Dehumidifier vs tumble dryer — what’s the best way to dry your laundry?

Let’s face it, the only thing worse than accumulating piles of dirty laundry is the eye-watering cost of energy bills. And during winter, you can’t count on a bit of sunshine to air-dry clothes outside. So, how do you choose between a dehumidifier vs tumble dryer for this thankless task?

If you’re aiming to balance efficiency and cost, it’s worth looking into the best dehumidifiers on the market. These devices don’t just dry clothes – they also reduce moisture in the air, helping to prevent mould and mildew, making them a smart choice for the health of your home and laundry alike.

That said, the latest tumble dryers feature cutting-edge technology and are far more energy-efficient than older models, making them a strong contender for those who value speed on laundry day. Below, we break down both options to help you decide which is best for your home, your laundry, and your budget.

Dehumidifier vs Tumble Dryer

When it comes to drying clothes, both dehumidifiers and tumble dryers have their advantages. To help you make the right choice, we consulted a dehumidifier expert and a tumble dryer specialist to examine which appliance if best suited to your home and lifestyle needs.

How does each machine dry clothes?

How do tumble dryers dry laundry?

A tumble dryer dries clothes by using heat and motion, circulating warm air through the drum to evaporate moisture as the clothes are gently tumbled. Depending on your needs, you can choose between condenser vs heat pump tumble dryers.

A condenser tumble dryer work by heating air and blowing it through the drum, collecting moisture in a reservoir or draining it away after passing through a heat exchanger. On the other hand, heat pump tumble dryers recycle warm air to dry clothes at lower temperatures, offering a gentler and more energy-efficient approach. While heat pump models may take longer to dry a load compared to their condensing counterparts, they significantly reduce energy consumption and help extend the life of delicate fabrics.

How do dehumidifiers dry laundry?

A dehumidifier dries laundry by drawing in moisture from the surrounding air. This process, although slower than a tumble dryer, is gentler on fabrics, and doesn’t require any heat. Clothes dry gradually as moisture is removed from the air, often leaving fabrics in better condition. Dehumidifiers can also simultaneously help prevent mould and mildew in the home by reducing humidity levels during the drying process.

Comparing Appliances

Upfront Costs

Tumble dryers can vary widely in price, with basic condenser models starting at around £200 to £300. More advanced, energy-efficient models with features like heat pump technology can range from £500 to £1,000 or more. While tumble dryers are generally reliable, repairs for key components like motors or heating elements can also be costly, typically ranging from £80 to £200 depending on the issue and the model. Most tumble dryers come with a standard one- to two-year warranty, but extended warranties may be available for an additional fee. With regular maintenance, a good-quality tumble dryer can last anywhere from 8 to 12 years.

In contrast, dehumidifiers are generally the more affordable option upfront, with quality units priced from around £150 to £400, depending on capacity and additional features like air purification. Repairs for dehumidifiers tend to be less common but they are often more affordable than those for tumble dryers, usually ranging from £50 to £150 for issues such as fan replacements or motor servicing. Most dehumidifiers come with a one- to two-year warranty, but higher-end models might offer extended coverage. With regular dehumidifier maintenance, you can expect a unit to last between 5 and 10 years.

Which is best? Dehumidifiers generally have a lower purchase cost and simpler maintenance needs, making them the budget-friendly choice.

Speed & efficiency

Tumble dryers are undoubtedly the fastest way to dry your clothes, with most cycles lasting under an hour. For busy households with a high laundry load, the speed of a tumble dryer can be a significant advantage, especially in colder months when line drying isn’t feasible.

Penny Bellis, product marketing manager at Haier Europe, also notes, "Tumble dryers are ideal for drying bulky items like bedding and they cause less mess and disruption in the house, with clothes hanging around on clothes racks or radiators." This convenience adds to their appeal, as they can streamline the drying process.

In contrast, dehumidifiers take much longer to dry clothes, usually a few hours, depending on room conditions. They’re best suited for homes where time isn’t the primary factor, and there’s space to spread out laundry.

Which is best? For quick, efficient drying, especially in busy households, tumble dryers win hands down. They can dry a load of laundry in less than an hour.

Running costs & energy consumption

While convenient, tumble dryers generally have higher running costs and energy usage compared with dehumidifiers, making them less budget-friendly for frequent use. Even with “eco” settings, they can push up your electricity bills. But as Penny Bellis from Haier Europe points out, “Modern heat pump dryers offer reduced energy costs compared to traditional condenser and vented tumble dryers, saving you money and helping to reduce the impact on the environment.”

"Using a dehumidifier instead of a tumble dryer to dry clothes can be an excellent choice if your focus is on saving energy," explains Chris Michael, managing director of Meaco. "Dehumidifiers are significantly more energy-efficient, costing far less to operate than tumble dryers. For example, the MeacoDry Arete One 10L (available at John Lewis) operates at just 3p per hour (based on a 24.5p/kWh rate), and it typically takes around six hours to dry a load of laundry, amounting to a mere 18p per load. In contrast, a single tumble dryer cycle can cost between £1 and £2."

"For households that wash clothes daily, switching to a dehumidifier could lead to annual savings of approximately £664.30," says Chris Michael. "This calculation assumes an annual dehumidifier cost of £65.70 (0.18 x 365 days) versus a tumble dryer cost of £730 (2 x 365 days), resulting in substantial savings in both energy usage and cost."

