I put the Devola 12L dehumidifier that’s currently on sale to the test
I’ll be the first to confess that I detest drying laundry indoors. Not only do clothes horses laden with damp laundry look unsightly, but there’s also that lingering damp smell if the items don’t dry quickly enough.
However, while a tumble dryer may be suitable for some items, many of my knits and tees are best left to air dry. But with the weather not cooperating during the colder months, I, like many others, have no choice but to dry items indoors.
As someone who takes pride in their home, I’m also wary of mould. Despite this, it never really occurred to me to consider a dehumidifier. Could it truly help to dry clothes more quickly and keep my home free from condensation?
READ MORE:
As doubtful as I was, when I had the opportunity to test the highly-rated Devola 12L Platinum Compressor Dehumidifier with a Hepa filter, I seized the chance to see if it could become as cherished in my home as my trusty air fryer. The manufacturer states that the ideal humidity level for a home is typically between 40% and 60%, so I was keen to learn more, reports Wales Online.
Firstly, a bit about the dehumidifier – the gadget claims to offer 12L/day dehumidification, protecting against mould, condensation and damp. The device is currently on sale on the Devola website, with its price reduced from £159.99 to £123.99, saving shoppers £36.
Get the Devola 12L Platinum Compressor Dehumidifier for less
Shoppers can currently snap up the gadget on sale.
The practical device also includes an Air Purifying Mode alongside dust and HEPA filters to maintain fresh air quality. Parents will appreciate the child lock feature which secures the settings, and I was delighted to discover the unit can operate in Sleep Mode, ensuring minimal noise disruption.
Users also get access to a 24-hour timer enabling them to programme an automatic switch-off after their preferred time period. The device contains a filter designed to trap allergens, dust and particles floating in the air, prompting me to assess it for value, practicality and effectiveness to determine whether it represents a worthwhile purchase.
Should the Devola model not appeal, an alternative is Dunelm’s Indoor 20L Dehumidifier which has been reduced from £180 to £126. One customer who assessed it commented: “Great dehumidifier. Simple to use. Works very well and very quietly. Collection tank is a good size.”
Meanwhile, for those seeking a more compact, economical alternative, the ANSIO Dehumidifier Disposable Pack of 10 is available at Amazon for £9.94. I’ve also previously tried wardrobe hanging dehumidifiers such as these ones which can similarly be bought on the online platform priced at £9.99 for 12.
Returning to Devola, the function I was keenest to test was the Laundry Mode which should theoretically accelerate indoor garment drying. With Laundry Mode activated, full power operates for six hours to rapidly dry clothing before switching off automatically.
I activated the device’s laundry mode while drying a full clothes horse of laundry. Despite spinning the laundry twice in the washing machine to eliminate excess water, the clothes remained damp.
A few hours later, the items were nearly bone dry. Typically, heavier garments like denim or knits would still be damp in spots and I’d place them in the airing cupboard to complete the process – often overnight – but with this device, there was no need.
Furthermore, as someone who occasionally finds setting up gadgets a bit of a bother, this item was straightforward to use. The LCD display features soft-touch buttons, and Sleep Mode can be activated at night so the unit’s lights are off.
One drawback is that naturally, the tank needs emptying. This specific model doesn’t have a continuous drainage hose like some other Devola models, but it does come with wheels for easy manoeuvrability.
For me, one of the most satisfying aspects is being able to see firsthand the amount of water collected by the device, which I wouldn’t have known existed otherwise. My only minor complaint is that the device isn’t compact, so it requires storage space, but this is expected given its relatively large capacity.
Returning to the crucial matter of clothes drying, I’m quite taken with the scent of the items after drying with the Devola dehumidifier. Of course, it can’t rival the fresh air fragrance of laundry dried outdoors, but there’s a noticeable enhancement in retaining the aroma of my preferred laundry pods and fabric softener.
While it’s more challenging to demonstrate tangible results, I genuinely believe that the more I utilise the dehumidifier, the better it is at safeguarding my home from mould during the colder months. I’ve observed less condensation and mildew on windowsills and in corners when the device has been in use, which is a significant advantage for me as I strive to keep my home as fresh as possible.
