Best Dehumidifier for Drying Clothes – 2025 Reviews

Size matters more than you might think when it comes to dehumidifiers for drying clothes. A unit that’s too small won’t make a dent in the humidity, while an oversized one wastes energy. For drying laundry in a typical room, look for at least 20-30 pints per day capacity. Larger spaces like basements may need 30+ pints. Remember, wet clothes release significant moisture into the air, so err on the larger side if you frequently dry multiple loads.

Not all dehumidifiers are created equal for laundry duty. Look for models with dedicated drying or laundry modes that optimize fan speed and humidity settings specifically for evaporating moisture from fabrics. These modes typically run at higher settings initially to tackle the initial moisture burst from wet clothes, then adjust to maintain ideal drying conditions. It’s the difference between generic dehumidification and targeted performance.

If you’re planning extended drying sessions, continuous drainage is a game-changer. Models with drain hose connections let you pipe water directly to a floor drain or sink, eliminating the need to constantly empty the collection tank. For occasional use, a larger tank capacity (2+ liters) means less frequent emptying. I’ve found that units with clear tanks and full indicators make maintenance much easier.

Since you’ll likely move the dehumidifier between your laundry area and other spaces, portability features are crucial. Look for built-in handles and smooth-rolling casters for easy movement. Also consider the unit’s footprint—compact designs fit better in cramped laundry rooms or closets. Remember, proper airflow around the dehumidifier maximizes efficiency, so avoid pushing it tight against walls or furniture.

If you’re drying clothes in living spaces or bedrooms, noise level becomes important. Many modern dehumidifiers operate at 30-50 decibels—quieter than most conversations. Look for specific quiet or sleep modes if noise sensitivity is a concern. I’ve been impressed by how some models barely whisper while still pulling impressive amounts of moisture from the air.

Dehumidifiers can run for hours, so energy efficiency matters for your electricity bill. Look for Energy Star certified models or units with adjustable humidity settings that automatically cycle on and off to maintain your desired level. The most efficient models use just 1-2 kWh per day—that’s comparable to running a standard light bulb for 10-20 hours.

Don’t overlook these quality-of-life features: digital humidity displays let you monitor progress, timers allow you to schedule operation around your routine, and washable filters reduce long-term maintenance costs. Auto-defrost functions prevent ice buildup in cooler temperatures, and child locks provide safety in households with little ones. These extras often separate good dehumidifiers from great ones.

A dehumidifier speeds up clothes drying by reducing the moisture content in the air, which allows evaporation to happen more efficiently. When you hang wet clothes, water evaporates into the surrounding air—but if the air is already humid, evaporation slows down dramatically. By actively removing that moisture, the dehumidifier creates a drier environment that pulls more water from your fabrics, cutting drying time significantly compared to just waiting for natural air circulation.

For a typical bedroom (around 150-300 square feet), a dehumidifier with 20-30 pints per day capacity usually works well. However, if you’re drying multiple loads or the room is particularly humid, you might want to size up. The key factor is how much moisture your wet clothes release—a full load can add several pints of water to the air. Look for models with coverage areas that match or slightly exceed your room size for best results.

While a dehumidifier won’t replace a traditional dryer for speed, it’s an excellent alternative for delicate items or when you want to save energy. It works particularly well for clothes that can’t withstand high heat or tumbling, like wool sweaters or certain synthetics. The process takes longer—usually several hours versus 30-60 minutes—but it’s gentler on fabrics and can actually help clothes last longer. Many people use them in combination with hanging racks for complete laundry solutions.

Most residential dehumidifiers use between 300-700 watts when running, which translates to roughly $0.05-$0.15 per hour depending on your electricity rates. The actual cost varies based on the model’s efficiency, how long it runs, and your local utility rates. Energy Star certified models typically use 15-30% less energy than standard units. For context, running a dehumidifier for 8 hours might cost about the same as running a desktop computer for the same period.

Position the dehumidifier close to your hanging laundry but with good airflow around it. Avoid placing it directly against walls or furniture—leave at least 6-12 inches of clearance on all sides. If you’re using it in a room with multiple hanging racks, central placement usually works best. Remember to keep windows and doors closed while the dehumidifier is running to prevent outside humid air from undermining its effectiveness.