Households across the UK could slash their drying times and energy costs by choosing a simple appliance over a trendy heated gadget, according to a new debate among cleaning enthusiasts.
The Great Drying Debate: Heated Airer vs Dehumidifier
With air-drying often leading to damp smells and tumble dryers being expensive to run, many are turning to alternatives. The two main contenders are heated airers and dehumidifiers, both marketed as more affordable solutions. To settle the argument, Gemma Dawn asked the Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips Facebook group for advice on 2nd December 2025, sparking a huge response.
Heated airers, which have surged in popularity, work like a traditional clothes horse but with heated rails. They act as mini radiators designed to speed up drying. However, drying indoors can be slow, particularly in humid conditions.
Overwhelming Verdict from Cleaning Fans
The Facebook post attracted 137 responses, with the vast majority of users championing the dehumidifier. This device works by extracting moisture directly from the air, creating a drier environment where clothes can dry much faster.
User Jackie Rowe stated: "Dehumidifier 100 percent. I tried a heated airer, got fed up having to move the clothes around." Kayleigh Radford shared a similar experience, saying her heated airer didn't dry clothes any quicker and just wasted electricity.
Dawn Chaplin was also unconvinced, noting: "I don't rate heated airers. They only dry the bit of material in contact with it." The praise for dehumidifiers was effusive. Paula Jenkins claimed the device "dries the clothes in half the time a heated airer does."
A Game-Changer for Indoor Drying
Many respondents highlighted models with a specific laundry setting. Dean James said: "We got ours last year with a laundry setting... dried very quickly. We had a heated airer, and it was rubbish!"
Nicola Reed called her dehumidifier "game-changing," while Sylvia Wisniewska said it was the "best thing ever." Lynsey Muirhead reported being shocked by the amount of water her new dehumidifier collected after just two days, proving its effectiveness at removing moisture from the home.
The consensus from the cleaning community is clear: for faster drying times and better energy efficiency, a dehumidifier paired with a standard airer is the superior choice over a heated airer.
