A dehumidifier can provide extra help when laundry is taking a long time to dry in a suitable room, as long as you choose a model that suits the room, the amount of laundry and how you’ll manage the collected water. If damp persists on the walls or between wash loads, first look into the cause and check the ventilation. The appliance won’t fix problems with the building itself.
If you often use one room for drying laundry, compare the stated capacity, laundry mode, noise level and drainage options. The room size listed in the specifications isn’t enough on its own to help you choose.
If you do laundry frequently, tank capacity matters. Continuous drainage can be useful if you can connect a hose; a pump is designed for the specific situation where the drainage point is higher up.
If marks appear on the walls or condensation continues after the laundry has dried, find out what’s causing it before relying on a portable appliance. France Rénov’ recommends investigating the source of damp patches, while ADEME highlights the role of ventilation in continuously removing moisture.
First, work out whether the moisture is from doing laundry or part of a persistent problem in your home. If an additional appliance still seems like a good option, choose one that suits your drying room and your needs for noise levels and drainage.
| Factor | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Laundry and room | Compare the capacity in L/24 h and the conditions used to measure it, then check the reference room size and whether the specific model has a laundry mode. | When my laundry takes a long time to dry, I’m mainly looking for extra help that suits the room and amount of laundry; around 31% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Cause of the damp | Look for marks on the walls or condensation that persists outside drying periods, and check the ventilation. | If the walls stay damp when there’s no laundry hanging up, I want to understand what’s happening before buying an appliance; around 31% of consumers put finding the cause first. |
| Drainage and connection | Check the tank capacity and, for continuous drainage, the hose route and the connection requirements set out in the instructions. | When I do laundry frequently, I don’t want to keep checking the tank; around 19% of consumers prioritise not having to empty it as often. |
| Noise and length of use | Check the noise level for the mode you plan to use, along with the appliance’s power rating and settings. | If the appliance will run for long periods in an occupied room, I want to protect my comfort and keep its use under control; this is the top priority for around 19% of consumers. |
A portable dehumidifier won’t tell you why damp is persisting in your home. France Rénov’ says that the source of damp patches needs to be investigated.
If you notice signs of damp outside laundry-drying periods too, investigate the cause and check the ventilation first. Only consider the appliance as an additional measure.
A stated capacity is based on specific temperature and humidity conditions. On its own, it doesn’t tell you how noisy the appliance will be or how easy it will be to drain in your room.
Compare the testing conditions for each model, then check its laundry mode, tank and recommended placement.
The connection depends on the model and where the drainage point is. A pump is specifically designed to send water to a higher point.
Plan the hose route and check the installation requirements and included accessories in the instructions.
Depending on your set-up, you may need a suitable hose or accessory for the connection.
A small tank needs more frequent attention, while an appliance that’s fine in a utility room could be disruptive in an occupied room. The filter also needs the maintenance specified for that model.
Choose where you’ll put it before you buy, then compare the noise level, tank capacity and maintenance instructions with how often you do laundry.
The MDX20P is worth considering if managing collected water is a priority in your utility room.
According to the Les Numériques review, the Bora 20L DXDH20 combines app control with continuous drainage.
The Dry 4000 is worth a look if portability and simple controls matter more to you than connectivity.
The Aqua Dry 12 is a compact model worth considering for a dedicated drying space.
The DEXD216RF is worth considering if you’d like a dedicated laundry function and the option of continuous drainage.
These appliances are designed for drying laundry indoors with a domestic dehumidifier. Compare the stated room size, tank and drainage options, and don’t assume the stated capacity will deliver the same results in your home.
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Worth considering for drying laundry in a room stated to be up to 40 m², provided you check that this size is suitable for your space.
The model name indicates a 2,5 L tank, Wi-Fi control and Auto, Dry and Sleep modes. If noise matters, check the noise level for the mode you’ll use. For continuous drainage, make sure a hose can run down to the drainage point.
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Worth considering for a room stated to be up to 25 m² if you can empty the tank or connect continuous drainage.
The 16 L/day capacity is stated at 95 °F and 90 % relative humidity, so results will depend on the conditions in your room. The model is listed with a 24-hour timer; check which modes are available on the version you choose.
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This model is listed as suitable for drying laundry and has continuous drainage, which is worth considering if your set-up allows for a connection.
The title specifies a room of around 32 m² and a 24-hour timer. Before buying, check the humidity setting range and make sure the hose will suit the route you have in mind.
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Worth considering for drying laundry in a room stated to be up to 24 m², bearing in mind how often you’ll need to empty the tank based on your laundry routine.
The model name indicates a 1,8 L tank, Wi-Fi control and Auto, Dry and Sleep modes. Check the noise level for the mode you plan to use, and the installation requirements for continuous drainage.
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Worth considering if tank capacity and the option of continuous drainage matter while you’re drying laundry.
The model is stated to be suitable for a room of up to 32 m², with four modes and a 24-hour timer. Its 16 L/day capacity is stated at 86 °F and 90 % relative humidity; check the noise level and hose length for the location you have in mind.
Not in every case. It can provide extra help, but you should also check the ventilation and find out what’s causing the damp. ADEME recommends drying laundry in a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor fan. If the walls stay damp between wash loads, find out what’s causing it.
Continuous drainage is worth considering for longer periods of use if the model and drainage point allow you to install it in line with the instructions. Otherwise, compare tank capacity and how easy it is to empty. A pump is designed for a different need: sending water to a higher point.
Follow the instructions for your model. For the relevant appliances, De'Longhi recommends vacuuming dust off the filter and rinsing it thoroughly if it’s very dirty, using water no hotter than 40 °C.
Check the model’s power rating and how long you expect to run it. The L/24 h capacity alone won’t tell you how much energy it will use in your home. Also check the available settings, including the humidistat if you want to set a target humidity level.