5 Best dehumidifiers for drying clothes efficiently indoors

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Written By

Holly Curell

Expert Reviewed By

Josh Mitchell

Last Updated On

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As more people look for greener ways to do laundry, skipping the clothes dryer has become a popular choice.

Hanging clothes on a rack works, but pairing it with a dehumidifier speeds up the process dramatically.

In this article, I’ll share my top five dehumidifiers for drying clothes.

Whether you’re following “hang dry only” tags or trying to tackle a full load, these models will help you dry faster and get back into your favorite outfits with less waiting.

Quick glance: My recommendations

hOmeLabs Dehumidifier 1,800 Sq Ft 8 Pint (MAX...

hOmeLabs HME1004

  • Energy Star certified model works quickly
  • WiFi and app controls make it easy to monitor and adjust from anywhere
  • At 50 PPD can be used to dry clothes and nearby rooms

Midea Cube 50 Pint Dehumidifier, 4,500 Sq...

Midea Cube 50 pint

  • Unique nesting design offers versatility
  • Large tank for those who don’t have drain option
  • WiFi enabled

ALORAIR 113 Pints Crawlspace Dehumidifier for...

ALORAIR Sentinal HD55

  • Commercial level performance
  • Can work in colder temperatures
  • Massive 113 PPD

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Best Dehumidifier For Drying Clothes

Top 5 dehumidifiers I recommend for drying clothes

ACLAB note: 

After a washer’s spin cycle, the average load of laundry (15–18 pounds of clothes) still holds about 3–5.5 pints of water (1.5–2.5 liters).

Air drying alone can take 12–24 hours depending on indoor humidity, but with a 50 pint dehumidifier, that time drops to just 4–5 hours.

hOmeLabs HME1004

4.8

Overall Score


Ease of Use

5.0

Current Progress
Current Progress
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Maintenance

4.75

Current Progress
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Value for Money

4.75

Current Progress
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Moisture Removal

50 PPD

Coverage Area

7000 sq ft

Tank Capacity

12.8 pints

Dimensions

11 x 15.4 x 24.3"

What you will like
  • Energy Star certified model works quickly
  • WiFi and app controls make it easy to monitor and adjust from anywhere
  • At 50 PPD can be used to dry clothes and nearby rooms
  • Quiet at 52 dB (compared to a 70 dB dryer)
  • Available for purchase with or without pump
What you won’t like
  • Pricey option upfront
  • Tank needs frequent emptying if you don’t usethe drain hose

When it comes to speeding up laundry day, the hOmeLabs HME1004 is my top pick.

I’m highlighting the 50-pint version with a pump here, since that makes it a perfect fit for laundry rooms that have a floor drain or utility sink nearby.

Hook it up once, and you don’t have to think about emptying a tank in the middle of a drying cycle. If you’d rather save about $50, there’s a gravity-drain-only version that works just as well; you just won’t get the flexibility of vertical pumping.

At 50 pints per day, it has more than enough capacity to handle the 3–5 pints of water left in an average load of clothes after the spin cycle. 

I’ve used this one to dry a rack of heavy towels, and it shaved hours off compared to waiting overnight. Pair it with a drying rack in a closed laundry room, and you’ll usually be folding clothes in four to five hours instead of the next day.

One feature I especially like is the WiFi app control. It’s surprisingly convenient to be able to check humidity levels or get a reminder to run the unit while I’m in another part of the house.

The interface is simple, and it takes away the guesswork of “is this doing anything?” You can see the humidity dropping in real time.

Energy Star certification rounds out the package, so it’s efficient enough for frequent use.

All in all, if you want a reliable workhorse that doubles as an everyday dehumidifier and a laundry-day helper, this is the one I’d recommend first.

Feature

Details

Moisture removal rating

50 pints per day

Advertised coverage area

7000 square feet

Is drain hose included?

