Is your dryer broken, or are you wondering about a method to dry your clothes? How about your dehumidifier? Do you want to know how to dry clothes with a dehumidifier? Look no more as we are bringing you a valuable and comprehensive article on drying clothes using a dehumidifier. Let’s get going!
Can a Dehumidifier Dry Clothes?
Yes, indeed. This is especially true if you are living in humid or damp conditions. Let us explain the mechanism of a dehumidifier, which you can use to your advantage to dry your clothes.
A dehumidifier absorbs moisture from the environment and objects and releases dry air back. This will be the same mechanism you can use to dry clothes. Simply, a dehumidifier will absorb the moisture from your clothes, and in return, the wet clothes will get dry air to speed up the drying process.
However, you have to understand that a dehumidifier cannot replace a dryer or do the work as efficiently as a dryer would do, but it can help you, particularly for drying clothes indoors in rainy and humid conditions.
There are some important tips to remember when using a dehumidifier to dry wet clothes, which we will cover later in the article. So, keep scrolling!
How to Dry Clothes Using a Dehumidifier?
Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to use your dehumidifier to dry clothes.
1st Step
When using a dehumidifier to dry clothes, preparation plays a crucial role. You must wring the excess water out of clothes as much as possible before anything. In addition, not all fabric types will benefit from using a dehumidifier in terms of drying. Lighter fabrics, such as cotton and linen, are tailor-made for the task.
2nd Step
The size of the dehumidifier is also an important factor. We will explain this in the next section of the article. However, for drying clothes, having a bigger dehumidifier will definitely help your course.
Moreover, before using the dehumidifier, it is essential to place it in a well-ventilated area. Also, there should be enough space around the machine for air circulation.
3rd Step
It would be best if you hang clothes on hangers near the dehumidifier and leave sufficient space between clothes for air circulation. Overcrowding or keeping clothes too close to each other will hinder the efficiency of the process.
4th Step
Once you complete the above-mentioned three steps, you can turn on the dehumidifier and start the drying process.
Now, set the dehumidifier to a moderate humidity setting because a lower humidity setting is ideal for a quick drying time (around 30-40%).
You should occasionally monitor the process and change the sides of the clothes to speed up the process.
What Factors Impact the Drying Process When Using A Dehumidifier to Dry Clothes?
There are several factors that influence the drying process when using a dehumidifier to dry clothes indoors. Let us explain them in detail.
Humidity Level
The humidity level in the room where you dry clothes has a direct impact on the time it takes to dry clothes. In addition, the capacity of the machine also has a big say in it. If you are using a high-capacity machine, which is measured in pints per day, it determines how much moisture it can extract from the clothes.
Room Temperature
Warmer temperatures are ideal for the job, as humidifiers tend to work efficiently in warmer conditions. In addition, you have to make sure there is good air circulation around the clothes and room.
Further, the weather conditions outside are also a factor. If it is a rainy and humid day, the time the humidifier takes to dry clothes can be longer.
Dehumidifier Settings
As we mentioned earlier, using lower dehumidifier settings will minimize the time needed to accomplish the process. Some dehumidifiers come with fans, and if your machine has one, you can increase the fan speed to speed up the drying.
Fabric Type
Different fabrics dry at varying rates. Wool or denim fabrics take more time to dry compared to linen or cotton clothes. Meanwhile, as we explained, overcrowding clothes is something you should not do as it hinders air circulation.
Ventilation in the Room
Proper room ventilation helps remove humid air. So, open the windows if possible to aid in expelling moisture from the air.
What Size Is a Dehumidifier Ideal for Drying Clothes?
Here is a general guideline you can follow to determine the size of the dehumidifier you need for the task.
If you are drying clothes in a small room up to 500 sq ft, a compact dehumidifier with a capacity of around 30-40 pints per day may be sufficient for the occasional drying of smaller loads of clothes.
If you are drying clothes in a medium to large room up to 500-1,500 sq ft, we recommend opting for a medium-capacity dehumidifier (around 50-70 pints per day). This type of machine will be enough to handle larger volumes of laundry and higher humidity levels effectively.
If you are drying clothes in high humidity conditions or have large loads of loads frequently consider a large-capacity dehumidifier (70+ pints per day) for optimal performance.
Is Drying Clothes Using a Dehumidifier an Energy-Saving Option?
Well, when compared to traditional dryers, using a dehumidifier to dry clothes can be an energy-saving option as modern-day dehumidifiers use less energy. Dryers usually generate heat inside the machines to dry the clothes, and dehumidifiers, on the other hand, absorb moisture from the clothes.
This mechanism makes dehumidifiers an energy-saving option. However, using a dehumidifier for drying clothes is something that you should do with a plan in terms of saving energy.
Pros and Cons of Drying Clothes Using a Dehumidifier
Pros
- Convenience of indoors
- Energy saving compared to traditional dryers
- Preserves clothes as it doesn’t involve a high heating mechanism
- Control over drying conditions
Cons
- If you don’t have a dehumidifier already, initial investment can be significant
- Takes longer drying times compared to dryers
- Less effective in very dry climates
- Can hinder the longevity of the dehumidifier
Adam Voges is a seasoned expert with 11 years of experience in the heating and cooling industry. His deep understanding of HVAC systems and cutting-edge home climate technologies makes him a trusted authority on maintaining comfortable and energy-efficient homes. Adam’s blog discusses the latest innovations, best practices, and troubleshooting tips for heating and cooling devices, helping homeowners make informed decisions about their indoor climate control. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your system, optimize energy usage, or solve common HVAC issues, Adam’s insights are invaluable. His passion for sustainable living and his commitment to enhancing home comfort shine through in every article he writes.
