How Long Does a Heated Airer Take to Dry Clothes? (Full UK Guide)

In the UK, where rainclouds seem to be a permanent fixture and heating costs are always a hot topic, finding the perfect way to dry clothes indoors is a must. Heated airers have become a favourite option, promising to dry clothes more quickly and cheaply than ever before.

But a key question remains: How long does a heated airer take to dry clothes?

In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore every aspect of heated airers — from how they work, to tips on drying your laundry faster, energy costs, real-life examples, and more. Whether you live in a cosy flat or a big family home, this guide will give you everything you need to know.

Contents

• What Is a Heated Airer?

• Why Use a Heated Airer?

• Factors That Affect Drying Time

• Average Drying Times

• Heated Airer With Cover vs Without

• How Heated Airers Compare to Other Drying Methods

• Tips for Drying Clothes Faster

• Best Way to Load a Heated Airer

• Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Energy Use and Running Costs

• Best Heated Airers on the UK Market (2025 Edition)

• Real User Experiences

• FAQs

• Final Thoughts

What Is a Heated Airer?

A heated airer — also known as an electric clothes airer or heated clothes horse — looks much like a traditional drying rack, but with one crucial difference: it generates heat through its bars or panels, speeding up the drying process.

Most models plug into a regular UK socket and gently warm up the rails. Clothes are placed directly on or over the bars, using the heat to encourage moisture to evaporate faster.

Popular brands you might recognise include:

• Lakeland Dry:Soon

• Minky

• Status

• Argos Home

• Addis

Some models are simple, flat racks; others are large tower versions, offering more drying space while staying compact when folded away.

Why Use a Heated Airer?

In Britain’s damp climate, drying clothes indoors is often unavoidable. Compared to tumble dryers, heated airers offer several clear advantages:

• Lower running costs (often just 5–10p an hour)

• No need for venting or worrying about moisture buildup (although a window cracked open helps)

• Gentler on clothes — no over-drying or shrinking

• Compact and easy to store

• Eco-friendly option with reduced energy use compared to dryers

For flats, small homes, or anyone trying to cut costs, they’re a brilliant solution.

Factors That Affect Drying Time

Drying times on heated airers can vary considerably depending on a few key factors:

1. Type of Fabric

• Lightweight fabrics like polyester, thin cotton, and synthetics dry faster.

• Heavy fabrics like denim, towels, and fleece take longer.

2. Size of the Load

• Overloading your airer with lots of clothes slows down drying dramatically.

• Clothes need space and airflow — avoid stacking or thick layers.

3. Room Temperature and Ventilation

• A warm, well-ventilated room speeds up drying.

• In a cold room, clothes will stay damp much longer even with heat.

4. Use of a Cover

• Covers trap heat and moisture around the clothes, speeding up evaporation.

• Without a cover, heat escapes into the room, extending drying time.

5. Power and Design of the Airer

• Higher wattage = hotter rails = faster drying.

• Tower models offer more drying surface but can be slower if overstuffed.

Average Drying Times

So, how long does it really take for clothes to dry on a heated airer? 

Quick Tip:
Drying lighter items first can create more space for heavier fabrics later.

Most people find that overnight drying (8–10 hours) leaves most laundry fully dry, especially when using a cover.

Heated Airer With Cover vs Without

Is it worth investing in a cover? In short: yes, absolutely.

A heated airer cover can:

• Halve drying times

• Trap warm air and reduce heat loss

• Keep clothes free from dust and pet hair

• Reduce energy costs by needing fewer hours of usage

Many people who try a heated airer without a cover initially end up buying one later because of the dramatic difference it makes.

If you don’t have a dedicated cover, improvise by draping a lightweight clean sheet over the airer, ensuring enough airflow to avoid condensation.

How Heated Airers Compare to Other Drying Methods

Heated airers hit a sweet spot: faster than natural drying, cheaper and gentler than tumble dryers.

