A dehumidifier dries your laundry faster because the device removes the moisture from the air that evaporates from the wet laundry. Place it in a small, enclosed space, hang the laundry loosely on a drying rack, and let the dehumidifier run until the laundry is dry. The smaller the space, the faster it works.
How does drying laundry with a dehumidifier work?
Wet laundry dries as water evaporates into the air. If the air is already humid, it can barely absorb any more moisture, and it takes a long time for the laundry to dry. A dehumidifier continuously removes moisture from the air and collects it in a water tank. This allows the laundry to continue evaporating. You will notice the effect most in a small space with a closed door, because the dehumidifier only has to process a much smaller volume of air.
Milieu Centraal advises drying laundry outdoors whenever possible and, if it must be done indoors, hanging the laundry in an unheated room and ventilating extra to prevent moisture problems. This is an important caveat when using a dehumidifier: the device helps, but it does not replace proper ventilation.
How to use it effectively
Choose a small space. A utility room, bathroom, or small room works better than a large living room. Keep the door closed so that moisture cannot spread to the rest of the house.
Hang the laundry loosely. Use a drying rack and leave space between the garments so that air can circulate. A full, tightly packed rack dries noticeably slower.
Place the dehumidifier nearby. Position it freely, with space around it, and not directly against a wall or curtain. Empty the water tank when it is full.
Ventilate afterwards. Once the laundry is dry, turn off the dehumidifier and ventilate the room. Milieu Centraal states that dehumidifiers can help temporarily, but do not solve the underlying moisture problem and that they consume a lot of electricity. So do not leave it on longer than necessary.
Direct answer: Dry your laundry in a small, enclosed space with the dehumidifier next to it and hang the laundry loosely. This allows the moisture to evaporate faster and the device to remove it from the air immediately. Turn it off as soon as the laundry is dry and ventilate afterwards.
How much does it cost to dry your laundry with a dehumidifier?
The costs depend on the power and the duration. According to the product page, the Dynter DH251 consumes 80 W. As a calculation example (assumption): running for five hours costs 0.4 kWh, and at an assumed electricity price of 30 cents per kWh, that is approximately 12 cents. Your actual costs depend on your own rate and how long it takes for the laundry to dry. An electric dryer usually consumes more electricity, but always compare that with the energy label of your appliance.
What not to do
Do not hang the laundry in a heated bedroom and do not let the dehumidifier run in a room with open windows or doors: it will draw moisture from the entire house and work much less effectively. Also do not dry large amounts of laundry in a room where you sleep without ventilating. If you want more options without a dryer, read how to dry your laundry indoors in winter without a dryer, or why drying wet laundry on the heater is not always a good idea.
The Dynter DH251 for indoor drying
The Dynter AirPure DH251 dehumidifier is compact and easy to move, for example from the utility room to the bathroom.
Product: AirPure DH251 Dehumidifier
Dehumidification: up to 900 ml per day, 3800 ml water tank
Suitable for: spaces up to 55 m²
Power and weight: 80 W and 2.5 kg
Extra features: timer function from 1 to 24 hours, night mode where the display turns off, and a safety sensor that switches it off when the tank is full
| Method | Speed | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Drying rack with dehumidifier | Faster than a drying rack alone | Small space, closed door, ventilate afterwards |
| Drying rack with window ajar | Slower | Depends on the weather outside |
| Drying rack on the heater | Variable | Uses extra energy and releases a lot of moisture |
| Outside on the line | Depends on wind and sun | Free, without moisture problems indoors |
The 900 ml per day is a maximum value; in practice, it depends on the temperature and humidity. Also check out our collection of dehumidifiers. If you want to know how much electricity such a device costs per day, read how much electricity a dehumidifier consumes per day. Are you also getting rid of condensation on your windows? Then read why there is condensation on your windows.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry laundry with a dehumidifier?
That depends on the amount of laundry, the space, and the humidity. In a small, enclosed space, a rack often dries laundry faster than without a dehumidifier, but a fixed time cannot be given.
Should I open a window while drying?
Not during dehumidification, because then humid air keeps coming in. Do ventilate after the laundry is dry and the dehumidifier is turned off.
Can I let the dehumidifier run all night?
Yes, with the timer function from 1 to 24 hours and the night mode, where the display turns off. Do check that the water tank does not get full.
Is drying laundry with a dehumidifier cheaper than a dryer?
Often yes, because a dehumidifier has a lower power rating than a dryer. The exact difference depends on both devices and the duration of drying.