The Ultimated Guide to Best Dehumidifier for Drying Clothes in 2025

NOV 29, 2025

712 views, 5 mins read

If you live somewhere rainy, humid, or just don’t have access to a tumble dryer — you know how frustrating indoor laundry drying can be. Clothes hang around damp for days and your room feels humid, musty, and uncomfortable.

That’s where a dehumidifier for drying clothes becomes a genuine lifesaver. By removing moisture from the air and promoting evaporation, it can turn a wet laundry day into something quick and manageable — without guzzling energy like a traditional dryer. Let’s dive into how well it works, how to pick the best one in Australia, and how to get the most out of it.

In this article

1. Can a Dehumidifier Effectively Dry Clothes? 2.The Best Dehumidifier for Drying Clothes Australia 3. How to Use a Dehumidifier for Dry Clothes? 4. FAQs about Dehumidifier to Dry Clothes

Can a Dehumidifier Effectively Dry Clothes?

Yes — under the right conditions, a dehumidifier can absolutely help dry clothes indoors. According to the makers of home appliances like Mitsubishi Electric, using a dehumidifier with a “Laundry Mode” can allow clothes to dry faster than simple air-drying inside a room.

Here’s how it works: the unit pulls moist air from the room, passes it through cold coils (or a desiccant) so water condenses out, collects the water, and then re-releases drier (and often slightly warmer) air. That dry air helps water evaporate from your wet clothes faster than if they were hanging in a humid environment.

But — heads up — a dehumidifier won’t match the raw speed of a tumble dryer. Some loads may still take several hours to dry completely, especially heavier fabrics like jeans or thick towels.

Still, many people find the trade-off worthwhile: gentler on clothes, more energy efficient than a standard dryer, and often more reliable than waiting for good weather.

The Pros and Cons of Using a Dehumidifier for Drying Clothes

Pros

Removes moisture from air so clothes can dry indoors without mildew risk.
Gentler drying extends garment life (less shrinkage or heat damage) than heated tumble dryers.
More energy-efficient than many electric dryers.

Cons

Slower drying — may take 2-5 hours or more, or even a full day depending on humidity, air flow, and load size.
Larger loads or heavy fabrics (denim, towels, thick cotton) dry more slowly.
Requires a reasonably enclosed space (closed room, minimal external humidity) and enough air circulation.

The Best Dehumidifier for Drying Clothes Australia

If you’re in Australia and searching for a dehumidifier for drying clothes, you’ll want strong moisture removal, quiet operation, and a reliable dry mode. The Newentor Dehumidifier ticks every box. It provides 25L/24H dehumidification and covers up to 80m², making it ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, and mould-prone areas — and it includes a dedicated Dry Mode for faster indoor laundry drying.

Powered by a De’Longhi x Newentor high-efficiency compressor, it delivers powerful moisture extraction while remaining energy-saving. The unit also features a humanized design with a retractable handle and 360° swivel wheels for easy movement around the house. With triple noise reduction and a washable air filter, it runs quietly, cleans the air, and keeps your home fresher while drying clothes efficiently.

Newentor Portable Dehumidifier

$368.00 $920.00 Save $552.00

In stock, delivery in 3-5 days

Quantity

Powerful Dehumidification With Brilliant Energy Saving.
Small Air Dehumidifier for Mould, Bedroom, and Drying Clothes.
3-Fold Noise Reduction Technology.
Sleek and Portable Moisture Terminator.
10 Years Warranty.

Learn More

How to Use Dehumidifier for Dry Clothes?

Having a good dehumidifier is only half the battle. To get the most out of it — and avoid damp, mildew, or slow drying — follow these best practices:

Step 1. Choose a small, enclosed room

Ideally a bedroom or spare room with the door and windows closed. This prevents outside humidity from creeping in and lets the unit focus on drying.

Step 2. Hang clothes spaced out on a rack

Don’t pile items on top of each other — leave at least 4–6 cm between garments. Good air circulation helps moisture evaporate much faster.

Step 3. Empty the water tank regularly

Especially for larger loads — empty the tank often to maintain consistent performance and avoid the unit shutting off when full.

Step 4. Place the dehumidifier properly

Position the unit so the air intake (usually at the back) faces the clothes, and keep it at least 20 cm away from walls or furniture to allow free airflow.

Step 5. Select "Dry Mode"

Choose the Intelligent Dry Mode, which automatically adapts its operation based on current humidity levels to speed up drying while saving energy.

Step 6. Check clothes before bed or periodically

Some fabrics dry quicker (synthetics), while others take longer (jeans, towels). Rotate or rearrange items as needed to ensure even drying.

With this setup, many users report clothes drying in 2–5 hours on average.

FAQs about Dehumidifier to Dry Clothes

Can a dehumidifier replace a tumble dryer completely?

Not exactly. A dehumidifier dries more slowly than a tumble dryer. For heavy loads or big families, a tumble dryer is faster. But for smaller loads, delicate fabrics, or apartments without a dryer, a dehumidifier offers a gentle, energy-efficient alternative.

How long does it usually take to dry clothes with a dehumidifier?

Typically 2–5 hours for medium loads of cotton or synthetics; heavy fabrics or large loads may take closer to 6–12 hours.

Will heavy items like jeans or towels dry properly?

They will — eventually — but they take longer than lighter fabrics. If you often dry heavy fabrics, consider splitting loads or giving them more time.

Does using a dehumidifier save energy compared to a dryer?

Yes. A dehumidifier typically uses much less power (a few hundred watts), while a tumble dryer may use up to several thousand watts per cycle.

Can I dry clothes in a large, airy room with a dehumidifier?

You can, but it’s less efficient. The drier air will mix with moist air in a big space, so drying may take much longer. Smaller, enclosed rooms work best.

Bottom Lines

If you’re tired of damp clothes, humid air, or never‑ending laundry drying times — a dehumidifier for drying clothes might be exactly what you need. It’s not a magic substitute for a fast tumble dryer, but for many households (especially in apartments or damp climates), it offers a gentle, energy‑efficient, and space‑friendly way to get your laundry done.

With the right one and good setup, you might be surprised how quickly those wet clothes turn into fresh, dry garments — all without leaving your home.