Which is best? Dehumidifiers use less energy, making them the go-to choice for cost and eco-conscious households.

Chris Michael

Chris Michael, founder and managing director of Meaco, has over 30 years of experience in the air treatment sector. Meaco's extensive product line is available in more than 20 countries, including regions across Europe, North America, and South Africa.

Impact on Clothes

Tumble dryers can sometimes cause wear and tear on clothes and bedding, especially fabrics like cotton and synthetics. However, modern heat pump dryers come with lower-heat settings and moisture sensors that can help minimise this impact. Penny Bellis from Haier Europe shares, “Heat pump tumble dryers evenly dry clothes – something that's not always achievable when using a clothes rack or radiator. At a lower temperatures, they can also relax the fibres in garments, so you’re left with softer towels and fewer creases."

That being said, dehumidifiers are overall much gentler on clothes, preventing issues like damage, fading, and shrinkage. “Dehumidifiers are especially ideal for delicate fabrics like wool or silk, which can struggle in a high-heat environment,” explains Chris Michael from Meaco.

Which is best? A heat pump tumble dryer is gentle enough for regular use, depending on the model. However, dehumidifiers are generally kinder to fabrics and cause less wear over time.

Space considerations

Tumble dryers usually require a bit of extra room to work efficiently. For instance, vented models will need to be positioned near a window or external wall for the hot air to be directed outside, while ventless dryers still benefit from some space around them to allow airflow. Because of this, tumble dryers are best suited to homes with a dedicated laundry or utility rooms.

In contrast, dehumidifiers offer much greater flexibility, as they tend to be compact and don’t require any special venting. They are particularly convenient for apartments or smaller spaces and can be used in almost any room. Since residential dehumidifiers are also portable, you can carry or wheel them around your home as needed.

Which is best? This depends on the size of your home. With a compact build and no need for venting, dehumidifiers are ideal for apartments or rooms with limited space. For larger family homes, a tumble dryer may be the smart choice.

Noise levels

Tumble dryers can be noisy, particularly during high-speed drying cycles, and while many modern units now offer “quiet” modes or lower decibel ratings, these settings may still produce noticeable noise, especially in an open-plan layout.

What's more, high-capacity dryers can produce a distinctive hum or vibration that carries throughout the home, potentially disrupting quieter spaces. For households sensitive to noise, you may need to locate a tumble dryer in a designated laundry room to help minimise this disruption.

Dehumidifiers, by contrast, operate at lower decibel levels and can run in the background without drawing much attention. This makes them a better fit for use in bedrooms, living rooms, or shared spaces. Even when used continuously, the sound of a dehumidifier is more akin to a light fan, making it far less intrusive than a tumble dryer.

Which is best? Dehumidifiers are quieter than tumble dryers, making them more suitable for homes where noise levels are a concern.

FAQs

What other advantages are there to a tumble dryer?

Modern heat pump tumble dryers offer more than just fast drying times. According to Penny Bellis from Haier Europe, the latest models often come with an 'allergy care' option, which helps remove allergens from fabrics. This can provide an extra level of comfort and cleanliness that air-drying or using a dehumidifier may not be able to achieve.

What other advantages are there to a dehumidifier?

As Chris Michael from Meaco points out, "Dehumidifiers are not only a cost-effective and gentler way to dry clothes, but they also offer extra benefits, such as preventing moisture-related issues like dampness and mould, and reducing condensation throughout the home."

Opting for a combined dehumidifier and air purifier setup means you’ll also enjoy cleaner air, free of dust, allergens, and other particles, adding even more value for your money.

What is the best setup for drying clothes with a dehumidifier?

If you choose to opt for a dehumidifier over a tumble dryer to do your laundry, Chris Michael, Managing Director of Meaco, has some top tips for perfecting this setup:

1. Pre-spin the laundry: Before removing clothes from the washing machine, run an extra spin cycle to eliminate as much excess water as possible.

2. Use a small, enclosed room: Hang your clothes on a drying rack (such as this steel foldable drying rack from Wayfair) in a small room, as this confines moisture to one area, making the dehumidifier more efficient. Keep all windows and doors to the room closed to prevent moisture from entering from other rooms or outdoors.

3. Properly arrange clothes: Arrange clothes on the drying rack with space between each item. Avoid overlapping items, as this can slow down the drying process.

4. Position the dehumidifier strategically: Place the dehumidifier near (but not directly under) the drying rack to ensure that water droplets don’t fall into it. If your dehumidifier has adjustable louvres, direct the airflow toward the clothes for faster drying.

5. Select the optimal mode: If your dehumidifier has a Laundry Mode, use it. Otherwise, set the dehumidifier to Continuous (“CO”) mode to maintain consistent moisture extraction.

6. Add an air circulator for faster results: For even faster drying, use an air circulator fan, like the MeacoFan Sefte Air Circulator from Amazon, to promote airflow and help dry the clothes more quickly by moving the dehumidified air evenly around the room.

Once you've chosen between a dehumidifier and a tumble dryer for your laundry needs, exploring some utility room ideas can help you design your space efficiently and make doing laundry a breeze.