For a typical wash, start by measuring the humidity: a suitable clothes airer may be enough if the room is well ventilated. A dehumidifier with a laundry mode can provide extra help when humidity rises as clothes dry. If you do frequent loads and have the space, consider a tumble dryer instead. If humidity persists between washes, find out what is causing it before buying an appliance to tackle it.
If you dry one or two loads in a living space, the room taken up by the clothes airer matters just as much as its capacity. Air-drying also adds moisture to the room, as ADEME points out, so make sure there’s enough ventilation.
If damp washing is piling up, consider a tumble dryer’s capacity, how much space it will take up at home, its noise level and its energy label. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the low electricity consumption of heat pump models in particular.
If condensation or a musty smell persists between drying sessions, measure the humidity and look for the cause. Qualitel lists poor ventilation, water ingress and insulation problems among the possible causes.
Before choosing an appliance, work out whether the humidity only appears while clothes are drying or whether it’s an ongoing problem. Other considerations mainly depend on how much space you have and how often you do the washing.
| What matters | What to check | Which shoppers? |
|---|---|---|
| Cause of the damp | Use a hygrometer to measure humidity and check whether condensation or damp patches persist between washes. | When my windows mist up even when there’s no washing to dry, I want to know whether an appliance will solve the problem; around 31% of shoppers put this check first. |
| Space for drying | Check the space the airer takes up when open, whether there’s room to move around it and how well the room is ventilated. ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one with suitable extraction. | In a small room, I need to hang out my washing without blocking the way; this is a priority for around 31% of shoppers. |
| Frequent washing | Compare tumble dryers’ capacity, dimensions, noise levels and energy labels. UFC-Que Choisir notes the low electricity consumption of heat pump models. | If the next load arrives before the previous one is dry, my main aim is to spend less time hanging washing out; around 23% of shoppers prioritise this. |
| Water left in clothes after spinning | When choosing a washing machine, check its fabric programmes and the conditions for using its maximum spin speed. | Before I hang out my washing, I want it to retain less water, especially if I’m already replacing my washing machine; around 15% of shoppers make this their priority. |
It can remove moisture from the air while clothes are drying, but it won’t fix water ingress or faulty ventilation. Qualitel explains that damp in a home can have several causes.
Measure the humidity and keep an eye on your home between washes. If damp patches, condensation or smells persist, find out what’s causing them before choosing an appliance that’s meant to solve the problem.
A large advertised capacity doesn’t tell you whether there’ll be enough room to move around the airer or hang large items. Air-drying always adds moisture to the room, as ADEME reminds us.
Measure the space available when the airer is open, check how it stores away and choose a room where clothes can dry with good airflow.
Cycle length alone doesn’t tell you everything about using a tumble dryer. UFC-Que Choisir notes that heat pump models use less electricity. Capacity and the programme you use also matter.
Compare the energy label, capacity, programmes, noise level and dimensions of models that can actually be installed in your home.
A dehumidifier’s stated capacity depends on the test conditions; it doesn’t tell you on its own how long your clothes will take to dry. Bosch also says that the WAN2827TFR’s maximum spin speed may be reduced if the load is unbalanced.
Check the conditions behind the figures for your chosen model, then consider the practicalities of using it: the room, noise, emptying the tank or fabric programmes.
The range includes domestic dehumidifiers, some of which have a laundry mode.
Beko offers heat pump tumble dryers, with capacity and noise levels varying by model.
The brand offers freestanding clothes airers and vertical designs, including options for spaces with limited floor area.
If you’re replacing your washing machine, some of the brand’s front-loading models may be worth considering if spin performance is important to you.
This selection brings together dehumidifiers with a laundry mode for occasional use, a multi-tier clothes airer and a heat pump tumble dryer for regular washing. Start by choosing according to the humidity you’ve noticed, the space available and how often you need to dry clothes.
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Worth considering as an extra helping hand when humidity rises as clothes dry, but not as a fix for persistent damp. The model title lists a Dry mode, WiFi control and a claimed capacity of 20 L/day; this figure doesn’t predict how it will perform in your room. Check the noise level for the mode you plan to use before buying.
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For drying clothes in a room where you can still leave space to move around and maintain good airflow. The title lists three tiers and 35 m of drying space; check the footprint when fully open, its folded dimensions and the maximum load for your clothes. This airer won’t reduce the moisture released into the air.
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Worth considering if you dry full loads regularly and have a suitable space for it. The title lists an 8 kg capacity and energy rating C; check the model’s energy label before comparing electricity use. Also check its dimensions and the space needed to install it.
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Worth considering as an extra aid in a room where drying clothes increases humidity, while ensuring your home is still properly ventilated. The title lists a laundry drying mode, a 2.8 L tank and a hose for continuous drainage. The claimed capacity of 25 L/day is based on conditions of 90% relative humidity and 95 °F; also check the noise level and the space needed around the appliance.
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Worth considering for extra help while clothes dry, once you’ve ruled out damp that’s present all the time. The title lists a Dry mode, WiFi control and a claimed capacity of 12 L/day, measured at 30 °C and 80% relative humidity; this doesn’t guarantee how quickly clothes will dry in your home. Check the noise level for the mode you plan to use.
No. A dehumidifier can remove moisture from the air as extra help, but it won’t fix faulty ventilation or water ingress. If condensation, damp patches or smells persist between washes, find out what’s causing them. Qualitel points out that damp in a home can have several causes.
Use a hygrometer to take measurements at different times, including while clothes are drying and between drying sessions. Qualitel generally recommends a humidity level of between 40% and 60% in the home and advises keeping an eye on higher readings. A single measurement won’t reveal the cause of an ongoing problem.
Yes. ADEME recommends drying clothes in a large, well-ventilated room or one with a suitable extractor vent. Even with a compact clothes airer, make sure air can circulate around the clothes and the room remains properly ventilated.
Start with the model’s capacity, installation dimensions, noise level and maintenance requirements. The summary of EU rules published by EUR-Lex states that tumble dryers sold in the European Union carry an energy label. Check the label for the model you’re considering to compare its energy use.
A vented model needs a suitable outlet to the outside. If your space doesn’t have one, consider a condenser tumble dryer instead, checking its dimensions, installation instructions and how the water is collected or drained.