The best dehumidifiers: 14 favourites to beat damp and cut bills, tested

You don’t have to live in the American deep south to feel the effects of humidity. At home, just breathing makes the air more humid, let alone cooking or showering.And when it gets too humid, it’s bad for our health as well as our homes. In fact, the two are connected: humidity lets mould and dust mites flourish – and they, in turn, can trigger asthma and allergies.Dehumidifiers can make your indoor environment more comfortable by reducing the amount of moisture in the air. Because of this, they’re also a great laundry-drying hack. I use mine to dry clothes fast, and for a fraction of the cost of tumble drying.Not sure if you need one? You can buy a hygrometer cheaply – the one I used for testing cost less than £10 – to check your home’s relative humidity and make an informed decision. Should you opt to buy one, do your research at reputable sources (like, hint, the Filter). Researching this piece, I was shocked to learn that customers had been duped into buying very basic dehumidifiers for well over the odds.At a glanceBest dehumidifier overallEbac 4650e£309.99 at EbacBest budget dehumidifierVonHaus Smart dehumidifier with laundry mode£144.99 at AmazonBest combined dehumidifier and air purifierDevola Platinum hybrid DVHA20L£161.99 at DevolaBest dehumidifier for drying laundryDuux Bora Smart£279.99 at DuuxBest quiet dehumidifierMeacoDry Arete Two£299 at John LewisBest compact dehumidifierDevola DVH12L£135.99 at DevolaWhy you should trust meI’m an award-winning consumer technology journalist with decades of experience testing electrical appliances; I’ve been reviewing gadgets for almost 30 years. I live in a terrace house with a lovely number of children and far too many pets, so there’s lots of laundry: I use a dehumidifier to dry clothes. I’ve also been known to use one for speedy DIY, drying plaster and paint faster.How I testedEach dehumidifier’s performance, energy consumption and noise levels were recorded. Photograph: Caramel Quin/The GuardianI selected 14 dehumidifiers from leading brands to test, then set them up and used them, each for several days. I used a power meter to measure how much electricity (and therefore money and carbon) they use. Using the Sound Meter app, I measured the noise from 1m away in decibels (dB) on multiple occasions – the figures featured here are all the ones that I measured at home, in consistent conditions, so they often differ from manufacturers’ official figures, which are measured in lab conditions but in inconsistent ways. More subjectively, I paid attention to the quality of the sound – was it annoying, gurgly, hard to ignore, easy to fall asleep to? And I measured each dehumidifier’s size.To measure the room’s humidity while testing, I used a digital hygrometer held 1m away (though humidity would be roughly the same elsewhere in the room), and a thermometer to check the temperature. Dehumidifiers fill a tank with water they have extracted from the air, so one measure of how good a job they’ve done is to measure how much water is in there – which I did, using a jug.Because conditions vary from moment to moment and room to room, it was impossible to test each one in precisely the same conditions. As such, I’ve only mentioned the results of these not-so-scientific tests when they stood out.After testing, any dehumidifiers that weren’t collected by manufacturers were donated to Furnishing Futures, a charity that fully furnishes the empty social housing in which women and children are placed after surviving domestic abuse.The best dehumidifiers in 2026 Photograph: Caramel Quin/The GuardianBest dehumidifier overall: Ebac 4650eWhat we loveBritish-made, long warranty, and great performanceWhat we don’t loveThere’s no window to see how full the water tank is Photograph: Caramel Quin/The Guardian£309.99 at Ebac£329 at ArgosThis is the priciest dehumidifier on test, but it’s worth the money. It’s large but luggable, with a single deep handle on the rear that makes it easy to carry and an integrated cable tidy on the back that’s great when you want to store it.Why we love itI like the design. For example, a flap at the front opens to reveal a black water tank that’s easy to empty, with water coming out of just one hole (most water tanks are messier).The small display is colourful, and there’s a good range of modes, including laundry. A smart control feature remembers your home’s humidity levels and kicks in only when the levels start to rise: in a home that doesn’t