More and more people are adding a dehumidifier to their homes. If you’re one of them, you’ll know they can be very effective at bringing down moisture levels. However, understanding how to use a dehumidifier effectively is crucial, particularly during the colder months. Dehumidifiers are a powerful weapon when it comes to tackling condensation, damp and mould. But it’s important to use them correctly to maximise their potential.
Not only do they help in reducing dampness and preventing mould, but they can also be an energy-efficient alternative for drying laundry. Founder and managing director of Meaco, Chris Michael, has shared one tip to increase the effectiveness of dehumidifiers when drying clothes indoors.
He claimed that the key to “speeding up” clothes drying is to arrange your dehumidifier and your laundry correctly.
Chris explained: “Positioning the dehumidifier correctly will help dry your clothes faster and save electricity in the process.”
Position a drying rack away from walls to avoid trapping moisture. Many dehumidifiers need a 30cm space behind them to effectively draw in air, so it’s best not to place these devices directly against a wall. Additionally, make sure the dehumidifier is situated near the laundry.
However, it needs to be far enough away from the laundry that it’s not going to get dripped on.
Also, position it so the air coming out of the dehumidifier is directed towards the clothes, providing a slight breeze that will further help speed up the drying process.
Hang each item separately and leave as much space between them as you can for quicker drying.
Place smaller garments at the bottom of a clothes horse and larger ones at the top, using hangers when possible to help distribute the clothes. Ensure all garments are exposed to air to help with drying.
He pointed out that running an extra rinse cycle on the washing machine also helps ensure the clothes are as dry as possible before hanging them out on an airer.
