Is a Dehumidifier or Heated Airer Better for Drying Clothes?

Drying clothes indoors is a necessity in many households, particularly during colder months or in urban settings where outdoor space is limited. Two popular options for indoor drying are dehumidifiers and heated airers. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one depends on a variety of factors including energy consumption, drying speed, cost, space, and your home’s ventilation.

In this article, we’ll explore these two options in depth to help you make an informed choice. We’ll compare how they work, how effective they are, their impact on indoor air quality and energy bills, and practical considerations for everyday use.

1. Understanding How Each Appliance Works

Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier is an appliance that removes moisture from the air. It works by drawing in air, cooling it to condense moisture into water, and then reheating and expelling the dry air back into the room. This reduces overall humidity, allowing clothes hung indoors to dry more quickly and reducing the risk of mould growth.

There are two main types of dehumidifiers:

• Refrigerant (compressor-based) – Better in warmer rooms; they cool the air to remove moisture.

• Desiccant – Use a moisture-absorbing material and work better in cooler temperatures.

Heated Airer

A heated airer is essentially a clothes drying rack with built-in heating elements. These elements warm the bars of the rack (and sometimes the surrounding air), helping to dry clothes more quickly than air-drying alone. Some models come with a cover to retain heat and speed up drying.

2. Drying Speed and Efficiency

Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers indirectly dry clothes. They work best in a small or closed room where humidity can be effectively reduced. If you place your clothes on a drying rack and run a dehumidifier nearby, it can dry an average load in 4–6 hours, depending on room temperature, humidity, and fabric type.

Pros:

• Consistent drying without applying heat directly to clothes.

• Can dry multiple loads throughout the day in a dedicated drying room.

Cons:

• Slower than a tumble dryer or some heated airers.

• Needs an enclosed space for best results.

Heated Airer

Heated airers directly apply warmth to the clothes. Some premium models with covers can dry clothes in 2–5 hours, depending on load size and ambient temperature. They are generally faster than using a dehumidifier alone, especially in well-ventilated spaces.

Pros:

• Direct heat speeds up drying.

• Can be folded and stored easily.

Cons:

• Can result in uneven drying if clothes are stacked too closely.

• Risk of overheating or damaging delicate fabrics with prolonged use.

3. Energy Efficiency and Cost

Energy Consumption

• Dehumidifiers (depending on size and type) typically consume 200–600 watts per hour.

• Heated airers use around 200–300 watts, but some models can go up to 1,000 watts if they include fans or heated chambers.

In terms of cost per drying session:

• A dehumidifier may cost around £0.10–£0.20 per hour (based on average UK electricity prices).

• A heated airer may cost £0.07–£0.30 per hour, depending on model and usage time.

Winner: Dehumidifier for long-term cost efficiency, especially if you already use it to manage humidity.

4. Impact on Indoor Air Quality

Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers improve indoor air quality by:

• Reducing humidity levels.

• Preventing condensation and mould growth.

• Making indoor spaces feel fresher and more comfortable.

They are especially useful in poorly ventilated homes or during winter when windows are kept shut.

Heated Airer

Heated airers increase indoor humidity unless used in well-ventilated rooms or with a dehumidifier. Drying clothes indoors without proper ventilation can cause:

• Mould growth on walls and ceilings.

• Increased dust mites.

• Musty smells.

Winner: Dehumidifier, unless paired with adequate ventilation or an extractor fan.

5. Practical Considerations

Space

• Dehumidifier: Compact and can be used in a bathroom, laundry room, or closet. Some models are portable and come with wheels.

• Heated Airer: Typically large when in use, but can be folded and stored away. You need enough space to open and use it safely.

Safety

• Heated airers can pose a burn risk if touched while hot, especially for children or pets.

• Dehumidifiers are generally safer, though they should be kept away from direct contact with water or spills.

Maintenance

• Dehumidifiers need occasional filter cleaning and emptying the water tank (unless they have a drainage hose).

• Heated airers require minimal maintenance—just a wipe-down now and then.

Portability

• Most dehumidifiers are portable, but heavier.

• Heated airers are often lighter and collapsible.

6. Suitability by Household Type

Small Flats or Apartments

• A dehumidifier is more versatile—it improves air quality and dries clothes without needing much space.

• Heated airers may feel bulky in small spaces unless they are wall-mounted or mini versions.

Large Homes with Utility Rooms

• Both appliances can work well here.

• Consider using both: a heated airer for faster drying and a dehumidifier to manage humidity.

Families with Lots of Laundry

• A combination of both may be ideal.

• You can dry one load on the heated airer while the dehumidifier reduces the moisture load in the room.

7. Environmental Considerations

Energy Usage

• Heated airers can be more energy-intensive if used inefficiently or with bulky loads.

• Dehumidifiers, when run continuously, may be more energy-efficient long-term, especially desiccant models that work better in cooler conditions.

Emissions

• Both appliances contribute to carbon footprint through electricity usage.

• Using either appliance off-peak, during renewable energy-heavy hours, can help reduce emissions.

8. Product Lifespan and Investment

• Dehumidifiers often last 5–10 years, depending on usage and quality.

• Heated airers tend to last 2–5 years, particularly if not overused or overloaded.

Initial cost:

• Dehumidifier: £120–£300+

• Heated airer: £40–£150+

9. Final Verdict

Best for:

• Dehumidifier: If you want a dual-purpose appliance that improves air quality and slowly dries clothes without damaging them.

• Heated Airer: If you need fast drying, have limited laundry, and can ventilate the room.

Best Option Overall:

For most households, a combination of both is ideal. Use a heated airer for speed and a dehumidifier to control humidity and improve drying efficiency — especially in colder, damper climates.

10. Tips for Optimal Indoor Drying

1. Use both a heated airer and dehumidifier for best results.

2. Don’t overload the airer — air needs to circulate around clothes.

3. Close the door to keep humidity contained if using a dehumidifier.

4. Open a window or use an extractor fan if not using a dehumidifier.

5. Rotate clothes halfway through drying to ensure even results.

6. Use covers on heated airers to retain warmth and speed drying.

7. Empty the dehumidifier tank regularly to maintain efficiency.

Conclusion

The decision between a dehumidifier and a heated airer boils down to your lifestyle, climate, space, and budget. While both serve the same end goal, their methods and side benefits differ significantly. If air quality and long-term efficiency matter most, go with a dehumidifier. If speed and convenience are key, a heated airer may suit you better.

Ultimately, combining both could give you the best of both worlds — dry clothes and a healthier home.