Drying laundry indoors without damp smells or high bills

Why indoor laundry raises humidity

According to TechRadar, drying laundry indoors can be practical during cold months, but it can also raise humidity in the home. On 15 November 2026, the publisher shared tips from Chris Michael, a co-founder of Meaco, on reducing condensation, musty smells and mould without pushing energy bills higher.

During winter, many people choose to dry clothes inside. Some fabrics are not suitable for a tumble dryer. Others may not own one, or may want to use less electricity. The problem is that wet clothes release water vapour into the home. This raises humidity, the amount of moisture in the air. If the air cannot escape, it can form condensation, water that forms on cool surfaces, on windows and walls. That damp environment can lead to mould. Slow drying can also leave a musty smell in fabrics. The risk grows when windows stay shut and heating is used sparingly to control costs.

The advice is relevant to people who lack a dryer, need to protect delicate fabrics, or want to limit electricity use. It is also useful for anyone who wants to keep moisture from spreading through the home.

Faster drying habits

TechRadar suggests a few practical steps before and during drying. First, run an extra spin cycle in the washing machine. This removes more water from the fabric, so there is less moisture to evaporate later. Next, remove washing promptly when the cycle stops. Leaving it in the drum can encourage damp smells.

Choose a warm room with good airflow, and close the door to keep moisture from spreading. A drying rack is better than placing clothes on radiators. Garments should not overlap. Use hangers for items that do not fit well on the rack. Keep the rack away from walls so air can move around it. Put smaller items lower and larger items higher. This helps air reach the whole load. Space between garments lets air move and speeds drying.

Without a moisture-removing device, open a window when possible, although some heat will be lost. The aim is to give damp air a route outside while keeping the drying space as warm as practical.

Reducing moisture around the home

Laundry is not the only source of indoor moisture. TechRadar also points to everyday habits that add water to the air. Cover pans while cooking to stop steam escaping. Use an extractor fan, which removes steam, or open a window during baths and showers. Bedrooms can also collect moisture from breathing overnight. Opening bedroom windows for a short time in the morning can release that build-up. These habits can be used while laundry is drying on a rack.

These steps do not dry clothes by themselves. They cut the extra moisture that makes indoor drying slower and more likely to cause damp. That reduces the water vapour released into the home during drying.

Dehumidifier costs and savings

For households that want a more controlled solution, TechRadar highlights dehumidifiers. A dehumidifier, a device that removes moisture from the air, can take water from the air and clothes. This allows laundry to dry inside while windows stay shut and warmth stays indoors. It also avoids the ongoing cost of running a tumble dryer.

There is an initial purchase price, but the device can reduce costs over time. TechRadar cites the Meaco Arete One 10L as an example. It says the model costs about 24p to dry one load. A standard tumble dryer costs about £1.01 per load. If the dehumidifier is used 270 times a year, the saving is more than £200.

That comparison shows why the upfront cost may be balanced by lower running costs. For people who dry laundry often, a dehumidifier can be a cheaper option than repeated tumble dryer use, according to the figures cited by TechRadar.