Have some mold growth in your dehumidifier and need to get rid of it?
Using a vinegar mixture is a great way to remove any mold spores or dirt that may be filling up your dehumidifier bucket.
Below you’ll find the 6 steps to clean your dehumidifier with vinegar.
Let’s get started!
6 Steps To Clean Your Dehumidifier With Vinegar
1. Unplug your dehumidifier
Before you start cleaning, unplug your dehumidifier for safety.
Either take your dehumidifier to the garage or outdoors so you can clean without getting your home messy.
2. Clean the outside
Dehumidifiers draw in warm air before passing the air through the coils.
Considering this, your dehumidifier will pick up all sorts of pet hair, dust, and dander in its vents.
The exterior is going to have some gunk on it that you’ll want to get rid of.
Start by taking out the water tray and water filter and set those aside.
You can use a dry cloth to wipe the outside of your dehumidifier down.
You may need to put some effort into it to get some of the grime to release.
If you must, use a damp cloth but be careful not to use too much water or you may harm the internal components of your dehumidifier.
3. Wash out the tank
Once you’ve wiped down the outside, you can start cleaning your tank.
Over time, mold spores may start to grow inside, so you must give your water reservoir a good cleaning.
If there is any water in it, start by emptying it.
Once that’s done, fill it about a third of the way with warm water and some mild detergent or dish soap.
Start scrubbing all around with a scrub brush or a sponge. Get into all the corners and release all the dirt/grime/mold that’s built up over time.
Once the tank has been cleaned, you can empty it.
Now is the time that you can spray down your dehumidifier with a spray bottle filled with vinegar.
Let the vinegar sit for 10-15 minutes and then wipe it down with a cloth. Let your dehumidifier dry fully before putting your tank back in.
4. Rinse the air filter
Grab your air filter that you removed a while back and rinse out any loose dirt.
If you don’t know where it is, then refer to your dehumidifier’s manual to locate it.
You should clean your filter every two weeks or so, more often if you use it regularly.
While your air filter may be able to be cleaned, it can lose effectiveness over time.
If you believe that yours is wearing out, then you may want to consider purchasing a new one so that you’re able to keep the air clean as can be.
5. Clean the coils
To fully clean a dehumidifier, you will need to clean the coils as well.
If you aren’t confident in your DIY abilities and don’t want to take apart your dehumidifier, then skip to the next step.
However, you may be surprised by how dirty dehumidifier coils can be.
Start by taking off the outer shell, you may need to remove some screws.
Every dehumidifier will be different, check with your owner’s manual on how to remove the enclosure.
This will also give you a chance to clean the bucket filter.
You can use a shop vacuum cleaner to remove any dust that is lodged inside the coils.
Once that’s done, use a soft bristle brush and give it a thorough cleaning.
Be careful though as you may damage the fins of the coils, so be gentle. While this step is a bit more hands-on, it is imperative.
6. Put everything back together after it’s dry and plugs it in
Once everything is cleaned and you’ve let your dehumidifier dry fully, then you can put it all back together.
Ensure your water bucket, air filter, and outer shell are all in their proper place.
You can then plug it back in and enjoy a comfortable and healthy environment.
Should You Use Apple Cider Vinegar or White Vinegar to Clean Your Dehumidifier?
If you are put off by the strong odor of white vinegar, then you are free to use apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar has the same mold-killing properties as distilled white vinegar and it smells better too!
Can Dehumidifiers Kill Mold?
Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air but they don’t kill mold, dehumidifiers can prevent mold though.
If you have mold growth already in your home, it won’t go away simply by running a dehumidifier.
Consider consulting with mold-killing experts before you create a breeding ground for the already existing mold inside your home.
What’s the Brown Stuff in Your Dehumidifier Tank?
The brown stuff in your dehumidifier’s water tank is dirty and mold.
You will want to clean your dehumidifier tank more often.
Wash the tank with half a cup of vinegar and use a soft brush to scrub out the brown stuff. Let your dehumidifier completely dry before using it again.
Wash out your water reservoir regularly.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your dehumidifier is very simple with vinegar.
Unplug your dehumidifier first, then spray down the affected areas with warm water and vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes. Then rinse it out and enjoy your new dehumidifier.
You may need to give it a thorough washing before you spray it down with vinegar depending on if there were a lot of brown or black spots in your water tank.
Let the vinegar kill mold inside of your water tank before using it again.
Let your dehumidifier fully dry, then put everything together and enjoy fewer dust mites and healthier, less humid air.
Don’t forget you can troubleshoot your dehumidifier if you think it’s not working properly.
