Knowing how to properly clean the dehumidifier can keep the air fresh.

They can remove moisture in your home, but do you know how to clean the dehumidifier? According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, these machines help limit the growth of mold, bacteria and dust mites in the home by sucking out moisture from the air. However, dehumidifiers often require some maintenance to help them keep working efficiently. This means that knowing how to properly clean the dehumidifier is necessary. 

Dust mites live in the textiles of your home, in curtains, carpets, sheets and the air. According to the Mayo Clinic, they thrive in high humidity, which can worsen allergies and asthma. Therefore, many people have dehumidifiers to help control these mites. 

Over time and multiple uses, you may notice brown spots or something that looks like slime inside the dehumidifier. This is made up of dirt and mold. Mold is a living organism. The spores it produces float in the air and can fall on the surface and grow. A dirty dehumidifier can actually release mold spores into your home, which is the opposite of what you want it to do.

If you do not clean the dehumidifier regularly, its effectiveness may also be reduced. It will not effectively absorb moisture from the air and may require more energy to operate, which will increase your electricity bill. To avoid these problems, please try to set a regular cleaning program for the dehumidifier, starting with cleaning the filter.

The filter of the dehumidifier must be replaced or cleaned regularly. There are many variations on how to clean different brands and models, so it is important to check the manufacturer's instructions first. Some products will be equipped with permanent air filters, while others will be equipped with disposable filters that are replaced once or twice a year, depending on the level of dust and other allergens they collect. 

According to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the dehumidifier filter can become clogged or dirty, which not only restricts the airflow into the equipment, but also harbors potentially harmful microorganisms.

If you have allergies or weakened immune function, it is best to wear a mask and goggles when cleaning the dehumidifier. The cleaning process may bring a lot of dust and dirt back into the air. 

First, unplug the dehumidifier. Pull the filter out of the device and suck out as much dirt and dust as possible. Then, clean the filter carefully with soap and water. Before reassembling and using the dehumidifier again, rinse and allow the filter to dry completely. 

The working principle of the dehumidifier is to suck in air from the home through the cold coil; the cold air forms condensation and drips into the collection bucket. The air then passes through a warm coil and circulates back to the room. 

Provide a lot of space for your dehumidifier away from walls, furniture and other objects, allowing air to flow more easily and the equipment to work more efficiently. According to Energy Star, do not use dehumidifiers in areas where dust and dirt come from, such as near woodworking equipment, otherwise the coils may become clogged and not work properly.

When cleaning the coil of the dehumidifier, please check the manufacturer's instructions first to learn how to do this. This is important because there are various dehumidifiers on the market and their structures are different. 

Waiting too long to clean the coil can cause clogging with dust, hair and other substances sucked out of the air. This does not allow the dehumidifier to operate normally.

Turn off the dehumidifier a few hours before you plan to clean it and let the coil reach room temperature. First find the coil of the dehumidifier on the back or inside. Gently absorb the dust and dirt on the top layer, or scrape it off with your hands. Use a soft brush or soft cloth to clean the coil with a spray cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water. Rinse away any residue. Make sure to let the coil dry completely before using the dehumidifier again. 

You may want to use a flashlight to take a closer look inside the dehumidifier. Check if there are any remaining moldy spots that can be wiped off. Wipe the outside of the device with cloth, warm water and soap. 

Most dehumidifiers have a removable plastic bucket called a water collection basin, which is filled with water drawn from the air. There are usually warning lights and automatic shut-off devices to let you know when the bucket is full. According to information from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, it is important to empty the sump regularly because the accumulated water inside can breed bacteria and mold.

The University of Rochester Medical Center said that regular cleaning of the dehumidifier bucket with bleach will ensure that all signs of mold are eliminated. If you don't like using bleach at home, a safer choice is to use soap and water, or white vinegar and water. If there is a lot of remaining dirt, let the collection basin soak or scrub with a brush. If there is some mold accumulation in the collection basin, soak these areas in white vinegar. 

If you don't want to empty the collection basin manually, you can connect a hose to it and let it drain into the floor drain, or use a pump to empty the water outside your home. If you use a hose to drain the bucket, you should also immerse it in warm soapy water or a mixture of vinegar and water to clean it. Make sure to rinse well. 

If you find that you do not use the dehumidifier frequently, it is best to empty the collection basin after each use, even if it is not full. Leaving the water in the equipment for a long time will create more environment for the growth of bacteria and mold. For more information about air quality, please see our function on what is the air quality index.

Lindsay Lafreniere is a freelance writer, editor and podcast producer. She is particularly interested in writing articles about healthcare, science, travel, and culture. 

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