A dehumidifier helps to reduce humidity levels in your home to improve indoor air quality. But it can also collect mold. The problem starts when the air filter, grills, and water collection basket are not cleaned consistently. When there’s mold buildup, the unit will produce a musty smell.
So, how do I keep mold out of my dehumidifier? Well, you should clean the unit once every few weeks. Read below more tips.
How Do I Clean My Dehumidifier To Keep Mold At Bay
All the moisture you collect from the air ends up in the reservoir. If you don’t empty regularly, it will be a culprit for a moldy smell. First, you should clean the water basket. Be careful when removing it to avoid spilling water on the unit.
Use a microbial solution, rotate the basket to clean the sides and then rinse thoroughly. You should not use a bleach solution unless the manual states so. Alternatively, you can add mild soap and water into the basket. Scrub gently, rinse, and dry before putting it back.
The air filter should be cleaned once a month when the unit is in use. This prevents the accumulation of mold and mildew. Simply remove the filter and vacuum it gently. You can also soak a sponge in warm, soapy water and scrub gently. Make sure it dries well before placing it back into the unit. Sometimes, you may need to replace the air filter.
After that, clean the exterior wall and the grills. The mold that accumulates on the walls can cause a bad smell. To prevent mold buildup, use a mild detergent and water. Don’t forget to vacuum the grill to remove any debris that may have accumulated.
Lastly, you should store the dehumidifier properly. A word of caution – don’t store the unit in a damp location. Keep it in a clean area with good air circulation. And to
What Causes Mold In Your Dehumidifier?
No matter what climate you live in, there’s a possibility that mold will grow inside your home. A common mistake with many users is that they use a dehumidifier when the house feels humid.
To eliminate any guesswork, it’s prudent that you us a humidity gauge. It will come in handy if you’ve placed your dehumidifier in basements or crawl spaces. Never use human perception to govern the settings on your unit.
If the indoor humidity is more than 50%, it’s possible that the unit will get some mold. To be on the safe side, you should ensure the indoor humidity is between 30% and 50%.
Are you turning your unit on more often? While this seems obvious, some people keep dehumidifiers in the basement unplugged. Some believe the conditions are dry while others unplug because they are too noisy.
The problem is that they forget to plug them back when necessary. Just like any other property in your home, if you keep your dehumidifier in the box it will be severely contaminated with mold. You don’t have to learn the lesson the hard way.
Another cause of mold is a dirty air filter. If you fail to clean it, it can cause serious mechanical damage and mold buildup. Also, be on the lookout if there is some mold growing on the water tank.
If you have problems emptying the water tank, you can connect a hose directly into the tank. Alternatively, you can elevate the unit and empty it into the sink. Be sure to use an effective cleaning solution to prevent personal exposure to mold spores.
Can Mold In Your Dehumidifier Make You Sick?
We can’t deny the fact that a dehumidifier clears the air to make your living space more comfortable. If you live in climates with high humidity, you’ll have a reason to come home every night.
But just like any other household equipment, there are some dangers if you don’t use the unit well. Most users believe that a humidifier will solve all the problems with mold.
The truth is that it can aggravate the problem and push the mold in other areas in your home. To avoid mold buildup on the internal components, you should clean the unit regularly.
Signs That Your Dehumidifier Has Mold
One of the red flags that your unit has mold is producing a musty smell. This is a sign that the air filter, coil, and water basket should be cleaned. If you open the unit, you’ll see some mold spots.
To ensure you dry all the moisture, you can air it out. Be on the lookout for units in the crawl spaces, laundry rooms, basements, and indoor pool areas. Most manufacturers recommend that you place the humidifier 6 inches from the wall.
You should also ensure there’s no any other structure that may prevent free airflow into the unit. If you have to place it close to the wall, buy a unit with multiple placement options. You should address the mold spots early to avoid serious health problems.
Another common problem is condensation on the grill and air filter. Whenever you see this issue, you should clean the unit. Also, you should repair any problem that may be causing excess moisture.
Thirdly, when your dehumidifier has mold spores you’ll experience allergies. As the unit collects moisture from the air, it disperses mold spores. Every time you experience this problem, you should stop running your dehumidifier.
Finally, the unit will become noisy. It will be working extra hard to absorb the excess humidity. If you don’t clean the humidifier regularly, it will stop working efficiently.
Negative Effects Of Mold In Your Dehumidifier
While a dehumidifier can run for a longer time before any service, mold buildup can shorten the lifespan of your investment. To combat the problem, you should ensure that water does not condense on the reservoir.
In addition to that, any water that sits for a long period can increase the risk of mold growth. To ensure there are no blockages on the line, you should clean the unit regularly. There are many products in the stores that can help you remove the visible mold spores.
Conclusion
A humidifier works hard to improve indoor air quality. With time, layers of debris keep increasing which can lead to the development of mold. The unit works best with regular maintenance, so you should learn the correct way to clean.
Make sure you follow the above tips to make the process a breeze. You can also get a second opinion from a professional.
