How To Quickly Dry Laundry Indoors with a Dehumidifier

If you're looking for a way to dry your clothes this winter, a dehumidifier with Laundry Mode may be what you need. Laundry mode can speed up the drying process, prevent excess moisture from lingering in the air and free you from having to rely on an energy-intensive dryer. Let’s take a closer look and the benefits of using a dehumidifier during the cooler months.

Drying clothes outdoors on a clothesline isn’t always an option—rain, humidity, smoke, dust, or shorter daylight hours can all make it difficult. While a tumble dryer is convenient, it’s not always the best choice for delicate fabrics, energy efficiency, or avoiding wear and tear on clothing.

If you need to dry your clothes indoors, using a dehumidifier can speed up the process, reduce moisture build-up, and help prevent musty odours. In this guide, we’ll cover how to use a dehumidifier for drying laundry, key tips for maximising efficiency, and what to look for when choosing one.

Dehumidifiers Can Effectively Dry Clothes

Drying clothes indoors can be challenging, especially during colder months or when outdoor conditions make using a clothesline impractical. A dehumidifier offers a practical solution, speeding up drying times compared to air drying indoors and helping maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

Without a dehumidifier, drying laundry indoors can contribute to excessive moisture build-up, which may lead to mould, mildew, and damp air. While condenser dryers can help by capturing moisture instead of releasing it into the room, they can still consume a significant amount of energy. A dehumidifier, particularly one with Laundry Mode, offers a low-energy solution to keep your home dry while efficiently drying clothes.

Using a dehumidifier for laundry drying is especially beneficial when:

Outdoor air quality is poor due to dust, smoke, or pollution.
Rain, storms, or unpredictable weather prevent line drying.
Daylight hours are shorter in the winter months, making it harder to bring washing inside before dark.
You have delicate fabrics that require gentle drying.
You want to reduce reliance on an energy-intensive tumble dryer.

Premium dehumidifiers with Intelligent Laundry Mode further enhance convenience by automatically adjusting airflow and stopping when clothes are dry. This ensures efficient drying without over-drying or exposing fabrics to excessive heat.

Intelligent Laundry Mode

Intelligent Laundry Mode control is available in the Mitsubishi Electric MJ-EV38HR-A dehumidifier, providing a convenient and efficient way to dry clothes indoors. This model is designed to adjust the airflow rate while continuously monitoring humidity levels in the room. It then estimates the drying time and stops automatically once the clothes are dry.

The operation time for Intelligent Laundry Mode is approximately 1 hour but can extend up to 12 hours, depending on the humidity level and the amount of laundry being dried. This precise control ensures efficient drying without excessive energy use.

This feature is particularly useful for quickly and effectively drying clothes and shoes while protecting delicate fabrics. By carefully regulating the drying process, it helps prevent shrinkage, colour fading, or damage to garments, ensuring your laundry is dried thoroughly and gently.

Dehumidifiers vs. Dryers for Energy Efficiency

One major benefit of drying clothes with a high-quality dehumidifier compared to a traditional dryer is reduced energy usage.

Tumble dryers are infamous for their high power consumption impacting the energy bill. Dehumidifiers, however, produce a fraction of the energy output—particularly those that utilise Inverter technology. This is important to be mindful of throughout the year, especially in winter when household energy usage peaks.

Inverter Technology Dehumidifiers

The Mitsubishi Electric EV38HR-A dehumidifier features state-of-the-art Inverter technology, optimising its energy consumption.

Able to monitor humidity levels, the technology adjusts the dehumidifier’s power and speed to only what is required at that moment—meaning it is not constantly running at maximum power like other non-inverter dehumidifiers can. In Auto Eco Mode, the energy output is further streamlined, with the Mitsubishi Electric EV38HR-A dehumidifier automatically stopping or starting once the desired humidity level has been met.

How to Use a Dehumidifier for Drying Laundry

For effective clothes drying with a dehumidifier, follow these simple steps:

Step by Step Guide to Using a Dehumidifier for Drying Laundry

STEP 1: Hang your laundry properly

Hang your laundry on a clothes rail or airer, ensuring items are spaced at least 5 cm apart for proper airflow. Avoid bunching or overlapping clothes, as this can slow down drying.

STEP 2: Position the dehumidifier correctly

Position the dehumidifier nearby, ensuring the back of the unit faces the laundry. This is where the airflow is drawn from, helping to maximise efficiency. Keep the unit at least 15 cm away from walls for proper ventilation.

STEP 3: Empty the water tank

Empty the water tank before starting to prevent interruptions during the drying process.

STEP 4: Select the right mode

Select Intelligent Laundry Mode, which automatically adjusts operation based on humidity levels. Alternatively, set the humidity level to 50% and select AUTO Mode for controlled drying.

STEP 5: Adjust airflow direction

Adjust the Swing Louvre to direct airflow towards the wet clothes, helping to speed up the drying process.

STEP 6: Close doors and windows

Make sure doors and windows are closed. Otherwise, the dehumidifier will try to reduce the humidity coming in from open doors and windows. After all, you don’t want to try and dehumidify the entire neighbourhood!

Get the full guide!

Download the Dehumidifier User Manual for complete details on using Intelligent Laundry Mode.

Download Manual

By following these steps, you can dry clothes indoors efficiently while preventing moisture build-up in your home. Unlike tumble dryers, which use high heat, dehumidifiers provide a gentler drying method that helps maintain the shape and quality of your garments.

Since dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air, regular maintenance is essential to keep them working effectively. Mildew can develop inside the water tank over time if not cleaned properly. To prevent this, regularly empty and dry the tank, especially when the dehumidifier is not in use. Periodic cleaning will help maintain optimal performance and ensure fresh, hygienic operation.

