As autumn approaches and laundry takes longer to dry indoors, more households are turning to dehumidifiers. But experts say placement is the single most important factor in how well they work. Chris Michael, founder and managing director of Meaco, says getting the positioning right is key if you want to speed up drying times and use less energy.
The common mistake that reduces efficiency
One of the most common mistakes, according to Michael, is pushing the unit right up against a wall or tucking it into a corner. This restricts airflow and reduces efficiency, meaning clothes take longer to dry.
For best results, drying racks should be kept slightly away from walls so air can circulate, while most dehumidifiers need around 30cm of space behind them to work efficiently. Pushing them flush against a surface can limit performance.
Recommended features and models
For most homes, experts recommend choosing a compressor dehumidifier with features like a dedicated laundry mode and automatic humidity control. These settings help the appliance run efficiently, while drying clothes faster and keeping energy use in check.
One example is the Comfee Smart 30L/day Dehumidifier, which comes with Wi-Fi control, a 3.2L tank, automatic humidity adjustment and a laundry drying mode. Designed for larger spaces, it’s currently reduced to £169 from £219 at Yimbly.
If you’re short on space or want something for a bedroom or flat, the Pro Breeze 12L Compact Dehumidifier is a solid alternative. Designed for small to medium rooms, it is ideal for condensation control in bedrooms and light laundry drying support and is priced at £119.99 on Amazon.
There’s also the HOMCOM 10L/Day Dehumidifier and Air Filter, currently available at Robert Dyas for £88.99, down from £95.99. It features a 2L tank, two fan speeds, a 24-hour timer and a built-in humidity sensor, along with wheels for easy movement around the home.
For households facing serious damp issues, the Meaco Arete One 12L Dehumidifier and Air Purifier is one of Argos’ top-rated models at around £180. It can extract up to 12 litres of moisture a day and doubles as an air purifier, making it a good option for tackling persistent damp.
Positioning near laundry and airflow direction
However, to get the best results, Chris recommends positioning the machine near the laundry, but not so close that water dripping from clothes could affect the unit. Airflow direction matters too. If the machine is angled so it gently pushes air towards your clothes, it can help speed up evaporation and drying.
How you arrange your washing also plays a role. Clothes should be spaced out rather than tightly packed, with larger items positioned where air can reach them easily and smaller pieces spread across lower rails. Using hangers can also help improve airflow around each garment.
Budget-friendly alternatives
For those looking for more budget-friendly options, Yimbly is selling a portable mini dehumidifier for £29.99, which has a 600ml water tank and is designed for smaller spaces. Alternatively, Amazon is offering the Unibond AERO Moisture Absorber for £12, which claims to work just as well as an electric one by absorbing excess moisture in the home and neutralising unpleasant odours.
Each unit lasts up to 90 days and collects moisture in a removable tank. Refill tabs for the UniBond AERO system are also available, with a pack of four currently priced at £9.99 on Amazon, down from £13.15.
One shopper's review said: "Easy to set up and starts working very quickly. Our living room is in the basement and has felt cold and damp since last year. Two of these have made a noticeable difference and the amount of moisture collected is impressive."