Yes, 5 foot hose included

Tank capacity

12.8 pints (1.6 gallons)

Dimensions (depth x width x height)

11 x 15.4 x 24.3 inches


Midea Cube (50 pint)

4.6

Overall Score


Ease of Use

4.5

Current Progress
Current Progress
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Maintenance

4.75

Current Progress
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Value for Money

4.75

Current Progress
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Moisture Removal

50 PPD

Coverage Area

4500 sq ft

Tank Capacity

33.6 pints

Dimensions

14.45 x 14.76 x 14.57"

What you will like
  • Unique nesting design offers versatility
  • Large tank for those who don’t have drain option
  • WiFi enabled
  • Energy Star certified
  • Only 42 dB on low
What you won’t like
  • Heavy when tank is full
  • Manual is confusing

The Midea Cube is the dehumidifier I recommend most if you think you’ll need to rely on the water tank.

Most tanks fill up fast and become a chore to empty, especially when you’re trying to dry wet clothes, but the Cube breaks the mold with a massive 4.2-gallon capacity (about 33.6 pints). 

That’s easily one of the largest tanks you’ll find on a residential model, and it means you can get through multiple laundry cycles before worrying about emptying it.

That said, I still think the best way to use the Midea Cube is with the drain line and built-in pump. 

In my laundry room, I’ve noticed that as soon as I hang a load of clothes, the Cube instantly detects the spike in humidity and kicks into gear. 

With the continuous drainage set up, it’s a true “hang and forget” solution — your clothes dry faster, and you don’t need to babysit a water tank.

What makes the Cube stand out even more is its unique nesting design. When you’re using the tank, it expands into a taller unit, but when it’s set up with drainage, it collapses into a smaller footprint that’s much easier to place.

I especially like that it can sit comfortably on a countertop and drain right into a utility sink.

Add in WiFi and Alexa compatibility, plus Energy Star efficiency, and you’ve got one of the most flexible options out there. It’s similar to the hOmeLabs model but even more affordable.

Whether you’re tank-dependent or set up for continuous drain, the Cube adapts to your space and makes drying laundry a lot less of a waiting game.

Feature

Details

Moisture removal rating

50 pints per day

Advertised coverage area

4500 square feet

Is drain hose included?

Yes, 16 foot drain hose

Tank capacity

4.2 gallons (33.6 pints)

Dimensions (depth x width x height)

14.45 x 14.76 x 14.57 inches


ALORAIR Sentinal HD55

Commercial odehumidifier for drying clothes

4.5

Overall Score


Ease of Use

4.5

Current Progress
Current Progress
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Maintenance

4.5

Current Progress
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Value for Money

4.5

Current Progress
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Moisture Removal

113 PPD

Coverage Area

1200 sq ft

Tank Capacity

No tank

Dimensions

19.2 x 12.2x 13.3"

What you will like
  • Commercial level performance
  • Can work in colder temperatures
  • Massive 113 PPD
  • 5 year warranty
What you won’t like
  • Requires continuous draining
  • Expensive
The ALORAIR Sentinel HD55 may look like overkill for everyday laundry setups, but when it comes to large loads, cooler basements, or heavy-duty jobs, it’s hard to beat.

Rated at a massive 113 pints per day, this is a commercial-grade dehumidifier that makes quick work of humidity from drying clothes.

I’ve used it for bulky items like a comforter that won’t fit in the dryer, and the difference was night and day compared to smaller units.

Where the Sentinel HD55 really shines is in unfinished or cooler laundry spaces, like those in older basements.

Standard home models like the hOmeLabs and Midea Cube will often freeze up if the room drops into the low 40s, but this ALORAIR unit is designed to keep working all the way down to 33.3°F. 

That makes it a smart choice for basements or garages that double as laundry rooms.

It’s true that at around $500, it’s one of the more expensive picks on my list, but it’s still more affordable than most clothes dryers, and it’s built to last longer than a typical consumer model.

