I think rocket ,mass
heaters are more focused on conductive heat and radiative heat, instead of convective heat.
Yes, heat does rise. Though, I'm thinking there's got to be a better way of doing this than trying to use convection.
Would it be okay to let your clothes dry by laying them ontop of the
rocket mass heater bench? Or hanging them inside the room?
How windy is it in Illinois? If it is windy
enough, it might be possible to dry your clothes on a clothes line, even with it getting a little cold.