Yes, the Lakeland dehumidifier and heated clothes airer combination can dry a full load of laundry indoors significantly faster than a heated airer alone, typically cutting drying time by about a third. However, it is not a single appliance—Lakeland sells both a heated clothes airer and separate dehumidifiers, and using them together is a popular method for tackling winter laundry. This article explains how each works, what to consider before buying, and whether the combo is worth it for your home.
Background: Why Indoor Drying Needs Help
Drying clothes indoors is a necessity for many UK households, especially in flats or during cold, wet months. A standard heated clothes airer warms the air around the garments, which speeds up evaporation, but the moisture has to go somewhere. Without ventilation, that water vapour condenses on windows, soaks into walls, and can lead to damp and mould. A dehumidifier removes that moisture from the air, which is why pairing the two makes sense: the airer heats the clothes, and the dehumidifier pulls the released water out of the room. Lakeland has sold heated airers for years, and more recently has promoted dehumidifiers as a complementary product for laundry drying.
How a Heated Clothes Airer Works
A heated clothes airer is essentially a rack with metal bars that warm up when plugged in. Lakeland’s popular ‘Heated Clothes Airer’ models use a low wattage (typically around 200–300W) to heat the bars to a gentle temperature, usually between 50–60°C. You drape clothes over the bars, and the heat transfers directly to the fabric, speeding up evaporation compared to a non-heated rack. Most models have multiple tiers, and some come with a cover or canopy that traps heat around the clothes, further reducing drying time. The key limitation is that the airer only heats the clothes—it does not remove the moisture from the room. That is where a dehumidifier steps in.
How a Dehumidifier Helps Laundry Drying
A dehumidifier works by drawing in air, cooling it to condense water vapour into a collection tank, and then releasing dryer air back into the room. For laundry drying, you want a model with a ‘laundry mode’ or a continuous setting, which runs the fan and compressor at a steady pace to maximise moisture extraction. Lakeland sells a few dehumidifiers, typically desiccant or compressor types. Desiccant models work better at lower temperatures, which is useful in an unheated room during winter, while compressor models are more energy-efficient in warmer conditions. When placed near the heated airer, the dehumidifier removes the water that the airer evaporates, so the room stays dry and the clothes dry faster because the air around them is less humid.
How to Use Them Together Effectively
To get the best results, position the dehumidifier close to the heated airer, but not so close that it blocks airflow. Ideally, place it about 1–2 feet away, with the airer in the centre of the room. Close the door and windows to create a sealed environment, so the dehumidifier can work efficiently without drawing in outside moisture. Run both appliances for the duration of the drying cycle. For a typical 6kg load, this could take 3–5 hours, depending on fabric type and room temperature. You can speed things up by:
- Spinning clothes at the highest spin speed in your washing machine to remove excess water.
- Shaking out each item before laying it flat on the airer.
- Using a cover over the airer to trap heat, if you have one.
- Leaving gaps between items so air can circulate.
Check the dehumidifier’s water tank regularly—it may need emptying once or twice during a long drying session. Some models have a hose attachment for continuous drainage, which is convenient for frequent laundry drying.
Choosing the Right Dehumidifier for This Purpose
Not all dehumidifiers are equally suited to laundry drying. Look for one with a ‘laundry mode’ or a high extraction rate, measured in litres per day (at 30°C and 80% humidity). For a typical bedroom or living room, a model that extracts 10–20 litres per day is adequate. Desiccant models are often preferred for laundry because they work well at lower temperatures and are lighter, but they use more electricity. Compressor models are more efficient in warmer rooms but may struggle below 10°C. Lakeland’s own dehumidifiers are usually rebranded from known manufacturers, so check the specifications rather than relying on the brand alone. Also consider noise levels—if you plan to run it overnight, a quieter model is better.
Costs and Energy Use
Running both a heated airer and a dehumidifier will increase your electricity bill. A typical heated airer uses around 250W, and a dehumidifier uses between 150W and 300W, depending on the type and setting. Combined, that’s roughly 400–550W per hour. If you dry clothes for 4 hours, that’s 1.6–2.2 kWh. At the UK average electricity price of about 24p per kWh (as of 2024), that’s roughly 38–53p per drying session. This is still cheaper than using a tumble dryer, which typically costs £1–£1.50 per load. Over a year, the extra cost is manageable, but it’s worth factoring in. Some dehumidifiers have an energy-saving ‘auto’ mode that switches off when the humidity drops, which can reduce running costs.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that a dehumidifier alone can dry clothes without a heat source. In reality, a dehumidifier will eventually dry clothes, but it takes much longer because it relies on the ambient air temperature to evaporate water. Heated airers speed up the process significantly. Another issue is that some people worry about the dehumidifier overheating or catching fire—this is unfounded if you use a reputable model and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. However, you should never cover a dehumidifier or block its air intake. Also, be aware that a dehumidifier does not remove lint or pet hair from clothes; that’s a tumble dryer’s job. Finally, some users find that the dehumidifier’s water tank fills quickly, especially in a small room—check it regularly to avoid it switching off automatically.
Alternatives to the Lakeland Combo
If you’re not ready to invest in both appliances, there are alternatives. A heated airer with a cover is cheaper and works reasonably well, but you’ll need to open a window to let moisture out, which lets in cold air. A condenser tumble dryer is the most energy-intensive option but dries clothes fastest and removes lint. Another option is a heated drying cabinet, which is essentially a tall, enclosed airer—Lakeland sells one, and it’s more efficient than an open airer because it traps heat. For those on a budget, a simple clothesline and a dehumidifier can work, but it takes longer. Ultimately, the Lakeland combo is a good middle ground for those who want faster indoor drying without the high running costs of a tumble dryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any dehumidifier with a Lakeland heated airer?
Yes, any dehumidifier will work, but for best results, choose one with a laundry mode or a high extraction rate. The brand doesn’t need to match—Lakeland’s airers work with any dehumidifier.
How long does it take to dry a full load?
Typically 3–5 hours for a 6kg cotton load, depending on the room temperature, spin speed, and how you load the airer. Using a cover and a dehumidifier can reduce this to the lower end.
Is it cheaper than a tumble dryer?
Yes, generally. A tumble dryer uses around 2.5–4.5 kWh per load, costing roughly £0.60–£1.10, while the airer and dehumidifier combo uses about 1.6–2.2 kWh, costing £0.38–£0.53 per load.
Will a dehumidifier cause damp or mould?
No, the opposite. By removing moisture from the air, it reduces the risk of condensation and damp. Just make sure to empty the water tank regularly.
Can I run the dehumidifier overnight?
Yes, but check the noise level. Some models are quiet enough for a bedroom, while others may be disruptive. Also, make sure the water tank is large enough or has a continuous drain option.
Do I need a cover for the airer?
A cover helps trap heat and speeds up drying, but it’s not essential. If you use a cover, ensure it doesn’t block the dehumidifier’s airflow—leave a gap or position the dehumidifier outside the cover.
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