Best Dehumidifier UK For Drying Clothes: Must Read Before You Final Buy!

When we started looking for the best dehumidifier in the UK for drying clothes, it was out of pure necessity. Living in a place where the weather can be damp and unpredictable, drying laundry indoors was becoming a daily struggle. Hanging clothes on radiators made the air heavy and uncomfortable, and we noticed vapour forming on windows — a clear sign that moisture levels were getting too high. That’s when we decided to test several dehumidifiers, unboxed them one by one, and spent weeks comparing how well they handled laundry drying and everyday humidity control.

From our personal experience, a good dehumidifier does more than just prevent mold and dampness. It genuinely helps clothes dry faster without leaving that musty smell. With the right model, we were able to dry a full load of clothes within six to eight hours on a simple drying rack — no tumble dryer needed. It was not only energy-efficient but also kinder to fabrics that shouldn’t go through heat drying. Over time, we realised that using a dehumidifier alongside a clothes airer felt like having a mini drying room at home.

We also learned that drying clothes on radiators actually makes heating less efficient because it traps moisture around the house. That extra humidity makes rooms feel colder and can even cause mold spots on walls. Using a dehumidifier fixed all that while keeping the indoor air fresh and dry. Many newer models even come with a dedicated laundry mode, which we found incredibly useful during winter months or rainy weeks.

After testing for several months, we can say that investing in a dehumidifier for drying clothes in the UK is more than just a convenience — it’s a long-term solution for healthier air and faster laundry days. In this guide, we’ll share the models that performed best, saved energy, and truly made a difference in how we manage drying clothes indoors.

Best Dehumidifier UK For Drying Clothes At A Glance

Dehumidifier UK For Drying ClothesCustomer Satisfaction RatingsReason to Buy
MeacoDry Arete Two95%Highly energy-efficient, very quiet, and has a Smart Laundry Mode. Ideal overall performance.
Pro Breeze 20 L Premium Dehumidifier90%Strong extraction (20 L/day) plus a huge 5.5 L water tank and a reliable laundry mode — fantastic value.
De’Longhi DEX212F / Tasciugo AriaDry Multi 88%Stylish, efficient laundry drying, and very user-friendly — according to independent tests.
EcoAir DD1 Simple MK392%Works brilliantly even in cold rooms (down to 1 °C) thanks to desiccant tech; lightweight and very portable.
Russell Hobbs RHDH2002B92%Excellent drying capacity for its price. In reviews, it got most laundry dry in ~8 hours while being energy-efficient.

Exploring The Right Kind of Dehumidifier UK For Drying Clothes

When I started exploring the right kind of dehumidifier in the UK for drying clothes, I realised not all models perform the same. After testing different units for weeks, I found that features like Laundry Mode and moisture extraction rate made the biggest difference. The “Laundry Mode” setting is essential—it boosts the fan speed and lowers humidity for around six hours, which helped me dry a full load of washing much faster without leaving that damp smell behind.

From my experience, the extraction rate is another key factor to check. A smaller flat or single-person household can manage with a 10–12L model, but in my home, a 20L dehumidifier worked far better for heavier laundry loads and humid conditions. It handled multiple racks of clothes efficiently while keeping the room comfortable.

The type of dehumidifier also matters. In warmer rooms, I preferred compressor dehumidifiers because they’re energy-efficient and perform well above 20°C. But in colder spaces like an unheated utility area, a desiccant dehumidifier worked better. It even released a bit of warm air, which helped clothes dry quicker and made the room feel cozier.

I also paid attention to energy efficiency since dehumidifiers often run for long hours. Models with automatic shut-off and low wattage helped reduce running costs noticeably. For convenience, I chose one with a large water tank (around 2L) so I didn’t need to empty it frequently, especially during overnight drying.

Noise level was another thing I couldn’t ignore. When running in a bedroom or living area, anything under 40dB felt quiet enough not to disturb sleep or TV time. And for easy movement, I found wheels and handles very useful for shifting the dehumidifier between rooms.

Overall, choosing the right dehumidifier for drying clothes in the UK depends on matching features to your space, temperature, and laundry habits.