have major damp problems, this will save a lot of electricity. It can be controlled via an app, and it also comes with an activated carbon filter for removing unwanted smells.Performance was good, bringing relative humidity down by 4% in a short time, and its capacity and smart controls make it a great all-rounder. You can simply leave it switched on and trust it to manage your home’s humidity levels without wasting electricity. The Ebac’s sound was inoffensive, too: I could definitely sleep with it on. It’s pretty energy efficient, and it’s made in north-east England, so its carbon footprint is lower than some other models. It also comes with a four-year warranty if bought directly from the brand.It’s a shame that … there’s no window to inspect the fill level.Dimensions: 34 x 27 x 54cm (WDH)Daily extraction rate: 18lTank capacity: 3.5lPeak power use on test: 180W Average noise level on top setting: 10dBTarget humidity range: 35-80% Laundry setting? YesRunning costs: 5p/hourEbac4650efrom £309.99What we loveBritish-made, long warranty, and great performanceWhat we don’t loveThere’s no window to see how full the water tank isBest budget dehumidifier: VonHaus smart dehumidifier with laundry modeVonHausSmart dehumidifier with laundry modefrom £144.99What we loveGreat value, quiet and app controlWhat we don’t loveThe air filtration is basic£144.99 at VonHaus£144.99 at AmazonAt the time of writing, a discount brings this dehumidifier’s price down to less than £150. Even at full price, though, it’s a bargain.Why we love itAlongside a laundry mode, a sleep mode brings down volume levels from an already quiet 15dB to 10dB by slowing the fan speed, and it turns off the screen so the lights won’t disturb you.Other modes include auto, which turns the machine off when it reaches the target relative humidity, and continuous, which means it won’t turn off until the tank is full. An app lets you control it from your phone or with Google Home or Amazon Alexa. Simple coloured lights on the front give a visual indicator of what mode it’s in.It’s a great all-rounder for the price. On test, it started cutting humidity levels within minutes, and over a couple of hours, it brought relative humidity down by at least 5%, pulling 450ml of water out of the air. It’s good for drying laundry and tackling damp – the only corner cut, when compared with pricier models, is Hepa air filtration.If you’re not sure whether or not to invest in a dehumidifier, this is a good buy for the price.It’s a shame that … it only has a washable dust filter, not Hepa air purification, even though there looks to be enough room for a larger filter.Dimensions: 31 x 24 x 49cm (WDH)Daily extraction rate: 20lTank capacity: 4.5lPeak power use on test: 290WAverage noise level on top setting: 15dBTarget humidity range: 30-80% Laundry setting? YesRunning costs: 8p/hourVonHausSmart dehumidifier with laundry modefrom £144.99What we loveGreat value, quiet and app controlWhat we don’t loveThe air filtration is basicBest combined dehumidifier and air purifier: Devola Platinum hybrid DVHA20LDevolaPlatinum hybrid DVHA20Lfrom £161.99What we loveGood value for a model that features Hepa air filtrationWhat we don’t loveThe added cost of replacement filters£161.99 at Devola£161.99 at Aircon CentreKill two birds with one stone with this new hybrid model that promises cleaner as well as drier air. It comes with a Hepa filter (for filtering the air), an ioniser (for pulling dust out of the air) and an ultraviolet lamp (for killing germs).Why we love itSeveral models on test come with Hepa filters, but what sets this model apart is that it measures air quality too: simply press a button to get a traffic light measure of PM2.5 particles (green, blue or red light, depending on your air quality). Air pollution is a silent killer, and indoor air quality can be worse than outdoor, so filtering these fine particles is a brilliant idea if you don’t already have an air purifier.Dehumidifier modes include laundry and night (quieter at 20dB), and the flap on the top is motorised, so it opens automatically and can be set to “swing” to circulate air.It was great being able to see the air quality improve, as well as the humidity. I found the Devola to be well designed, too: the water tank is accessed from the side and its handle doubles as a visual level indicator. And I found the tank easy to empty without making a mess.It’s a shame that … it’s not quieter. Hepa filters will need replacing periodically, too (Devola suggests every six months, so budget about £15 a year).Dimensions: 36 x 27 x 57cm (WDH)Daily extraction rate: 20lTank capacity: 2.9lPeak power use on test: 330WAverage noise level on top setting: 30dBTarget humidity range: 40-80% Laundry setting? YesRunning costs: 9p/hourDevolaPlatinum hybrid DVHA20Lfrom £161.99What we loveGood value for a model that features Hepa air filtrationWhat we don’t loveThe added cost of replacement filtersFor more, read our guide to the best air purifiersBest dehumidifier for drying laundry: Duux Bora SmartDuuxBora Smartfrom £279.99What we loveQuiet and uses an eco-friendly refrigerantWhat we don’t loveNo Hepa air purification£279.99 at Duux£299 at AOThis is a good-looking dehumidifier, with clean lines. The water drawer at the front has a useful visual indicator, so you can see at a glance how full it is. It features wifi and app control so that you can set schedules, and an activated carbon filter works to remove odours, gases and smoke.Why we love itI loved the four-hour laundry mode: it reduced relative humidity by 5% in the first five minutes, swiftly drying clothes. And you’ll be able to sleep nearby, since the Duux is Quiet Mark certified for its ultra-quiet operation. The night mode turns off the lights, although I had to turn down the fan speed myself – and in my tests it then reached an impressively low average of below 10dB, much quieter than the manufacturer’s claims. It sounds like a fan with a little bit of fridge sound thrown in, but quieter.I also like that it uses the environmentally friendly R290 refrigerant, which has a low global warming potential (GWP). In fact, its GWP is only triple that of carbon dioxide, while some refrigerants have a GWP that’s hundreds of times that of CO2 (and some refrigerants now banned from sale have GWPs of thousands).It’s a shame that … it doesn’t offer Hepa air purification at this price.Dimensions: 32 x 24 x 51cm (WDH)Daily extraction rate: 20lTank capacity: 4lPeak power use on test: 270W Average noise level on top setting: 20dBTarget humidity range: 30-80%Laundry setting? YesRunning costs: 7p/hourDuuxBora Smartfrom £279.99What we loveQuiet and uses an eco-friendly refrigerantWhat we don’t loveNo Hepa air purificationBest quiet dehumidifier: MeacoDry Arete TwoMeacoDryArete Twofrom £299What we loveImpressively quiet, Hepa filtration, app and a long warrantyWhat we don’t loveThe added cost of replacement filters£299 at John Lewis£299.99 at MeacoYou’d expect the successor to the popular Arete One to be impressive, and this doesn’t disappoint. It’s not just a dehumidifier – it also purifies the air, thanks to the included dust and medical-grade H13 Hepa filters.Why we love itThe Arete Two can be controlled via a smartphone app or voice control via Google Home or Amazon Alexa. Modes include continuous, smart (which aims for a middle-of-the-road 55% humidity) and laundry. The louvre on top opens manually and can be directed at your washing.Its display is slightly unusual: rather than a number, it shows a sliding scale of humidity levels, giving you a clear visual indication of the current humidity and your target. The interface is intuitive, however, and there aren’t too many buttons.The five-year warranty is the longest I’ve seen for a dehumidifier. But most of all, I was impressed by the quiet. The average noise was just 5dB, and this dropped to 4dB (considerably quieter than the manufacturer’s claimed noise level) in night mode. You can honestly forget that it’s on.It also has some thoughtful features. For example, if you leave it plugged in but not switched on, it will say “wet” on screen to alert you when it detects a relative humidity of 70% plus.You can also choose your type of air filtration when you buy refills (£39.99 for a pack of three). Replace the Hepa filter if you have allergies or pets; swap for an activated charcoal filter if you’d prefer to remove cooking smells, smoke and VOCs (chemicals that come off new furniture, paint, carpets and so on).It’s a shame that … the louvre isn’t motorised, considering the price.Dimensions: 37 x 27 x 62cm (WDH)Daily extraction rate: 20lTank capacity: 4.8lPeak power use on test: 230WAverage noise level on top setting: 5dBTarget humidity range: 40-70%Laundry setting? YesRunning costs: 6p/hourMeacoDryArete Twofrom £299What we loveImpressively quiet, Hepa filtration, app and a long warrantyWhat we don’t loveThe added cost of replacement filtersBest compact dehumidifier: Devola DVH12LWhat we loveQuiet, compact and impressive performanceWhat we don’t loveThere’s no window to see how full the