Beyond laundry, it doubles as a whole-home solution if you keep it set up in the basement, helping manage moisture throughout your living space.

The size and weight make it less portable, but with its built-in handles and rugged design, it’s clear this machine was made for serious use. 

If you need fast, reliable drying power and want something that can handle more than just clothes, the Sentinel HD55 is worth the investment.

Feature

Details

Moisture removal rating

113 pints per day

Advertised coverage area

1200 square feet

Is drain hose included?

Yes, 6.5 foot drain hose

Tank capacity

No tank, requires continuous drainage

Dimensions (depth x width x height)

19.2 x 12.2x 13.3 inches


Shinco SDL-30P

4.5

Overall Score


Ease of Use

4.5

Current Progress
Current Progress
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Maintenance

4.25

Current Progress
Current Progress
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Value for Money

4.75

Current Progress
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Moisture Removal

30 PPD

Coverage Area

1500 sq ft

Tank Capacity

4.23 pints

Dimensions

7.99 x 10.08 x 16.34"

What you will like
  • Very budget friendly - under $100
  • Activated carbon helps with odors
  • Compact option
  • Only 42 dB on high
  • Intuitive to use
What you won’t like
  • Very small tank size (4.23 pints)

The Shinco SDL-30P is the smallest capacity model on my list at just 30 pints per day, but what it lacks in raw power, it makes up for in price and size.

Usually priced under $100, it’s by far the most budget-friendly way to cut drying times without investing in a larger machine.

Because of its extraction rate, it won’t dry clothes as quickly as models like the hOmeLabs or Midea.

Still, in a small laundry room for lighter loads, this Shinco model will make a noticeable difference compared to air drying alone. Its compact size is also a plus if you’re short on space. It tucks easily into a corner without feeling like it takes over the room.

The tradeoff of this Shinco dehumidifier, though, is the tiny water tank, which holds just over four pints.

That fills up fast, especially if you’re drying a load of heavy laundry.
For laundry use, I’d consider the tank more of a backup. 

To get the most out of this unit, you’ll definitely want to hook it up with its continuous drain hose so it can run without interruption.

One feature I especially like for laundry rooms is the activated carbon filter. It helps neutralize odors, which is great if you’re drying activewear or sports uniforms that tend to linger even after a wash. 

For the price, it’s not going to compete with bigger units, but as a compact, affordable helper, the Shinco is a solid entry-level option.

Feature

Details

Moisture removal rating

30 pints per day

Advertised coverage area

1500 square feet

Is drain hose included?

Yes, 2 foot drain hose

Tank capacity

4.23 pints

Dimensions (depth x width x height)

7.99 x 10.08 x 16.34 inches


Waykar

4.4

Overall Score


Ease of Use

4.5

Current Progress
Current Progress
Current Progress
Current Progress

Maintenance

4.5

Current Progress
Current Progress
Current Progress
Current Progress

Value for Money

4.25

Current Progress
Current Progress
Current Progress
Current Progress

Moisture Removal

80 PPD

Coverage Area

5000 sq ft

Tank Capacity

12.8 pints

Dimensions

9.84 x 13.39 x 21.86"

What you will like
  • High capacity model without commercial pricing
  • Energy Star certified
  • Great for heavy loads
  • Has a swing function that helps make drying faster
  • Detachable and washable air filter
What you won’t like
  • No built in pump
  • Tiny tank capacity for daily output

The Waykar 80 Pint Dehumidifier may not come from a brand as recognizable as hOmeLabs or Midea, but it’s a powerhouse when it comes to pulling moisture out of the air.

Rated at 80 pints per day, it’s one of the largest capacity consumer models available, making it a great option if your laundry room runs damp or if you regularly dry heavy loads indoors.

Like the hOmeLabs model, the Waykar is Energy Star certified, which I appreciate on a unit of this size. It means you can run it often without worrying about a huge spike in your power bill.

In terms of performance, it’s a nice middle ground between everyday dehumidifiers and commercial-grade options like the ALORAIR Sentinel HD55.