Advanced models, such as the Mitsubishi Electric MJ-EV38HR-A dehumidifier, feature a ‘Drying Inside’ mode, which helps keep the unit mould-free and in peak condition.

What to Look for When Buying a Dehumidifier

If you’re considering a dehumidifier for drying laundry and improving air quality, choosing a model with the right features for your home is important. A dehumidifier can help manage indoor humidity, prevent mould growth, and assist in drying clothes efficiently, but not all models offer the same level of performance.

For a detailed breakdown of the most important features to consider, check out our guide: The Five Most Important Features to Dehumidify Your Home. Below is a summary of key factors to keep in mind when selecting a dehumidifier.

1. Moisture Removal Capacity

The effectiveness of a dehumidifier largely depends on how much moisture it can extract per day. Higher-capacity models, such as the Mitsubishi Electric MJ-EV38HR-A, can remove up to 38 litres of moisture daily, making them ideal for areas with persistent dampness or when drying large amounts of laundry indoors.

2. Laundry Mode

A Laundry Mode feature improves indoor clothes drying by controlling airflow and humidity levels. Advanced models estimate drying times and stop automatically, preventing over-drying while saving energy. If drying clothes indoors is a priority, look for a dehumidifier that offers an Intelligent Laundry Mode for maximum efficiency.

3. Energy Efficiency

Since dehumidifiers may run for extended periods, energy efficiency is an important factor. Inverter-operated models adjust power consumption based on humidity levels, ensuring they run efficiently. Features like Auto Eco Mode, which stops the unit when the desired humidity is reached, further enhance potential energy savings.

4. Air Purification

Some dehumidifiers also improve air quality by filtering out fine particles and dust. Models with PM2.5 air filters provide dual benefits—removing moisture while helping to keep the air clean. If air quality is a concern, consider a model with an integrated air purification mode.

5. Mobility & Placement

If you need to move your dehumidifier between rooms, look for wheels and carry handles for easy transport. Also, proper placement is key—ensure the back of the unit faces the laundry for optimal airflow and keep it at least 15 cm away from walls to allow proper ventilation.

6. Continuous Drainage Option

For unattended or long-term use, a continuous drainage option allows the dehumidifier to operate without requiring manual water tank emptying. Some models support hose attachment, which drains collected moisture directly outside, ensuring uninterrupted operation. This feature is particularly useful for holiday homes or when you’re away for an extended period and want to prevent damp conditions from developing in your home while you’re not there.

Where To Purchase a Premium Dehumidifier

Investing in a dehumidifier with Intelligent Laundry Mode saves you time and energy and provides peace of mind. The Mitsubishi Electric EV38HR-A dehumidifier takes this convenience to the next level by precisely controlling airflow, monitoring humidity levels, and automatically stopping when your laundry is dry.

This winter, it is time to embrace efficient and effective laundry drying with a luxury dehumidifier.

To learn more about the premium Mitsubishi Electric appliance range, find your nearest stockist or explore the full suite of homeowner appliance options online.

See https://www.mitsubishielectric.com.au/blog/do-i-need-a-dehumidifier-if-i-have-an-air-conditioner/ for more information
Dehumidifies up to 38 litres of moisture per day – measured at Room Temperature 30°C / Relative Humidity 80%

FAQs

Are dehumidifiers good for drying clothes?

✔ Yes, dehumidifiers are an effective way to dry clothes indoors. They remove excess moisture from the air, helping wet laundry dry faster while preventing condensation and dampness in your home. To get the best results, hang clothes on a clothes airer with adequate spacing to allow proper airflow. This ensures the dehumidifier can efficiently extract moisture and speed up the drying process. Using a dehumidifier is especially useful during winter or on rainy days when outdoor drying isn’t an option.

✔ Using a dehumidifier is a gentler alternative to a tumble dryer. Unlike dryers that use high heat, dehumidifiers dry clothes by lowering humidity levels. This helps protect delicate fabrics, prevents shrinkage, and reduces energy consumption.

✔ A dehumidifier with Laundry Mode optimises drying efficiency. Models like the Mitsubishi Electric MJ-EV38HR-A automatically adjust airflow and stop when clothes are dry.

How long does it take for a dehumidifier to dry clothes?

The drying time depends on factors such as humidity levels, room size, the amount of laundry, and how wet the clothes are. With Intelligent Laundry Mode, a dehumidifier like the Mitsubishi Electric MJ-EV38HR-A can dry clothes in as little as 1 hour, though drying may take up to 12 hours in more humid conditions, if there is a large amount of laundry, or if clothes are particularly wet. Ensuring laundry is not dripping wet before using the dehumidifier will help speed up drying.

Should I close the doors and windows when using a dehumidifier for drying clothes?

Yes, keeping doors and windows closed helps the dehumidifier work efficiently by preventing excess humidity from entering the room. This allows the unit to focus on removing moisture from the air indoors, speeding up the drying process.

Can a dehumidifier replace a tumble dryer?

A dehumidifier won’t replace a tumble dryer entirely but provides a gentler, energy-efficient alternative. Unlike tumble dryers that use high heat, dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, helping to preserve delicate fabrics, prevent shrinkage, and reduce energy costs.

Where should I place the dehumidifier when drying clothes?

For the best results, place the back of the dehumidifier facing the laundry, as this is where the airflow comes from. This allows warm, dry air to blow directly onto the clothes, helping to speed up the drying process. Keep the unit at least 15 cm away from walls and adjust the Swing Louvre to direct airflow toward the wet clothes for maximum efficiency.

How To Quickly Dry Laundry Indoors with a Dehumidifier