Best Dehumidifier UK For Drying Clothes: Tried and Tested Models

Why you can trust Top Best Dehumidifier UK: Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

MeacoDry Arete Two

meacodry arete two dehumidifier uk for drying clothes

When I purchased the MeacoDry Arete Two Dehumidifier UK for drying clothes, I could immediately tell it was built with real attention to detail. After unboxing and using it for several weeks, I noticed how efficiently it handled laundry drying compared to any other unit I had tested before. The Smart Laundry Mode quickly became my favourite feature — it automatically adjusts the fan speed and directs warm, dry air towards the clothes, helping me dry a full rack of laundry within just a few hours. Even thicker fabrics like jeans and towels came out perfectly dry without that damp smell that usually lingers.

One thing that stood out for me was how cost-efficient this dehumidifier is. It runs at around 3 pence per hour, which is incredibly cheap compared to using a tumble dryer. For someone who dries laundry almost daily, that difference adds up to huge savings over time. It also operates surprisingly quietly, even on higher settings — I measured about 50dB in laundry mode, and it didn’t disturb me while watching TV or working in the same room.

view of our own new purchase testing meacodry arete two dehumidifier uk for drying clothes unboxing package arrival several weeks to months

Another big advantage I appreciated is that the MeacoDry Arete Two doubles as an air purifier. The built-in HEPA filter noticeably improved the air quality in my home, especially during damp weather. It felt like having two appliances in one — drying clothes efficiently while keeping the room fresh and clean.

Overall, my experience with the MeacoDry Arete Two Dehumidifier UK has been excellent. It’s reliable, quiet, and energy-efficient, making it one of the best dehumidifiers I’ve used for drying clothes indoors. For anyone tired of waiting days for laundry to dry or paying high tumble dryer costs, this model is absolutely worth considering.

Pro Breeze Dehumidifier (PB-08 / OmniDry models)

pro breeze dehumidifier (pb 08 omnidry models) dehumidifier uk for drying clothes

When I purchased the Pro Breeze Dehumidifier UK for drying clothes, I was genuinely impressed by how powerful and efficient it turned out to be. After unboxing and setting it up, I could immediately tell that this model was built for handling heavy laundry loads. The large 5.5-litre water tank was one of the biggest advantages — it allowed me to run the dehumidifier for long hours without worrying about frequent emptying. For someone who dries clothes indoors almost every day, that made a real difference in convenience.

The 20L extraction rate stood out the most. It easily managed to pull out excess moisture from thick fabrics like jeans, towels, and bed sheets within a few hours. Using its Laundry Mode, I could dry a full airer of clothes in roughly 6 to 10 hours, depending on the room temperature and load size. The oscillating grille helped spread warm air evenly across the laundry area, so everything dried uniformly without that musty smell.

view of our own new purchase testing pro breeze dehumidifier (pb 08 omnidry models) dehumidifier uk for drying clothes unboxing package arrival several weeks to months

What I also liked was the smart app control feature available on some Pro Breeze models, like the OmniDry version. I could adjust the humidity level and fan speed directly from my phone, which made it even more convenient during busy days. Despite being a compressor-type dehumidifier, it worked perfectly in my heated rooms and delivered great results in every test.

While there are quieter models out there, I didn’t find the sound too intrusive, especially during the day. The overall drying performance and energy efficiency completely outweighed that small detail for me.

In my experience, the Pro Breeze Dehumidifier UK for drying clothes offers outstanding value for money. It’s reliable, efficient, and ideal for anyone who wants faster indoor drying without the high cost of running a tumble dryer.

De’Longhi DEX212F / Tasciugo AriaDry Multi Small Dehumidifier For Drying Clothes UK

de’longhi dex212f tasciugo ariadry multi small dehumidifier for drying clothes uk

When I bought the De’Longhi DEX212F Tasciugo AriaDry Multi Dehumidifier for drying clothes in the UK, I was pleasantly surprised by how powerful it was. After unboxing it, I liked its modern and lightweight design, which made it easy to carry from room to room using the built-in handles. Despite being small, it performed exceptionally well in drying laundry indoors, especially during damp weather when clothes usually take forever to dry.

The laundry function really impressed me. It produced a steady flow of warm air that helped speed up evaporation, and I noticed my clothes dried faster and felt noticeably softer. What I liked most was that the laundry no longer had that musty smell that often comes from air drying indoors. The warm airflow also made the room feel more comfortable and fresh, which was a nice bonus during the colder months.

One of the standout features for me was how quiet this dehumidifier is. Even when it was running for long hours, I barely noticed any noise on its lowest settings. It’s perfect for small homes, flats, or bedrooms where noise can be distracting. The energy efficiency was another plus point — it didn’t feel like it consumed much power even after continuous use during laundry days.