You get serious drying capability without spending commercial-level money.

That said, the included 12.8-pint tank on the Waykar is tiny compared to its daily capacity. 

If you’re drying laundry, I strongly recommend skipping the tank altogether and setting it up with the continuous gravity drain. 

It does come with a drain hose, but it’s only about 3.3 feet long, so you may want to pick up a longer universal hose for more flexibility.

In my experience, the Waykar kicks into gear quickly after hanging a load, and the sheer volume of moisture it can remove makes drying noticeably faster. 

While it doesn’t have a built-in pump, for most laundry rooms with a floor drain or nearby sink, gravity draining works just fine. If you want heavy-duty performance without crossing into the commercial category, this unit is a smart buy.

Feature

Details

Moisture removal rating

80 pints per day

Advertised coverage area

5000 square feet

Is drain hose included?

Yes, 3.3 foot drain hose

Tank capacity

1.6 gallons (12.8 pints)

Dimensions (depth x width x height)

9.84 x 13.39 x 21.86 inches


Comparing dehumidifiers for drying clothes

Preview

Name

Rating

Moisture Removal (PPD)

Coverage Area
(square feet)

Price

hOmeLabs Dehumidifier 1,800 Sq Ft 8 Pint (MAX...

hOmeLabs

HME1004

4.8

50

7000

Midea Cube 50 Pint Dehumidifier, 4,500 Sq...

Midea

Cube

4.6

50

4500

ALORAIR 113 Pints Crawlspace Dehumidifier for...

ALORAIR

Sentinal HD55

4.5

113

1200

Shinco 30 Pints Dehumidifier for Home and...

Shinco

SDL-30P

4.5

30

1500

Waykar 80 Pints 5000 Sq. Ft 2025 Energy Star...

Waykar

4.4

80

5000

Considerations when buying a dehumidifier for drying clothes

ACLAB note: 

My notes below are designed to help you choose a dehumidifier for a drying your clothes. For more general information on purchasing dehumidifiers, please see my complete dehumidifier buying guide.

Don’t rely on square footage ratings

Dehumidifiers love to advertise square footage coverage, but that doesn’t mean much when you’re drying very wet clothes.

A single load can release 3–5.5 pints of water back into the air, which is far more than a typical room generates on its own. 

What matters isn’t the coverage claim, but the pints per day (PPD) rating and how fast the unit can pull moisture.

For example, the Midea Cube is marketed for 4,500 square feet, but its 50 PPD capacity is what actually makes it effective for a medium laundry room. 

The Shinco SDL-30P is smaller at 30 PPD, so it helps, but it’s slower for heavy loads. On the other end, the ALORAIR Sentinel HD55 at 113 PPD will handle even bulky comforters with ease.

Bottom line: ignore the square footage claims when it comes to drying clothes — choose by PPD capacity if you want your clothes to dry quickly.

Draining a dehumidifier in a sink

Look for higher capacity models for drying clothes (50 PPD or more)

For laundry drying, a dehumidifier rated at 50 pints per day (PPD) should be your starting point. 

Anything smaller will struggle to keep up, leaving clothes damp for longer. 

Mid-range picks like the hOmeLabs HME1004 or Midea Cube provide more than enough power for most households, while heavy-duty models like the Waykar 80 Pint or ALORAIR Sentinel HD55 excel at cutting drying times for extra-large loads or bulky items.

That said, I did include the Shinco SDL-30P (30 PPD) as a budget-friendly option. 

It won’t match the speed of the higher-capacity units, but in a small laundry room with light loads or basic hang-dry-only items, it can still make a noticeable difference compared to air drying alone.

Think about using a pump or continuous drainage

Even an average laundry load can overwhelm a dehumidifier’s tank. 

A few loads back-to-back, and you’ll be emptying water every couple of hours, which defeats the whole “set it and forget it” purpose. 

