A dehumidifier typically takes four to five hours to dry clothes, whereas a tumble dryer can complete the same task in just one hour. The exact drying time for a dehumidifier will depend on the room temperature.
Can You Use a Dehumidifier For Drying Clothes?
Yes, you can use a dehumidifier to dry clothes. By removing excess moisture from the air a dehumidifier can help to reduce the amount of time it takes for wet clothes to dry and can also help to prevent mold and mildew from forming on clothes and other household items.
Laundry Mode
Many dehumidifiers now even have a special laundry mode specifically designed for drying wet clothes indoors. When set to laundry mode, the dehumidifier will run at its highest fan speed to remove as much moisture from the air as possible. Using a dehumidifier in laundry mode can help speed up drying laundry and get your clothes to dry more quickly.
How Does A Dehumidifier Compare To a Tumble Dryer?
When it comes to drying clothes indoors a dehumidifier and a tumble dryer both have their pros and cons. Tumble dryers are generally more efficient at drying laundry than dehumidifiers and can often dry clothes in as little as 30 minutes to an hour. However, tumble dryers are also generally more expensive than dehumidifiers, as they use more electricity and can be harder on clothes dryer due to the heat and tumbling action.
Running Costs
One of the main benefits of using a dehumidifier to dry clothes is the potential cost savings. Tumble dryers can be expensive to run, especially if you are drying a lot of clothes or if you have an older model that is not energy efficient. In contrast, dehumidifier running costs are generally more energy efficient and can be a more cost-effective option for drying laundry.
It can be much cheaper than a tumble dryer, especially if you only dry a small load of clothes.
Drying Time
One of the main downsides of using a dehumidifier to dry clothes is that it can take longer than a tumble dryer.
However, as a general rule, it may take several hours or even days to dry clothes using a dehumidifier, especially if the relative humidity levels are high. In contrast a tumble dryer can often get clothes dry in as little as 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the load size and the type of clothes.
Is Using a Dehumidifier to Dry Clothes Better Than Using A Radiator?
A dehumidifier to dry clothes can be more effective and energy efficient than a radiator. Dehumidifiers, on the other hand work by removing excess moisture from the air, which can be gentler on clothes and more energy efficient. In addition, dehumidifiers can also help improve the room's overall air quality by reducing humidity levels (dry air) which can be beneficial for people with allergies or respiratory issues.
Is a dehumidifier cheaper to run than a tumble dryer?
Dehumidifiers are generally cheaper than tumble dryers, especially if you only dry a small load of clothes. Dehumidifiers, on the other hand are generally more energy efficient and gentle on clothes and can be a more cost-effective option for drying clothes, especially if you are only drying a small load. However, it is worth noting that the exact cost savings will depend on various factors such as the size of the dehumidifier, the humidity levels in the room and the cost of electricity in your area.
Extraction Rate and Water Tank Size
When choosing a dehumidifier for drying clothes, it is important to consider the extraction rate and water tank size.
The extraction rate refers to the amount of moisture the dehumidifier can remove from the air in a given period and is typically measured in liters per day. The water tank size refers to the capacity of the dehumidifier's water tank and will determine how often you need to empty the tank. A larger water tank size means that you will have to empty the tank less frequently which can be convenient if you are using the dehumidifier to dry clothes over an extended period.
To give you an idea of what to expect the Meaco DD8L Junior Dehumidifier has an extraction rate of 8 liters per day and a water tank size of 2.8 liters. In contrast, the Meaco DD122FW Simple Dehumidifier has an extraction rate of 12 liters per day and a water tank size of 3.5 liters making it a more powerful and efficient option for drying clothes.
Summary
Using a dehumidifier to dry clothes can be a cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative to a tumble dryer or a radiator.
While it may take longer to dry clothes using a dehumidifier, the potential cost savings and gentle drying action can be a worthwhile trade-off.