water tank is£135.99 at Devola£135.99 at Aircon CentreWhen compared with the other smaller (12-litre capacity) models on test, this extracted the most water from the air. It removed 200ml, reducing relative humidity by 5% in a short time. It also looks good.Why we love itPerformance is impressive for a small dehumidifier. And it’s especially impressive considering it comes with a Hepa filter for air purification, which is bound to slow airflow for dehumidification.It was pretty quiet and sounded like a fan. I could definitely sleep through its 5dB on low fan mode.Got enough space for a larger model? For only a little more, you can buy the larger Devola DVHA20L above, which features a built-in PM2.5 air quality monitor, so you can see the impact it’s having on air quality.It’s a shame that … the rear tank doesn’t have a visual indicator, so you can’t tell how full it is without pulling it out.Dimensions: 30 x 23 x 47cm (WDH)Daily extraction rate: 12lTank capacity: 2.7lPeak power use on test: 180WAverage noise level on top setting: 10dBTarget humidity range: 30-80%Laundry setting? YesRunning costs: 5p/hourDevolaDVH12Lfrom £135.99What we loveQuiet, compact and impressive performanceWhat we don’t loveThere’s no window to see how full the water tank isThe best of the rest Swan low-energy dehumidifierSwanLow-energy dehumidifierfrom £139What we loveGood looking and good valueWhat we don’t loveThere’s no laundry mode£149.99 at Swan£139 at AmazonBest for: looksThe Swan’s design is as elegant as its feathery namesake. It’s also a contender for best bargain when reduced.It didn’t make the final cut because … the powerful upwards fan and motorised flap make it great for drying laundry, but there’s no laundry mode, and the minimum target for relative humidity is 40% (many models go down to 30%, and laundry mode is invariably 35% with a timer).You can still dry laundry by choosing 40% and setting a timer, but it seems like an oversight.Dimensions: 33 x 22 x 57cm (WDH); daily extraction rate: 20l; tank capacity: 4l; peak power use on test: 330W; average noise level on top setting: 30dB; target humidity range: 40-80%; laundry setting? No; running costs: 9p/hourSwanLow-energy dehumidifierfrom £139What we loveGood looking and good valueWhat we don’t loveThere’s no laundry mode Meaco DD8LWhat we loveA desiccant dehumidifier suitable for spaces as low as 1CWhat we don’t loveUses twice as much electricity as a condenser dehumidifier£169.98 at Appliances Direct£179.99 at AmazonBest for: a garage or shedThis is a desiccant dehumidifier, rather than a condenser dehumidifier like the others here (see the guide below for more information on the different types). As such, it uses more electricity but can be used in colder spaces, operating as low as 1C: perfect for a garage or shed. This one features an ioniser that helps cut airborne dust, and it’s compact, light and easy to carry. On test, it performed well, cutting relative humidity by 10% but raising the temperature slightly.It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s good for garages, but since it uses twice as much electricity as condenser dehumidifiers, I wouldn’t use it in the home. It doesn’t display the humidity level, either.Dimensions: 36 x 20 x 55cm (WDH); daily extraction rate: 8l; tank capacity: 2l; peak power use on test: 690W; average noise level on top setting: 40dB; target humidity range: 40-60%; laundry setting? Yes; running costs: 18p/hourMeacoDD8Lfrom £169.98What we loveA desiccant dehumidifier suitable for spaces as low as 1CWhat we don’t loveUses twice as much electricity as a condenser dehumidifier ProBreeze dehumidifier with max extraction and laundry modeProBreezeDehumidifier with max extraction and laundry modefrom £149.99What we loveIt’s a good-value workhorseWhat we don’t loveThe noise was annoying£149.99 at ProBreeze£199.99 at AmazonBest for: powerful dryingAt the time of this page update, the ProBreeze website had a discount code that brought this dehumidifier’s price down by £40, making it a bargain for such a workhorse. In my tests, it extracted moisture powerfully, bringing relative humidity down by more than 10% in a couple of hours. For £50 extra, you can get a version with smart app control.It didn’t make the final cut because … it uses quite a lot of electricity, even on low power mode. And although it was fairly quiet (15dB on low fan mode), there was an annoying low hum as well as the fan noise.Dimensions: 32 x 20 x 58cm (WDH); daily extraction rate: 20l; tank capacity: 5.5l; peak power use on