Drying clothes in the winter when the weather is damp, cold and miserable is frustrating at best! Clothes taking over 2 days to dry, smelling damp and then the dreaded rewash. Well taking the UK by storm this winter and potentially replacing the heated airier and helping to reduce the cost of running a tumble drier… is a dehumidifier.
A dehumidifier works by removing excess moisture from the air, and is often used around the home for damp issues; typically older houses. It’s primary function is to control humidity and prevent mould.
Using a dehumidifier to dry clothes will reduce your drying time because it allows the moisture in wet clothes to evaporate quicker. Dehumidifiers work to reduce humidity levels in a room by extracting moisture from the air. When the humidity is lower, the air has a higher capacity to absorb moisture, including that from damp clothes. Which is why on sunny days clothes dry much quicker.
As a dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, it creates a drier atmosphere around wet clothes. This then helps to accelerate the natural evaporation process, helping your clothes dry faster. This on its own won’t be enough. You will still need a dedicated clothes airer and hang items up. It’s also worth nothing, drying times will still be dependence on a number of factors; size of room, dampness of clothes and level of humidity.
If you’re planning to use a dehumidifier for drying clothes, our advice would be to use a small, well-ventilated room. This will increase efficiency and effectiveness. But also keep an eye on cost! As an electrical appliance, a dehumidifier will still use energy, this then needs to be compared with a heated airier and a tumble dryer. Ultimately, use whichever method works best for you, your family with the smallest impact on the environment.
Hopefully this offers some help on how to dry clothes indoors during winter. Please remember to share your laundry tips with us and tag us on Instagram @wablu.care
