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I can’t count the number of times I’ve had to do laundry because it developed that horrible damp smell after air drying indoors. On a mission to resolve this weekly frustration, I reached out to my colleagues here at Construction and repair of housing to see if they have a solution.
Below, they’ve revealed their favorite methods for drying laundry indoors—from using one of the the best dehumidifiers as an energy-efficient tumble dryer alternative to a traditional roller rack to save valuable floor space (while giving your wet room a rustic look).
To find out the best way to dry laundry (without the need for a dryer or outdoor space), keep reading.
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1. Traditional pulley
🏆Best for saving floor space
Our web editor, Amy Willisswears by her traditional reel-to-reel rack for drying her laundry, praising its space-saving design that frees up valuable floor space in her wet room. Although she originally bought it for aesthetic reasons, she found it to be very practical too – keeping her laundry up and out of the way while drying it quickly.
“We had a bit of trouble finding the joists when we installed it (meaning we now have a collection of holes to fill), but once that was sorted it became an essential washing machine for us.
“I tend to leave it up and stretch out to put wet clothes on top of it to dry. I was actually surprised how quickly things dry there, too. I don’t know if it’s because the heat is up or because it’s far enough away between the rails, but I’ve never had a problem with wet clothes—even washing my hands.”
It is mounted on the ceiling
Traditional reel drying kit
This Victorian style reel rack features four drying rails and comes with all the fittings you need for easy installation.
Amy spent over a decade in London editing and writing for The Daily Telegraph, MailOnline and Metro.co.uk before moving to East Anglia where she began renovating a period property in rural Suffolk. During this time she also worked on television at ITV Anglia and CBS, as well as freelance for Yahoo, AOL, ESPN and The Mirror.
2. Moisture trap
🏆The best for energy efficiency
You’ve probably heard of using a dehumidifier to deal with condensation and moisture, but what about drying laundry with a dehumidifier? These dehumidifiers are an excellent, energy-efficient alternative to tumble dryers and could save you up to £664.30 a year, according to Chris Michael, co-founder of Meaco.
Desiccants are also quieter, take up less space and are gentler on clothes than them. The only real caveat is that they are significantly slower, taking about five hours longer to dry.
Editor of Homebuilding Beth Merton recommends Meaco’s DD8L dehumidifier for drying wet clothes, which she uses in his dedicated laundry setting. When placed next to the clothes fan, she likes how it protects her clothes from damp smells and her home from excess moisture, while reducing energy costs for drying.
“It makes a huge difference in how quickly my laundry dries indoors,” says Beth. “It also means the central heating doesn’t have to be on all the time to dry clothes. Drying large items like duvet covers quickly without a tumble dryer can be particularly problematic, but I’ve found my dehumidifier makes those easier too.”
Lightweight design
Dehumidifier Meaco DD8L
Costing just 9p an hour to run, this dehumidifier extracts up to eight liters a day and features a wash mode and anti-bacterial filter.
Over the past 20+ years Beth has worked for and contributed to a number of leading UK magazines and websites including Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, Ideal Home, Period Living and Grand Designs.
3. Combination of heated fan and dehumidifier
🏆Best for fast results
One of the biggest problems with drying clothes indoors is the risk of moist and mold growth in your home. To address this common dilemma, our Associate Editor, Sarah Harleyruns the dehumidifier and the heated fan at the same time, a powerful combination that ensures excess moisture is removed from the air while her clothes dry well on the rails.
She explains: “Although this means running two units at the same time, both have relatively low energy consumption. I also dry entirely on a small landing where there is a radiator, and close the bedroom doors while the fan and dehumidifier are on. This ensures that both products are working hard to dry the clothes, rather than heating or absorbing moisture from the rooms around the landing.”
“While there’s nothing better than drying outside in the fresh air, in an apartment or in the winter, I’d always recommend this two-pronged approach as the fastest way to dry items and, more importantly, reduce excess moisture entering your home.”
DeLonghi DEX212F 12L Tasciugo AriaDry Dehumidifier
This moisture wicker has Sarah’s seal of approval, including a wash mode that makes her clothes softer and easier to iron.
Dry: Coming soon 3 stage heated fan and cover
This folding heated fan costs just 9p an hour to run and holds up to 15kg of laundry on three levels.
Sarah is Assistant Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating and joined the team in 2024. An established home and interiors writer, Sarah has renovated and extended a number of properties, including a building and renovation project featured in Grand Designs.
While a tumble dryer is the obvious solution for drying laundry quickly, these options are excellent alternatives for saving money and electricity while avoiding damp smells and cumbersome rails.
For more expert advice, read our comparison of dehumidifiers vs. dryers or check out our favorites laundry room ideas.
