Laundry Room Dehumidifier: Capacity and Drain Considerations

Why laundry rooms get humid

Laundry rooms are among the most moisture-prone spaces in a home. Every load of washing adds moisture to the air, and drying clothes, whether in a dryer or on a rack, releases significant humidity. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that the key to mold control is moisture control, and that wet or damp areas should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises keeping indoor humidity no higher than 50% to inhibit mold.

A dehumidifier can help you maintain that target by continuously removing excess moisture. In a laundry room, the combination of frequent water use, damp textiles, and often limited ventilation makes a dehumidifier a practical investment. It also helps protect your washer, dryer, and surrounding surfaces from moisture damage. For dedicated guidance on drying clothes, see our guide on dehumidifiers for drying clothes.

Sizing a dehumidifier for your laundry room

Dehumidifier capacity is measured in pints of moisture removed per day. ENERGY STAR explains that the capacity you need depends on the size of the space and the moisture conditions. Laundry drying is specifically listed as a high-load condition. For a small to medium room (under 2,000 square feet) that is 'wet' due to laundry drying, ENERGY STAR recommends a capacity of 30 to 50 pints per day. For a larger laundry area (over 2,000 square feet), it recommends 50 pints or more.

The table below summarizes ENERGY STAR's capacity ranges for different moisture conditions. Use it as a starting point, then adjust based on how often you run the washer and dryer and whether the room feels particularly damp.

If your laundry room is combined with a basement or utility area, you may need to size up accordingly. Remember that it's better to oversize than undersize, as ENERGY STAR notes. Learn more about pint ratings in our guide on pint ratings and how to match capacity to room size in our sizing guide.

Continuous drain: hose, gravity, or pump

Most portable dehumidifiers collect water in a removable bucket, but a laundry room generates enough moisture to fill a bucket quickly. To avoid emptying it several times a day, you'll want a model with continuous drainage. ENERGY STAR notes that some dehumidifiers come with a fitting that allows you to hook a hose directly to the bucket, which can be directed into a floor drain or sump pump.

There are two main ways to set up continuous drainage: gravity and pump. With a gravity drain, water flows downhill through a hose to a floor drain or sink. This requires the dehumidifier to be placed above the drain level. If that's not possible, a built-in condensate pump can push water upward to a drain or sink, giving you more placement flexibility. Learn more about the differences in our article on built-in pump vs gravity drain.

When choosing a unit, look for models that include a drain hose or have a standard hose connection. Some units offer a pump as a built-in feature, which is useful if your laundry room lacks a floor drain. You can also use an external condensate pump if the dehumidifier doesn't have one, but that adds complexity. For a dedicated laundry room, a built-in pump simplifies setup. See our continuous drain hose setup guide for installation tips.

Other features to consider

If your laundry room is in a basement or an unheated area, the temperature can drop below 65°F, which can cause frost to form on the coils and reduce performance. ENERGY STAR advises that if temperatures typically fall below 65°F, you may want a unit specified for lower temperatures. Some models come with anti-frost sensors that automatically shut off the unit to prevent ice buildup. Refer to our article on low-temperature performance for more detail.

Energy efficiency is another consideration. ENERGY STAR certified dehumidifiers use about 20% less energy than standard models while removing the same amount of moisture. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to save on operating costs over time. You can also compare integrated energy factor (IEF) ratings, which indicate how many liters of water are removed per kilowatt-hour. Higher IEF means better efficiency. Learn more in our IEF explainer.

For a laundry room, you might also want a unit with a humidistat to automatically maintain a set humidity level, and a drain hose connection that makes continuous drainage easy. Some models offer both a pump and a hose, giving you flexibility in placement. Check our guide to dehumidifiers with a drain hose and guide to pump-equipped models for options.

Placement and maintenance tips

Place the dehumidifier away from walls and furniture so air can circulate freely. Keep it near the moisture source, such as the washer or drying rack, but ensure the exhaust isn't blocked. The CDC recommends using exhaust fans and venting the dryer to the outside to reduce humidity; a dehumidifier works best when the room isn't sealed off completely. See our placement tips for more guidance.

Regularly check the water collection method. If using a bucket, empty it before it overflows. With a hose, ensure the hose is clear and properly connected to prevent leaks. Clean the filter and coils according to the manufacturer's instructions to maintain efficiency. Also, monitor the humidity level with a hygrometer to confirm the dehumidifier is keeping the room below 50% relative humidity, as recommended by the CDC. Our filter maintenance guide and humidistat and hygrometer article cover these topics in detail.

What to pick for your laundry room

Questions

What size dehumidifier do I need for a laundry room?

For a small to medium laundry room, ENERGY STAR recommends 30-50 pints per day for wet conditions like laundry drying. Larger rooms (over 2,000 sq ft) need 50 pints or more. Consider how frequently you dry clothes and adjust upward if the room feels very damp.

Can I use a regular dehumidifier in a laundry room?

Yes, any portable dehumidifier can be used in a laundry room. However, because the area gets humid often, you'll want a model with a continuous drain option to avoid emptying the bucket repeatedly.

Do I need a dehumidifier with a pump for a laundry room?

Not always. If you can place the unit above a floor drain and use a gravity hose, a pump isn't necessary. If you need to drain upward to a sink or higher drain, choose a model with a built-in pump.

Should I run the dehumidifier while the dryer is running?

Yes, it can help remove moisture that the dryer exhaust may leave behind, but ensure the dryer is vented outside. The dehumidifier will work harder in high humidity, which is fine as long as it's rated for the capacity.

What humidity level should I set in a laundry room?

The CDC recommends keeping indoor humidity no higher than 50% to prevent mold. Set your dehumidifier's humidistat to 50% or lower to maintain a safe environment.

Can a dehumidifier handle the heat from a dryer?

Dehumidifiers are designed for normal room temperatures. If the laundry room gets very warm, the unit will still operate. However, if temperatures drop below 65°F, you may need a low-temperature model to prevent coil frost.