· By Diego Gómez
The cheapest way to dry clothes indoors in winter (2026 costs)
Dehumidifier, heated airer or tumble dryer? What each costs per load at 26.32p/kWh, and which one also keeps damp out of your home.
Radiators and clothes horses are free, but they put the water from your washing straight into the air. Here's what the alternatives cost at the Ofgem price cap of 26.32p/kWh (October–December 2026).
| Method | Power | About 6 hours | Damp in the house? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12L dehumidifier in a closed room | ~190 W | 30p | No: water goes into the tank |
| Heated airer with cover | 230–300 W | 36–47p | Yes, unless ventilated |
| Both together | ~420–490 W | 66–77p | No, and fastest |
A tumble dryer is quicker, but a vented or condenser model uses far more energy per load; a heat-pump dryer is efficient but costs a lot more to buy.
Our recommendation: a dehumidifier with laundry mode in a small closed room, plus a heated airer if you have a lot of washing. See drying clothes indoors.
Recommended
Pro Breeze OmniDry 12L
- 12 L/day
- up to 15 m²
- 2 L
The best-selling dehumidifier on Amazon UK right now: 12 litres a day, automatic humidity sensor, laundry mode and a drain hose option.
Dry:Soon Deluxe 3-tier heated airer
- 21 m
- up to 15 kg
- 1-12 h timer
The best-known heated airer in the UK: three tiers, 21 metres of drying space and a timer.
Affiliate links: if you buy, Amazon pays us a small commission at no extra cost to you. More info