test: 360W; average noise level on top setting: 20dB; target humidity range: 30-80%; laundry setting? Yes; running costs: 9p/hourProBreezeDehumidifier with max extraction and laundry modefrom £149.99What we loveIt’s a good-value workhorseWhat we don’t loveThe noise was annoying Devola DV12LWhat we loveThe coloured humidity indicator on the frontWhat we don’t loveThe next model up, with Hepa air filtration, is better£106.99 at Aircon Centre£106.99 at DevolaBest for: clever designI liked the way this affordable dehumidifier looked, and loved the little notch at the top of the rear water tank. It means that, when dry, you can stow the power cable in there, making this an easy machine to store.A light-up ring on the front indicates relative humidity at a glance: green for good, red for too humid, blue for too dry.It didn’t make the final cut because … I preferred the newer Devola DVH12L, which also has a Hepa filter for air purification.Dimensions: 26 x 22 x 47cm (WDH); daily extraction rate: 12l; tank capacity: 2l; peak power use on test: 180W; average noise level on top setting: 25dB; target humidity range: 30-80%; laundry setting? Yes; running costs: 5p/hourDevolaDV12Lfrom £106.99What we loveThe coloured humidity indicator on the frontWhat we don’t loveThe next model up, with Hepa air filtration, is better Honeywell TP FitHoneywellTP Fitfrom £121.22What we loveIt’s compact and uses an eco-friendly refrigerantWhat we don’t loveDehumidification performance wasn’t great on test£121.99 at Aircon Centre£121.22 at AmazonBest for: the smallest dehumidifierThis was the smallest on test, so it could be worth considering if you only want to use it occasionally and need to stow it away most of the time. The dust filter is washable, and while there’s no true sleep mode (there’s one that dims the lights, but it doesn’t reduce noise), most of the lights turn off after a minute, and it’s not too loud.The comfort mode targets a relative humidity based on the temperature, and its front water drawer gives a visual indication. I also like that it uses the environmentally friendly R290 refrigerant, which has a low GWP.It didn’t make the final cut because … it didn’t reduce humidity as much as some, collecting just 150ml overnight. Also, unusually, I spilled some water when carrying it after testing.Dimensions: 28 x 24 x 39cm (WDH); daily extraction rate: 12l; tank capacity: 2.5l; peak power use on test: 180W; average noise level on top setting: 20dB; target humidity range: 30-90%; laundry setting? Yes; running costs: 5p/hourHoneywellTP Fitfrom £121.22What we loveIt’s compact and uses an eco-friendly refrigerantWhat we don’t loveDehumidification performance wasn’t great on test Meaco 12 LEWhat we loveCompact, and you can add a Hepa filter for air purificationWhat we don’t loveI prefer models that measure air quality too£154.97 at Aircon Centre£189.99 at MeacoBest for: compact air purificationThis has excellent features, including top-notch air filtration and a three-year warranty from some retailers. Like its big sibling, the MeacoDry Arete Two (above), it purifies the air thanks to an included medical-grade H13 Hepa filter and dust filter. The Hepa filter is optional, and it will need replacing (about every three months) if you want to use it. Budget £40 a year for refills.It didn’t make the final cut because … you can’t see whether the air purification is working. For only a little more, you can buy the larger Devola DVHA20L, which features a built-in PM2.5 air quality monitor. I also didn’t like the looks, finding the green and white a bit clinical.Dimensions: 32 x 24 x 49cm (WDH); daily extraction rate: 12l; tank capacity: 2.5l; peak power use on test: 200W; average noise level on top setting: 20dB; target humidity range: 30-80%; laundry setting? Yes; running costs: 5p/hourMeaco12 LEfrom £154.97What we loveCompact, and you can add a Hepa filter for air purificationWhat we don’t loveI prefer models that measure air quality too Blyss Madden WDH-316DBBlyssMadden WDH-316DB£120What we loveIt’s easy to carry around the houseWhat we don’t loveIt’s a smaller model with no sleep function£120 at B&QBest for: easy carryingThis has a daily extraction rate of 16 litres, which isn’t the weediest but is one of the smaller models on test. It has a simple handle across the full width that’s well balanced. If you find it difficult to carry heavy items up and down stairs, choose a smaller model like this.I liked the display, with relative humidity and temperature shown inside a cartoon house. And there’s a