Daily dehumidifier habit you need to do to keep it clean – or endure gross consequences – The Mirror
If you rely on a dehumidifier in your home, it’ll be constantly working overtime to keep the humidity in your home regulated – but many forget it’s an appliance that needs thorough cleaning
Dehumidifiers can be a lifesaver when it comes to keeping excess moisture out of the air – but they need a little TLC too to prevent them from getting gross.
They can help clothes dry faster, and even stop mould from taking hold in your property, but did you know that there are some seriously grim consequences if you don't clean your dehumidifier regularly?
Michael Rubino, a mould and air quality expert and founder of HomeCleanse warned that if you fail to clean your appliance, it essentially turns into a "gigantic petri dish", which he acknowledged "isn't great for air quality."
Daily, you need to ensure that your dehumidifier is emptied of water, and weekly, it should be washed with soap and water to ensure bacteria build-up is minimal – but if you need to deep clean your appliance because you've left it a little too long, there is a way.
Experts at Better Homes & Gardens shared an easy method to deep clean your dehumidifier to ensure it's as hygienic as possible. They said that to clean it, you'll need a soft bristle toothbrush, or brush, white distilled vinegar, bleach, and water.
To start, you'll need to disassemble your dehumidifier, to ensure you can get into all the nooks and crannies. Unplug the machine, empty the tank if it's got any water in it, and detach any removable parts.
First, you'll need to give your dehumidifier a clean with white vinegar, by filling the tank and covering all parts of the appliance. Wait at least 20 minutes to allow the vinegar to break down any scale buildup, suggests Sarah Drake, the brand manager for seasonal humidifiers at Honeywell. Then, empty it, and use a soft-bristled brush to remove any residue. Use the toothbrush for any hard-to-reach areas.
Then, you'll want to disinfect the dehumidifier to keep it in tip-top condition. Sarah suggested mixing a teaspoon of bleach with a gallon of cold water and then filling the tank halfway. You should then coat the inside with the solution and let it stand for 20 minutes.
Finally, rinse the dehumidifier with water, several times, until the strong smell of bleach has disappeared. Ensure that the parts of the appliance are all dry before you attempt to reassemble it – then voila, your dehumidifier should be looking as good as new, and should last a lot longer if you incorporate this into your cleaning regime.
Do you have a story to share? Email: danielle.wroe@mirror.co.uk
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