Finding an efficient way to dry laundry indoors without resorting to an expensive tumble dryer is a common household dilemma. While air drying is the most budget-friendly method, it is often impractical and can leave clothes with a damp, musty smell, especially in humid conditions.
The Costly Tumble Dryer Alternative
As a result, many consumers feel forced to use their tumble dryers, despite the appliances being notorious for consuming a significant amount of energy. For those without a tumble dryer or looking for a cheaper option, two main alternatives have emerged: the heated airer and the dehumidifier used with a standard clothes airer.
Heated Airer vs Dehumidifier: The Public Verdict
The debate between these two appliances was highlighted when Gemma Dawn sought advice in the Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips Facebook group on November 23, 2025. She asked members whether she should invest in a heated airer or a dehumidifier, noting their costs were roughly the same.
Her post received a substantial 137 comments, with the overwhelming majority of users championing the dehumidifier. Many shared negative experiences with heated airers, which work by warming their rails like mini radiators.
Jackie Rowe stated, "Dehumidifier 100 percent. I tried a heated airer, got fed up having to move the clothes around." This sentiment was echoed by Kayleigh Radford, who found her heated airer did not dry clothes any quicker and was a waste of electricity.
Some, like Dawn Chaplin, were so unimpressed they didn't even plug their heated airers in, noting they only dry the fabric in direct contact with the rails.
Why a Dehumidifier is a 'Game-Changer'
In contrast, dehumidifier owners reported impressive results. The device works by pulling moisture straight from the air, creating a drier environment that allows clothes to dry much faster on a standard airer.
Lynsey Muirhead expressed shock at the amount of water collected by her dehumidifier after just two days, demonstrating its effectiveness at removing ambient moisture.
When it comes to performance, the dehumidifier was the clear winner. Paula Jenkins recommended it, confirming it dries clothes in half the time a heated airer does. This claim was supported by Dean James, who sold his heated airer after finding his dehumidifier with a laundry setting dried clothes very quickly.
The most enthusiastic reviews came from users with models featuring a specific laundry function. Sylvia Wisniewska praised it as the "best thing ever," while Nicola Reed found her dehumidifier to be truly game-changing, stating she would never be without it.
For households looking to reduce their energy bills and dry laundry efficiently indoors, the evidence from this real-world test suggests a dehumidifier is the superior, more effective investment.