fan swing function that helps with drying laundry.It didn’t make the final cut because … there’s no sleep function, although it’s fairly quiet.Dimensions: 30 x 19 x 47cm (WDH); daily extraction rate: 16l; tank capacity: 2.4l; peak power use on test: 230W; average noise level on top setting: 20dB; target humidity range: 50-70%; laundry setting? Yes; running costs: 6p/hourBlyssMadden WDH-316DB£120What we loveIt’s easy to carry around the houseWhat we don’t loveIt’s a smaller model with no sleep function Black+Decker BXEH60014GBBlack+DeckerBXEH60014GBfrom £174What we loveIt displays the precise humidity, and it has app controlWhat we don’t loveHigher running costs and loud at times£174 at AO£186 at AmazonBest for: smart controlsI liked the Black+Decker’s design, from the coloured light at the top that indicates humidity (red for high, green for good, blue for low) to the large, white digits on its front that tell you the precise relative humidity.These quick-glance displays work well when it’s paired with the app, so you can control it from afar. You can even add Google Home and Amazon Alexa voice controls. I could use my phone as a remote control from anywhere in the home to check on progress – rare for a dehumidifier at this price.It didn’t make the final cut because … the machine was loud at times (although the sleep setting averaged 17dB).Dimensions: 34 x 24 x 57cm (WDH); daily extraction rate: 20l; tank capacity: 6.5l; peak power use on test: 395W; average noise level on top setting: 20dB; target humidity range: 30-80%; laundry setting? Yes; running costs: 10p/hourBlack+DeckerBXEH60014GBfrom £174What we loveIt displays the precise humidity, and it has app controlWhat we don’t loveHigher running costs and loud at timesWhat you need to knowWhat is relative humidity?Relative humidity is the percentage of water vapour in the air compared with the maximum that the air can hold.Warm air can hold more water vapour than cold air. So if the amount of water in the air stays the same but the temperature drops, relative humidity increases.When relative humidity hits 100%, the air is fully saturated, and water condenses on surfaces, like how dew condenses on cool morning grass.What humidity should I aim for?All the dehumidifiers tested here measure the relative humidity (a percentage) and let you set a target.If the air is too humid, it feels muggy, and it’s hard for sweat to cool you on a hot day. If the air is too dry, it can lead to problems such as dry eyes and throats.For your health and your home, the ideal relative humidity is 40-60% in summer and 30-50% in winter.Do I need a dehumidifier?You may benefit from a dehumidifier if you have damp and mould problems. Humidity helps mould and dust mites flourish – and they, in turn, can trigger asthma and allergies.Another benefit is drying laundry fast. Use a dehumidifier to pull moisture out of the air, then clothes in the room dry much faster and without causing damp problems such as condensation on windows or walls.Dehumidifiers are also good for specific uses, such as drying paint or plaster faster, or helping a room dry out after flooding.If in doubt, use a cheap hygrometer to check your home’s relative humidity and make an informed decision.What are the different types of dehumidifier?Most of the dehumidifiers tested here are compressor dehumidifiers, so they work a bit like a fridge, compressing and then expanding a refrigerant to cool a metal coil. Water from the air then condenses on the coil and drains off into a water tank. These are usually the best style of dehumidifier for the home.Don’t throw away the plastic tube if you find one in the box. Some models come with a drain hose – so you can constantly dry rather than stopping when the tank is full. Other models let you add a hose if you need it (but most people don’t use them, which is why they’re not always included).I tested one desiccant dehumidifier. These excel in cold environments, such as garages, cellars and outbuildings. This is because they work by using moisture-absorbing materials that don’t rely on temperature to remove humidity. However, they use more electricity to do so. They don’t require refills (none of the units featured here needs refills for dehumidification – the only ongoing cost apart from electricity is that some have Hepa air filters that need replacing every three to six months).Peltier dehumidifiers are small and quiet, but they’re not very effective, and they use more energy, so we haven’t featured any in this roundup.What size dehumidifier