That’s why I recommend picking a model with a built-in pump, like the hOmeLabs HME1004 or Midea Cube. Both can send water directly into a sink or floor drain, letting them run uninterrupted while your clothes dry.

If you’d rather save a little money and go the gravity-drain route, options like the Waykar 80 Pint will do the job. Just know the included hoses are short (about 3 feet), so it’s worth picking up a longer universal hose to reach a nearby drain or utility sink. 

In my experience, once you’ve got drainage set up properly, you’ll never want to fuss with a tank again.

Some dehumidifiers have smart controls

Extra features that help on laundry day

  • WiFi & app controls – Models like the Midea Cube and hOmeLabs HME1004 let you check humidity levels and progress from your phone, which saves trips to the laundry room.
  • Carbon filters – Dehumidifiers like the Shinco SDL-30P come with an activated carbon filter to cut odors — handy for drying activewear or sports uniforms.
  • Energy Star Certification – Found on the Waykar 80 Pint, Midea Cube, and hOmeLabs, this means you can run the unit often without a big jump in your electric bill.
  • Compact design – The Shinco’s small footprint is great for tiny laundry rooms, while the Midea Cube’s nesting design makes it versatile for sink-top setups.

These aren’t must-haves, but they can make the whole process smoother and more efficient.

Tips for faster drying with a dehumidifier

Even the best dehumidifier benefits from a good setup. A few small adjustments can noticeably cut drying time:

  • Close the laundry room door – Contain the humidity so the dehumidifier doesn’t waste energy drying the rest of the house.
  • Space clothes apart – More airflow between garments means faster evaporation.
  • Use a small fan – Helps circulate air so moisture doesn’t get trapped in corners or thick fabrics.
  • Pair with a utility sink or drain – Continuous drainage (which all of the models on my list are capable of) run without interruptions.
  • Flip or rotate heavier items – Comforters, towels, and jeans dry much faster when turned halfway through.

I’ve noticed that these steps, especially adding a fan and flipping heavy items, can shave another hour or two off the drying process, making the whole system even more efficient.

FAQs

How long does it take to dry clothes with a dehumidifier?

Most average-sized loads dry in about 4–5 hours with a 50 pint dehumidifier, compared to 12–24 hours with air drying alone.

Where should I place the dehumidifier when drying laundry?

Put it in the same room as your clothes, ideally near the drying rack with good airflow. Pairing the dehumidifier with a small fan can also be beneficial.

Is it safe to leave a dehumidifier running while I’m out?

Yes. As long as it’s configured for continuous drainage, modern models are designed to run unattended.

Do dehumidifiers make clothes smell fresher?

Yes, reducing moisture prevents musty odors and can even help remove lingering damp smells from heavy fabrics.

Will a dehumidifier dry clothes in a cold room?

Yes, most dehumidifiers will work in chillier rooms. For spaces below 41 degrees, though, you will need to purchase a commercial dehumidifier.

So, which in the right dehumidifier for my laundry setup?

My top choice for most laundry rooms is the hOmeLabs HME1004, thanks to its 50 PPD capacity, built-in pump, and easy app controls. 

Still, all five models on this list will speed up drying times, from the budget-friendly Shinco to the heavy-duty ALORAIR Sentinel HD55.

No matter your setup, using a dehumidifier alongside air drying will keep clothes fresher and cut drying time dramatically.

My #1 Recommendation
hOmeLabs HME1004

  • Energy Star certified model works quickly
  • WiFi and app controls make it easy to monitor and adjust from anywhere
  • At 50 PPD can be used to dry clothes and nearby rooms
  • Quiet at 52 dB (compared to a 70 dB dryer)
  • Available for purchase with or without pump
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Holly Curell

Managing Editor & Writer

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Holly is an experienced writer and editor who specializes in technical manuals, and safe and efficient home appliances. When she’s not writing, Holly enjoys reading, hiking, and the odd glass of wine.

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