If you are having doubts concerning how to clean a dehumidifier, it is obvious that you already know about the utility of a dehumidifier and it is thus redundant to discuss this. Rather it shall be constructive to draw closer to the point many people are confused about! How to clean a dehumidifier?
WHEN DO YOU NEED A DEHUMIDIFIER?
When you have a soggy area, for example, basements or storage; when your walls and windows are having condensation; when there is a musty stink around your house or maybe a certain place at your house; when you have mold or mildew growths—that is the time when you need to invest on a dehumidifier.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN A DEHUMIDIFIER?
Dust and debris often get mounted up in a dehumidifier. This includes the cooling and heating coils that are present inside the unit as well as those housed in the water reservoir. This accumulation of debris and dust results in damage to the dehumidifier if it is not cleaned properly and regularly. Also, in the future, the unit may even stop working. So for higher efficiency and durability of the dehumidifier, habitual cleaning is required. One should clean a dehumidifier at least twice a month when in use.
WHAT EQUIPMENTS DO YOU NEED TO CLEAN A DEHUMIDIFIER?
Household equipments are required to clean a dehumidifier and the equipments are cheap and easily available.
- A pair of rubber gloves:
The pair of gloves shall be important to protect your hands from dust and grime. If you have sensitive skin, gloves shall shield your hands from filth and chemicals of soap and other cleaners. - Soap and household cleaners:
These chemical cleaners shall help in cleaning the parts of the dehumidifier giving it a polished look.
In terms of surfeit irksome dirt, the soap needs to be hard other than being mild. - Dust Mask:
People who are allergic to dust or airborne allergens shall use a dust mask. If the dehumidifier had not been cleaned since days, a mask should be used as there shall be a lot of dust inside the dehumidifier. - Rags and towels:
There shall be rags and towels to wipe up the dust and dirt-free the dehumidifier. - Wire brushes and small toothbrush:
To reach the hard-to-reach parts of a dehumidifier, it is essential to keep the wire brushes and the toothbrushes organized while cleaning it up. - Vacuum cleaner:
To get rid of loose dirt and filth from the interior of the dehumidifier, a vacuum cleaner can be helpful.
HOW TO CLEAN A DEHUMIDIFIER (6-Step Guide)
Cleaning a dehumidifier is very easy. However one must have proper time in hand as cleaning every part of the dehumidifier, that is cleaning up the filters, the water reservoir and also the unit’s exterior properly is important. Taking out an hour or little more than an hour twice a month is not that hard.
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STEP 1: Unplug the dehumidifier
‘Prevention is better than cure’, and thus being aware and safe while cleaning the dehumidifier is important. Even before bringing the equipments to clean the dehumidifier, one must first and foremost unplug the dehumidifier.
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STEP 2: Wipe the Exterior
The exterior of the dehumidifier, often called the outer shell, is the first line of defense against dust and dirt in the air and thus needs to be wiped foremost. Just after the dehumidifier is unplugged, the dirt and grime of the outer shell of the dehumidifier shall be wiped with a dry cloth. In case of excessive dirt, one can use damp cloth also. One should not spray water or other cleaning solvents directly to avoid non-functioning of the dehumidifier.
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STEP 3: Clean out the reservoir
Warm water, soap or a disinfectant is best to clean the water reservoir of the dehumidifier. Pour liquid soap in warm water and gently scrub and rinse it. Let it dry fully before setting it up together. One can use vinegar to remove stubborn dirt.
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STEP 4: Rinse the air filter
A dirty filter can never make the dehumidifier run smoothly. Depending on the amount of dirt accumulated one should settle on whether to clean or replace the filter. The filter is the main part of the dehumidifier and thus needs to be kept in a good condition. To clean the filter formulate a gentle solution of detergent and warm water and let the filter soak in it for fifteen minutes. Rinse and dry thoroughly before rearranging it.
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STEP 5: Vacuum
Vacuum cleaning is the final clean-up to remove rest of the loose dirt and make the parts dry and clean. Vacuum all the parts before rearranging the dehumidifier.
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STEP 6: Remove and clean the bucket filter
In case one has a bucket filter in the dehumidifier, it can be rinsed with warm water.
BENEFITS OF CLEANING A DEHUMIDIFIER
Cleaning dehumidifiers are mandatory for the following reasons:
- It shall help the diminution of mold growth.
- It shall enhance the work efficiency of the dehumidifier.
- Overall air quality shall be improved.
- The risk of asthma and other respiratory diseases due to allergens shall be reduced.
- The work-life of the dehumidifier shall increase.
Read Also: Best whole house dehumidifiers
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I Need to Clean My Dehumidifier?
Dehumidifiers can get surprisingly dirty. Depending on your usage, you need to clean the appliance regularly. You need to keep the bucket and other essential components clean as dehumidifiers pick up moisture and dirt particles from the air that may lead to mold growth.
- How to clean a dehumidifier tank?
Empty the drainage tank and fill it with warm water and mild liquid soap. Gently scrub all the sides of the machine with a sponge. Rinse the solution and spray the insides of the tank with vinegar solution. Allow the solution to settle for at least 10 minutes. Wipe the tank thoroughly and fix it back into the machine.
- Why does my dehumidifier smell like it’s burning?
You may notice a sour burning smell if you have a desiccant dehumidifier. Worry not; this smell is typical, doesn’t seem to last long, and is not a sign that your dehumidifier is faulty. It is caused by the Zeolite desiccant material and is not harmful to humans or pets.
- How can I make my dehumidifier smell better?
It would help if you regularly cleaned the air filters in the dehumidifier to prevent bacteria accumulation and bacteria, mold, and mildew growth that can cause a musty smell. First, remove the air filters from the unit and vacuum them gently. Then scrub the filter with a sponge soaked with warm, soapy water.
- What can I put in my dehumidifier to prevent mold?
From Dehumidifier treatment capsules to bacteriostatic chemicals, several products are available in the market that you can use to put into the machine. You can spray them on the coil, tank, and in other areas that are susceptible to mold. Then, repeat the treatments every few months to prevent mold growth. Ensure to check your manual before using any aftermarket products.
- What Cleaner Should I Use to Clean My Dehumidifier?
You can use the cleaners available in your home, such as dish soap, to clean your dehumidifier. Most people find bleach an excellent option to kill mold for a deep clean. At the same time, distilled white vinegar is another natural disinfectant to clean the dehumidifier and make the surface inhospitable to mold spores.