Although the 2.1-litre water tank needs to be emptied more often during heavy laundry sessions, I found it easy to remove and clean, so it never felt like an issue. The drying performance easily made up for that small inconvenience.

Overall, my experience with the De’Longhi DEX212F / Tasciugo AriaDry Multi Dehumidifier UK for drying clothes has been very positive. It’s good, quiet, and effective — a perfect solution for quick, fresh, and efficient indoor laundry drying.

EcoAir DD1 Simple MK3

ecoair dd1 simple mk3 dehumidifier uk for drying clothes

When I purchased the EcoAir DD1 Simple MK3 Dehumidifier UK for drying clothes, I was mainly curious about how well it would work in colder rooms where most compressor dehumidifiers tend to struggle. After unboxing and using it for several weeks, I was genuinely impressed by how effectively it performed, even in my unheated utility room during winter. The desiccant technology is the real strength here — it works perfectly in low temperatures, even down to 1°C, and still manages to dry clothes quickly.

One thing I immediately liked was the warm air it releases while running. Not only did it help my clothes dry faster, but it also made the room feel a lot cozier, which is a nice touch in cold weather. I often used it to dry thick fabrics like towels and jeans, and it managed to do the job beautifully without leaving that damp smell behind. The Laundry Mode feature keeps the performance consistent and reliable, and I could easily trust it for overnight drying without worrying about humidity building up.

Its lightweight design, weighing around 6 kg, made it very easy to move between rooms — whether I needed it in the conservatory, garage, or bedroom. I also found it very simple to operate, with clearly labeled controls that didn’t require constant adjustments. Even the noise level was low enough to run comfortably in the background.

Although the 2-litre water tank fills up faster during heavy use, I didn’t mind emptying it because of how well the dehumidifier performed overall. The drying speed, warmth, and efficiency easily made it worth it.

In my experience, the EcoAir DD1 Simple MK3 Dehumidifier UK for drying clothes is one of the best choices for cold or unheated spaces — powerful, portable, and perfect for winter laundry days.

Russell Hobbs RHDH2002B Dehumidifier

russell hobbs rhdh2002b dehumidifier uk for drying clothes

When I bought the Russell Hobbs RHDH2002B Dehumidifier UK for drying clothes, I wasn’t expecting it to perform as well as the premium brands, but it completely surprised me. After unboxing and using it for a few weeks, I found it to be one of the most powerful and practical dehumidifiers for everyday laundry use. The high extraction capacity stood out immediately — it could easily handle large amounts of moisture in my living space while drying clothes much faster than normal air drying.

The specialized laundry mode worked impressively well. Within a few hours, most of my clothes felt dry to the touch, even heavier ones like hoodies or towels. I also noticed that the room stayed much fresher with no damp smell, which used to be common when hanging clothes indoors. For the price, the overall drying performance felt excellent, especially for bigger rooms or open areas where humidity builds up easily.

view of our own new purchase testing russell hobbs rhdh2002b dehumidifier uk for drying clothes unboxing package arrival several weeks to months

I appreciated the simple timer and auto shut-off features, which made it really easy to run the dehumidifier without worrying about overuse. The design felt straightforward and user-friendly — just plug it in, set the mode, and let it work. It did everything I needed without any complicated settings.

While it’s true that there are quieter and more energy-efficient models out there, I didn’t find the sound level distracting during the day. The solid performance and faster drying results made it worth every penny.

In my experience, the Russell Hobbs RHDH2002B Dehumidifier UK for drying clothes offers fantastic value for money. It’s reliable, strong, and ideal for families who want to speed up indoor drying without spending too much. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and effective dehumidifier for daily use.

How We Test

When we test and review the best dehumidifiers in the UK for drying clothes, we don’t just rely on manufacturer claims — we actually buy, unbox, and use each model for several weeks to understand how it performs in real home conditions. Every unit is tested in different settings, including bedrooms, living rooms, and laundry areas, to see how efficiently it handles moisture and laundry drying.

The first thing we check is drying efficiency. We hang a full load of wet laundry on a rack and measure how long it takes for the clothes to dry using the dehumidifier’s Laundry Mode or Continuous Mode. We note how evenly the clothes dry, whether thick fabrics like jeans or towels remain damp, and how much moisture is collected in the tank.

Next, we look at energy efficiency and running cost. Using a power meter, we record the hourly energy usage to estimate how economical each dehumidifier is compared to a tumble dryer. We also test noise levels with a decibel meter to make sure they’re comfortable for use in bedrooms or living spaces.

