Home Hack Cuts Laundry Drying Time to Two Hours with Dehumidifier and Fan
Drying laundry indoors during the colder, wetter months can be a frustrating and time-consuming chore for many households across the UK. However, a simple yet highly effective method has emerged that promises to revolutionise this everyday task. By pairing a standard dehumidifier with a basic pedestal fan, homeowners can achieve completely dry washing in an astonishingly quick two hours.
The Science Behind Faster Indoor Drying
When wet laundry is hung to dry inside a home, it releases significant amounts of water vapour into the surrounding air. This process not only slows down drying but also increases humidity levels, which can lead to problems with damp, condensation, and mould if not properly managed. A dehumidifier works by actively extracting this excess moisture from the atmosphere, creating a drier environment that facilitates evaporation.
However, experts emphasise that air circulation is a critical, often overlooked component. Katie Lilywhite, a home appliance specialist at AO.com, explains the synergy: "By using a fan, this will quicken up evaporation and prevent any damp air pockets from forming around your clothes' fabric." She notes that while a fan alone cannot remove moisture, it acts as a powerful catalyst when used in conjunction with a dehumidifier, significantly accelerating the overall drying process.
Groundbreaking Experiment Reveals Dramatic Results
To provide clear, evidence-based advice, Chris Michael, CEO of dehumidifier manufacturer Meaco, conducted a controlled experiment. The test aimed to find the most efficient, affordable, and safe way to dry washing indoors while protecting properties from moisture-related damage.
The methodology was rigorous: "For each test, we used the same 13 t-shirts, put through the same rinse and spin cycle in the same washing machine. They were hung on the same clothes horse in the same utility room, and we recorded the starting temperature and relative humidity." Three scenarios were compared: natural drying without any equipment, drying with a 20-litre dehumidifier, and drying with the same dehumidifier plus a pedestal cooling fan.
The findings were nothing short of remarkable:
- Natural Drying: A lengthy 20 hours.
- Dehumidifier Only: Reduced to 4 hours and 45 minutes.
- Dehumidifier & Fan Combo: An impressive 2 hours.
Substantial Energy and Cost Savings
Beyond the dramatic time reduction, the combined method offers considerable economic and environmental benefits. Chris Michael highlighted: "The short runtime meant both appliances consumed far less energy overall, and the very low running cost of the fan helped keep the total to just 14 pence for the load." This represents a 58% reduction in drying time compared to using a dehumidifier alone, making it a far more efficient alternative to running a traditional tumble dryer.
He elaborated on the pivotal role of the fan: "The fan is not just an add-on. It is the catalyst that forces moisture out of the clothes so the dehumidifier can collect it more quickly. Used together, they produced results faster than we expected." This powerful partnership ensures moisture is actively displaced from the fabric, allowing the dehumidifier to capture it more efficiently from the air.
A Practical Solution for UK Households
For many Britons, especially those without access to outdoor drying space or wishing to avoid the high energy costs of tumble dryers, this hack presents a game-changing solution. It offers a rapid, cost-effective, and property-friendly approach to managing laundry. By optimising airflow and humidity control, households can enjoy dry clothes in a fraction of the usual time, while also safeguarding their homes against the risks of excess indoor moisture during the damp winter seasons.