Tips for Drying Clothes Faster

Want to turbocharge your drying time? Here’s how:

1. Spin clothes well in the washing machine (at least 1200–1400 rpm).

2. Use a dehumidifier nearby to pull moisture out of the air.

3. Open a window slightly to allow moisture to escape.

4. Spread clothes out — no overlapping!

5. Use thin hangers to hang shirts or trousers inside the airer space.

6. Rotate clothes halfway through drying for even results.

7. Dry small loads when possible instead of overcrowding.

Best Way to Load a Heated Airer

Loading technique matters!
Here's the best way to do it:

• Lay clothes flat across bars whenever possible.

• Hang longer items vertically to maximise space.

• Prioritise thin fabrics towards the centre (hottest part) and heavier items outside.

• Keep gaps between garments so warm air can circulate.

Think of it like packing a picnic: neatly spaced items dry quicker and better!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Drying clothes indoors isn’t always straightforward. Common pitfalls include:

• Overloading the airer — slows everything down.

• Blocking ventilation — traps moisture and creates dampness.

• Using too thick of a DIY cover — stops airflow completely.

• Not spinning laundry enough beforehand — clothes are soaked from the start.

Avoid these, and you’ll get much better results.

Energy Use and Running Costs

One of the main attractions of a heated airer is its low cost to run.

Typical costs:

• Average power: 200W–300W

• Running cost: around 5–10p per hour, depending on electricity rates.

Example:

• 8 hours of drying at 10p/hour = 80p total.

• Compare that to tumble dryers, which can cost £1.50–£2.00 per cycle.

Over winter months, this saving adds up massively — especially for large families or anyone drying clothes several times a week.

Best Heated Airers on the UK Market (2025 Edition)

Here’s a look at some of the best heated airers available right now:

1. Lakeland Dry:Soon Deluxe 3-Tier Heated Airer

• Capacity: 21m drying space

• Power: 300W

• Price: £179.99

• Highlights: Optional cover, folding shelves, 24-hour timer

2. Minky Wing Heated Airer

• Capacity: 12m drying space

• Power: 230W

• Price: £89.99

• Highlights: Great for smaller homes, simple design

3. Argos Home 3-Tier Heated Airer

• Capacity: 21m drying space

• Power: 300W

• Price: £100–£120

• Highlights: Affordable, reliable performance

4. Addis Dryfast Heated Airer

• Capacity: 18m drying space

• Power: 250W

• Price: £120

• Highlights: Foldable wings, quick heat-up time

Choosing the right airer depends on your home size, storage space, and how often you’ll use it.

Real User Experiences

Laura, Manchester:
"Before I got my heated airer, I dreaded laundry day in winter. Now I pop a load on at 6pm, it's dry by the morning. Best £100 I've spent!"

Raj, London:
"Tip: always use a cover. At first, my airer took forever. With the cover, it's so much quicker and my flat stays less damp."

Ellie, Bristol:
"I use a dehumidifier alongside my airer, and together they dry even my thick towels overnight. Game-changer!"

FAQs

Q: Can I leave a heated airer on overnight?
A: Yes, if the model is designed for safe long-term use. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Q: Will it make my room damp?
A: It can, but cracking a window or using a dehumidifier prevents this easily.

Q: Are heated airers expensive to run?
A: No — much cheaper than tumble dryers. Expect 5–10p an hour depending on your model and tariff.

Q: Do I need a special socket or installation?
A: No. Heated airers plug into any normal UK plug socket.

Q: Is it worth getting a model with a timer?
A: If you plan to run it overnight or while out, a timer is a brilliant safety feature.

Final Thoughts

In the great British battle against damp laundry, heated airers are a brilliant solution. They’re:

• Affordable

• Energy-efficient

• Compact

• Kind to clothes

Drying times typically range between 3 and 12 hours, depending on fabric type, room conditions, and whether you use a cover. With a little preparation and the right techniques, you can easily dry a full load overnight without racking up a huge energy bill.

If you haven’t yet invested in one — or if you’re thinking of upgrading — now’s the perfect time. Your laundry (and your wallet) will thank you.

Thanks for reading — here’s to cosy, dry clothes all year round! 🌧️🧺✨