehumidifiers do not replace ventilation. Think of it as a supplement, not a substitute. You can find more practical information in our article how to dry laundry faster with a dehumidifier.
The Dynter AirPure DH251 Dehumidifier
The DH251 removes up to 900 ml of moisture per day and has a 3800 ml water tank. It is suitable for rooms up to 55 m² and weighs only 2.5 kg, so you can easily move it to the room where the laundry is hanging.
Dehumidification: up to 900 ml per day
Water tank: 3800 ml, with a safety sensor that switches it off when the tank is full
Consumption: 80W
Extras: timer function from 1 to 24 hours and a night mode that turns off the display
Please note: a dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, but does not dry your laundry itself; you still need a drying rack and airflow.
Overview: which method is right for you?
| Method | Benefit | Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Drying rack in an unheated room | Energy-efficient and simple | Requires good ventilation and time |
| Drying rack with a short burst of fresh air | No extra appliance needed | Do not leave the window open too long |
| Drying rack with a dehumidifier | Lower humidity, less condensation | Electricity consumption and emptying the tank |
| Hanging outside | Most favourable according to Milieu Centraal | Weather-dependent |
If you use a dehumidifier, you can estimate the consumption yourself: at 80W, that is 0.08 kWh per hour. Assuming 30 cents per kWh, this costs approximately 2.4 cents per hour. This is an example calculation, not a fixed price.
What should you do if the windows still fog up?
Fogged-up windows are a sign that there is too much moisture in the air. Wipe them dry, ventilate briefly and, if necessary, move the drying rack to another room. Also read why excessive humidity can cause health problems. If you notice recurring mould, Milieu Centraal states that there may be a structural cause and that expert advice is needed.
Want to dry your laundry faster and keep moisture out of your home? Check out the Dynter DH251 dehumidifier or discover all Dynter dehumidifiers.
Frequently asked questions
Is drying laundry indoors unhealthy?
Not necessarily, but it brings a lot of moisture into the home. If this lingers, mould can develop. So ensure proper ventilation and, if necessary, use a dehumidifier. If you have any doubts about symptoms, your GP is the right person to consult.
How long does it take for laundry to dry indoors?
This depends on the fabric, the spin cycle, the temperature and the humidity. Thin clothing is often dry within a day, while thicker items such as towels and jeans usually take longer.
Can I hang the laundry in the bedroom?
It is better not to. According to Milieu Centraal, mould often grows in damp rooms, including bedrooms. Choose a room where you do not sleep and keep the door closed.
Should I turn up the heating to dry laundry?
This is not necessary and, according to Milieu Centraal, is not recommended because you will need more energy. Ventilating and removing moisture is more energy-efficient.