How to choose a dehumidifier for drying clothes

The quick answer

For a normally heated flat or house, begin with a compressor model that has a humidistat, laundry mode and enough airflow to move dry air across a clothes horse. For a genuinely cold, unheated room, compare desiccant models as well. Do not choose by litres per day alone: published extraction figures are measured under specific temperature and humidity conditions that may be warmer and wetter than your room.

• Heated room: start with an efficient compressor model
• Cold utility space: compare low-temperature performance
• Every home: prioritise humidistat control, noise and safe placement

Choose for the room, not the washing machine

Decide where laundry will actually dry. A smaller closed room is easier to manage than an open-plan floor because the appliance is treating less incoming air.

Measure the available floor space and check the manual's required clearances. The outlet should be able to send dry air towards or across the clothes without the machine sitting beneath dripping garments.

The features that earn their place

A reliable humidistat lets the machine reduce or stop extraction when the target is reached. A timer or automatic laundry programme can prevent it running indefinitely. Continuous drainage is useful only if a safe drain is nearby; otherwise, check whether the tank is comfortable to remove and carry.

• Clear humidity display and adjustable target
• Laundry mode or a practical timer
• Auto shut-off when the tank is full
• Washable filter and available replacement parts
• Noise figure for the fan speed you will actually use

Compare watts, not marketing promises

Running cost depends on the appliance's measured power and your electricity tariff. Multiply watts by hours, divide by 1,000, then multiply by your price per kilowatt-hour. Compare machines using the same room conditions where possible.

A lower-wattage model is not automatically cheaper if it needs much longer to finish the job. The useful comparison is the energy required for a typical load in your room.

When a dehumidifier is not the answer

A dehumidifier can help manage moisture from indoor laundry and condensation, but it cannot repair a leaking roof, failed plumbing, penetrating damp or inadequate fixed ventilation. Persistent damp or mould needs its underlying cause investigated, particularly in rented accommodation.