Save Money on Laundry with Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers offer a cheaper alternative to tumble dryers, using less electricity and providing added health benefits. Experts recommend models with laundry modes for efficient indoor drying. The article reviews top units and explains cost savings.
By Felo News Desk · Published
When the energy bill climbs, many households are looking for simple ways to trim their monthly costs. One often overlooked switch is swapping a tumble dryer for a dehumidifier. By extracting moisture from the air instead of heating it, a dehumidifier can dry clothes in a fraction of the time and at a lower electricity rate.
Why Dehumidifiers Are a Smart Choice
Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, has long warned that tumble dryers are “demon appliances” that burn through electricity. A typical dryer can cost up to £1 per hour, while a 200‑watt dehumidifier runs for about 6p per hour at the current January 2026 rate of 28p per kilowatt‑hour. The difference adds up quickly: a single day of drying can save more than £10, and a year of use can cut the laundry budget by several hundred pounds.
Beyond the cost, dehumidifiers also improve indoor air quality. By pulling moisture out of the room, they reduce the risk of mould, damp smells, and allergy triggers. Many models come with HEPA filters that trap dust, pollen, and other irritants, making them a dual‑purpose appliance for homes that struggle with condensation.
How Dehumidifiers Dry Clothes
Unlike a dryer that heats the air, a dehumidifier pulls humidity from the surrounding environment. The moisture condenses on a cold surface inside the unit, which is then collected in a reservoir or drained automatically. When a dedicated laundry mode is enabled, the appliance increases airflow and dehumidification rates, allowing garments to dry in roughly six hours—much faster than hanging them outside on a cloudy day.
Energy efficiency varies by model. The most efficient units can use less than 10p per hour. Some high‑capacity machines can extract up to 20 litres of water in 24 hours, making them suitable for large rooms or homes with persistent humidity problems.
Top Picks for Laundry‑Friendly Dehumidifiers
- Dryzone 12L Dehumidifier – Priced at £149.99, this compact unit features a laundry mode that speeds indoor drying to about six hours. It also includes a H13 HEPA filter that removes dust, pollen, and other airborne irritants. The appliance is praised for its low running cost, at roughly 4p per hour, and its energy‑efficient performance for its size.
- Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier – At £279.99, the Duux Bora can remove up to 20 litres of water in 24 hours, ideal for larger rooms. It offers a smart app for remote control, a carbon‑fibre filter that improves air freshness, and a self‑cleaning function. Its laundry mode delivers fast drying times, and the unit automatically shuts off when the desired humidity level is reached.
- MeacoDry Arete 20L Dual Dehumidifier/Air Purifier – This £259.99 model combines dehumidification with air purification. It operates quietly, can be controlled via the Meaco app or Alexa, and runs at only 3p per hour. The laundry mode ensures garments dry quickly without lingering dampness.
How to Choose the Right Model for Your Home
When selecting a dehumidifier, consider the room size, typical humidity levels, and your laundry habits. A 12‑litre unit is sufficient for a small bedroom or a single‑room apartment, while a 20‑litre model is better suited to a living room or a multi‑room house. Look for features such as auto‑shut‑off, a built‑in timer, and an easy‑to‑empty reservoir. If you have allergies or asthma, a HEPA filter can provide an extra layer of protection.
Installation is straightforward: place the unit on a flat surface, connect the power cord, and position it near the laundry area. If you opt for a model with a drain hose, you can set it to drain automatically into a sink or floor drain, eliminating the need to manually empty the reservoir.
What Happens Next?
As more households adopt dehumidifiers, the cumulative savings on energy bills could be significant. Homeowners who already struggle with damp or mould may find that a dehumidifier not only saves money but also improves living conditions. For those who still prefer the convenience of a tumble dryer, using a dehumidifier for a portion of the laundry load can reduce overall energy consumption.
Future developments may bring even more efficient models, with lower power consumption and smarter integration with home automation systems. For now, the best dehumidifiers on the market offer a reliable, cost‑effective way to keep clothes dry and homes healthier.
Key facts
- Dehumidifiers cost less to run than tumble dryers
- They improve indoor air quality and reduce mould
- Top models feature laundry modes and HEPA filters
- Energy savings can add up to hundreds of pounds a year
Why it matters
Switching to a dehumidifier can reduce energy bills, lower household carbon footprints, and improve indoor air quality—benefits that matter to both wallets and health.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dehumidifier replace a tumble dryer entirely?
While a dehumidifier can dry most garments, it may take longer for bulky items like towels or blankets. For heavy loads, a tumble dryer might still be necessary.
Do dehumidifiers need to be cleaned regularly?
Yes, the water reservoir should be emptied daily, and the filter should be cleaned or replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Will a dehumidifier increase my electricity bill?
No, dehumidifiers use significantly less power than tumble dryers, so they typically lower overall household energy consumption.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Martin Lewis recommends dehumidifiers for drying clothes”