do I need?The larger (20l a day) models tested here are good for larger homes and open-plan spaces. You can put them somewhere central to tackle humidity in the whole home.The smaller (12l a day) models are very popular and better for smaller homes or single tasks, such as drying laundry. However, if you have persistent damp problems, then it could be worth sizing up.You can add a hose to most dehumidifiers if you want to keep them in constant use without having to empty the tank.How much does a dehumidifier cost to run?I measured each dehumidifier’s power use on the top setting, in watts (W). Electricity costs are in kilowatt hours (kWh). For example, if you’re running a 200W dehumidifier for four hours, it would use 800Wh or 0.8kWh.The energy price cap for 1 October to 31 December 2026 is 26.32p a kWh. Multiply this by the last figure, and you’ll discover it costs about 21p to run the dehumidifier for four hours.This compares favourably with a tumble dryer. One load in a traditional model uses about 4.5kWh (£1.18), although an energy-saving heat pump model uses half that. Either way, it’s much cheaper to run a dehumidifier than either type of tumble dryer.What’s a laundry mode?Many dehumidifiers have a laundry mode that aims for a low relative humidity of 35%, with a timer that turns off automatically, typically after six hours.To dry laundry effectively, hang it in a room, turn on the dehumidifier and close the doors. That way, it’s drying the air (and speeding the laundry drying) without having to dry moist air that comes in from the outside world.How to clean your dehumidifierEmpty the water tank after each use, or when it’s full. Regular cleaning mainly involves dusting the unit and cleaning the air filters. Dust filters can usually be vacuumed and washed, while paper Hepa filters need replacing. How often depends on use: about three months for continuous use, six months for average use, or annually if you only run it occasionally. Smart models should track usage and alert you when the filter needs changing.If you use your dehumidifier mainly in the winter, then give it a thorough clean before storing it away.Start by running the unit on fan-only mode to dry the interior; if it doesn’t have one, set it to its highest humidity setting. Clean the unit and filters, then wash and disinfect the tank with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water to help prevent mould. Finally, leave everything to air-dry for at least 24 hours, ensuring it’s completely dry before reassembling and packing it away for the summer.How often should you empty your dehumidifier?A dehumidifier will stop working when its water tank is full, usually signalled by a flashing light, beep or app alert. But it’s good practice to empty the tank regularly rather than wait for this to happen.I mainly use a dehumidifier to dry laundry, which takes two to three hours and costs far less than tumble drying (see “How much does a dehumidifier cost to run?”). I simply turn it off when the clothes feel dry and empty the tank, or set the timer if I’m going out. Some models also have a dedicated laundry mode that switches off automatically.If you run a dehumidifier continuously, don’t aim for the driest air possible. Ideally, indoor relative humidity should be 40-60% in summer and 30-50% in winter. How often you need to empty the tank depends on the humidity, how much you use it, and tank capacity. A larger tank means you’ll have to empty it less often.Can dehumidifiers also cool rooms down?No. If anything, a dehumidifier makes a room a little bit warmer while it’s running. However, humid air makes sweat evaporate less effectively, so reducing humidity can help you feel cooler on a warm day.This isn’t the case on a cold day, when high humidity can make you feel colder. That is because water vapour conducts heat away from the skin more efficiently than dry air. So getting the relative humidity right year-round improves comfort.For more, read the Filter’s guides: The best heated airers, tested The best electric heaters The best electric blankets to keep you toasty for lessCaramel Quin is a journalist specialising in consumer technology. She prides herself on real-world testing and plain language. Her pet hates are jargon, pointless products and overcomplicated instruction manuals. Caramel is an engineering graduate who has won awards for communicating hi-tech subjects to normal people. When she’s not testing gadgets, she’s feeding pets (16 beasts at the time of writing) or pottering at the allotment