We pay close attention to design and portability — checking how easy it is to move between rooms, empty the tank, or connect a drainage hose. Models with smart features (like app control or auto shut-off) are tested for usability and reliability.

Finally, we monitor air quality and comfort. Some dehumidifiers double as air purifiers, so we assess how fresh the air feels after continuous use.

Our hands-on testing approach ensures that every recommendation on our list is based on genuine experience, not just specs. By the end of the process, we confidently highlight the models that deliver real results — faster laundry drying, cleaner air, and energy savings.

FAQ’s: Best Dehumidifier UK For Drying Clothes

  1. Can you use a dehumidifier to dry clothes in the UK?

    Yes. A dehumidifier can help dry clothes faster by removing excess moisture from the air. When moisture levels stay high, laundry dries slowly and can smell musty. Using a dehumidifier improves drying conditions, reduces dampness, and keeps your UK home feeling fresh.

  2. Are dehumidifiers effective for drying clothes?

    Yes. Most dehumidifiers are effective for drying clothes indoors. Even models with basic power, good ventilation, and a decent tank capacity can remove moisture from the air, helping laundry dry faster and preventing damp smells. It’s a reliable way to speed up indoor drying.

  3. What size dehumidifier is best for drying clothes?

    A dehumidifier with a 10–20L extraction rate suits most medium UK homes. Larger families or heavier laundry loads benefit from 20–25L models. Choose a big tank or continuous draining to avoid interruptions, and consider a desiccant unit or laundry mode for faster drying.

  4. How many hours for a dehumidifier to dry clothes?

    A dehumidifier usually dries clothes in about four to five hours. The exact time depends on how wet the clothes are and the room’s ventilation. Better airflow and lower moisture levels help speed up drying, making dehumidifiers a reliable option for indoor laundry.

  5. Is it cheaper to dry clothes with a dehumidifier or a tumble dryer?

    Drying clothes with a dehumidifier is much cheaper. A tumble dryer can cost over twice as much—around 258% more—for the same laundry load. Using a dehumidifier reduces energy use, lowers running costs, and saves money over time while still drying clothes effectively indoors.

  6. Where is the best place to put a dehumidifier to dry clothes?

    Place the dehumidifier in a small, closed room, around 4–6 feet from the clothes airer, with the vent facing the laundry. Keep doors and windows shut to trap dry air, and spread clothes evenly for better circulation and faster drying.

  7. Is a 12L dehumidifier enough for drying clothes?

    A 12L dehumidifier is usually enough for drying clothes in small to medium rooms like a utility or spare bedroom. For larger spaces or frequent laundry loads, a stronger 20L model dries clothes faster and more efficiently, making it better for bigger households.

  8. What setting should I put my dehumidifier on to dry clothes?

    Use the laundry mode if your dehumidifier has one. If not, set it to 30–40% humidity. Place the unit close to the clothes, keep doors and windows closed, and use gentle airflow for quicker drying. This helps remove moisture efficiently and speeds up indoor drying.

  9. Should you have a window open when using a dehumidifier to dry clothes?

    It’s best to keep windows closed when using a dehumidifier to dry clothes. Closing the room helps the dehumidifier remove humidity faster. While open windows improve airflow, they let moist air back in, slowing drying. A closed, warm space gives the quickest and safest results.

  10. Why is my dehumidifier not drying clothes?

    Your dehumidifier may not dry clothes if the room is too humid, the tank is full, or the settings are wrong. Use laundry mode, close the room, and place the unit near the clothes with good ventilation. Empty the tank often and keep filters clean for best performance.

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Alex – Product reviewer and content editor at Best Dehumidifier UK
Alex Testing Expert
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Alex spends hours testing different dehumidifiers in everyday home settings, paying close attention to moisture removal, design, and usability. His practical insights and honest feedback help readers choose models that truly fit their lifestyle and home needs.

Derek Hales – Senior reviewer at Best Dehumidifier UK
Derek

Derek brings years of expertise in home appliance testing, combining data-driven analysis with real-life use in UK homes. He focuses on air quality, build quality, and overall user comfort to help readers make confident, trustworthy buying decisions.

Danny Ashton – Lead tester at Best Dehumidifier UK
Danny

Danny has hands-on experience testing dehumidifiers in real British homes, focusing on performance, energy use, and noise levels. His goal is to help UK homeowners find the most reliable and efficient models backed by real testing and honest reviews.