How to Clean a Dehumidifier (filter, coil, bucket, etc)

A dehumidifier requires more maintenance than any other household or electronic appliance. Since you are here then it means that you already have a dehumidifier and now you are wondering how to clean a dehumidifier.

If you think it’s just a hassle then just leave the dehumidifier without cleaning it for 1 to 2 weeks and you’ll see how it works and the differences between their performances, It can also be a waste of energy if you failed to clean your dehumidifier properly.

As you know that the main purpose of a dehumidifier is to reduce humidity levels which keeps the house safe from mold and dust-mite by absorbing moisture from the air. But do you know what exactly will happen if you will stop maintaining your dehumidifier? and…

Does a Dehumidifier Need to Be Cleaned?

In case you don’t know then let me tell you the answer…

After running your dehumidifier multiple times without any maintenance, you may notice some brown spots or something that looks like slime inside your dehumidifier.

You can also say that these things are made of dirt and mold spores. Yes, you heard that right, mold is a living organism that produces spores that float in the air and can land on surfaces and grow. A dirty dehumidifier can actually release mold spores into your home, which is the opposite of what you want.

But don’t worry cause we are here to help you with some of our awesome and cool ideas, ways or you can even say methods to clean your dehumidifier.

Now let’s talk about the steps to clean a dehumidifier without any interruptions 😉

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How to Clean a Dehumidifier

1. Turn off and unplug your machine

The first ever thing that you will need to do is turn off your dehumidifier and unplug it from your plug to avoid any shortcircuits and various related problems.

2. Clean the outside Surfaces

As a moisture-absorbing device, it also absorbs dust and debris along with moisture from the air. Unfortunately, because of this, the outer shell will also catch dust and debris during the process of absorbing air.

To wipe down the outer shell all you have to do is use a dry cloth to wipe off dirt and grime that are clinging to the outside. Just in case the dry cloth is not giving you any benefits then you can dampen the cloth slightly. However, you might need some old elbow grease for this.

Note: Try not to use water directly to the unit since it’s an electrical device.

3. Clean the dehumidifier filter

A dehumidifier filter is one of the most important parts of the entire unit that does a lot for you to care for. Since it is the item from which air passes through to make the air clean, that means that a filter is among the items that need to be cleaned more frequently.

Facts: If you think I’m kidding then you should know that an unclean filter can limit the benefits of a dehumidifier. Even after some time, the airflow will be blocked and it will not do its job. A filter captures harmful substances while filtering the air but if you don’t clean it, you can get the opposite result.

Before cleaning the dehumidifier filter, be sure to read the user manual to see where the filter is located and how you can pull out the filter without causing damage. Just in case you don’t know anything about it then let me tell you that some units have it on the back and some on the front, so you can slide it out after removing the tank.

Now that you pull out the filter, inspect it to check if the filter needs to be replaced or if it can work just fine after cleaning it. Even though most dehumidifiers use washable or reusable filters but sometimes you will have to replace them at some point.

After inspecting it if you consider the filter as usable then you can start cleaning it quickly by using a vacuum to remove any loose dirt or dust. You can also spray water to get rid of the heavy dust but this time you have to wait for it to dry before using it again. (Water solution: warm water + mild detergent)

4. Clean the dehumidifier Coil

A dehumidifier works by drawing air from your home over a cooling coil. Basically, the cold air forms condensation, which drips into the catch bucket and helps the air to force back into the room by passing it over from a heating coil. In other words, a coil plays a major part in the whole process.

Now take a look at your manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean the filter. unfortunately, this is unavoidable since every dehumidifier’s coils are built differently so to know which one you have and how to clean it…you must have to read the manufacturer’s instructions.

The basic way to clean a dehumidifier coil is…

First, turn off your dehumidifier a few hours before you plan to clean it to allow the coils to get to room temperature. Now smoothly vacuum off the top layer of dust and then use a soft brush to clean the coils in combination with a spray detergent or mix of water and vinegar.

You have to rinse it until the coil is completely cleaned and all the remaining moldy spots have vanished.

5. Clean the dehumidifier Bucket

The main purpose of a bucket is to collect water that a dehumidifier produces during its running time. Even though you throw this out regularly you may find that it can build up bacteria and mold, and to avoid it you must have to clean it from time to time.

However, you can easily get rid of the mold and bacteria by removing the bucket from the dehumidifier and then cleaning it out using soap and water.

Note: It can be hard sometimes to get rid of mold so easily but you can use bleach and water for better results.

If you don’t want to empty the bucket from the machine, you can drain it using a hose. Then use the hose to add soapy water and remove that. Just make sure that the hose is also clean before you start using it.

Just in case you don’t want to empty the bucket from the machine then you can drain it using a hose. Then use the hose to add soapy water and remove that. Just be sure the hose is also clean before you start using this.

6. Clean the Inside

Except for the filter coil and bucket the only place that is left to clean is the inside of the shell layer. Just like the outer layer, the inner layer can also be caught by dust and debris during the air absorption process.

However, there’s nothing to worry about cause you can do the cleaning work just like you did with the outer shell. Though one thing that you must have to remember is to not use water this time while cleaning.

7. Vacuum Away Remaining Dirt

Now finally you need to clean the remaining dirt using a vacuum. Although you can also use soft cotton clothes and any other washing items you have.

After that, you are all done and now you can just put all the parts together and use your dehumidifier again with the same results you got when you first bought it.

Video Overview:

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FAQs

Q: How much vinegar do you use to clean a dehumidifier?

A maximum of 6-ounce vinegar solution (white or apple cider) and water (2 oz vinegar + 4 oz water) will be just enough to clean a dehumidifier. The easiest way to use this vinegar solution is to carry your vinegar and water mixture in a plastic bottle and use a small plastic funnel to pour the mixture into the pan.

Q: Do dehumidifiers get moldy?

Unfortunately yes. Your dehumidifier can be the target for mold, mildew, fungi, and bacteria growth on the coil, in the holding tank, the filter, and other parts. But if you read this article properly then I can assure you that you won’t face any moldy issues.

Q: Can you put bleach in a dehumidifier?

Basically, Bleach is one of the ingredients that help you to disinfect anything including your home dehumidifier, and if you run your dehumidifier on a regular basis then you will have to disinfect it every 10 days or so.