Molds are almost a typical problem in virtually every home today. Should you decide not to take any conscious steps to get rid of them, they might get rid of you. There are several ways to top the battle against molds in their favor. However, in the end, it only subsides their quantity but doesn’t completely eradicate it. What if we tell you there is a way of almost entirely removing mold? That is by using a dehumidifier for mold removal!
Mold primarily requires humidity to thrive. As dehumidification collects moisture from the air, it remains the most effective process against mold development. The process is also very efficient in mildew remediation since mildew is a close relative of mold. It is often seen not far off when mold is present.
Molds and mildews are harmful to the body when inhaled, which makes getting rid of them a priority. Fortunately, this can be done quickly using a dehumidifier for mold removal, making the device’s purchase a priority.
Do know that these products also double in essential function, dealing with dampness? Therefore, it can be wrapped up in the phrase “best dehumidifier for damp and mold.”
In this article, we will run through the best dehumidifiers for mold removal so you can pick a top recommendation.
Why so much emphasis on mold removal?
In the real sense, the emphasis is not on mold removal per se. Instead, it’s on keeping your environment contaminant-free and its inhabitant completely safe. Mold falls into the category of things that could compromise that mission. This is the reason the emphasis falls on efficiently eliminating them.
Mold are organisms that thrive in small corners and tight spaces when there is efficient enough humidity to keep them moist. While thriving, they release spores into the atmosphere, which, when inhaled by man, over time could cause problems ranging from respiratory disorders to allergic reactions.
At what humidity level do dehumidifiers get rid of mold?
The recommended humidity level for removing mold problems around the home is around 60% relative humidity.
Do know that 60% is the maximum cap zip-top for humidity if you intend to get mold out of the way. However, for more ideal implications, keeping the humidity lower, precisely somewhere between 35% and 55%, is reasonable.
Remember that the goal is getting moisture to a safe level, not completely eradicate it or drop it extremely low. Doing that comes with its fair share of contamination problems.
What kind of dehumidifier is best for removing mold?
There are three main kinds of dehumidifiers in the market today, which are refrigerant, desiccant, and whole-house dehumidifiers.
Amongst these three, the most effective is the whole-house dehumidifier, but they usually require additional installations, which are expensive. They don’t fall into the portable dehumidifier class we are considering and would be left out.
This leaves us with two types, the desiccant and refrigerant type, with the best being the refrigerant product. Desiccant dehumidifiers use moisture-absorbing materials, which draws in moisture from the air. They are most suitable for very small spaces and low moisture problems, though cheap and inexpensive to run.
Third, a refrigerant dehumidifier applies the same work principle as a fridge. It is cooling moisture across a metal plate while the fan keeps the air running in and out. They are the most effective in-room temperature. However, they might slow down in colder conditions due to ice forming on the metal cooling plates or coils. This occurs at any temperature from 18 degrees downwards.
Top 5 best dehumidifiers for mold removal
1) Waykar Home Dehumidifier
Special features: Covers spaces up to 2,500 sq ft, removes up to 34 pints (under 95°F,90%RH condition) of moisture per day, 4 castor wheels, intelligent touch panel, child-lock setting, automatic shut Off/On, 24-Hour timer, convenient drainage, product dimensions: 9.9″D x 9.9″ W x 19.3″H, item weight: 28 Pounds.
The Waykar 2500 Sq. Ft Home Dehumidifier has three air outlets, an elegant and contemporary design, and an intelligent touch interface.
The Waykar Home Dehumidifier is a high-capacity dehumidifier that can dry out small to medium spaces by removing up to 34 pints of moisture daily from areas up to 2500 sq ft. It has a sleek, contemporary style with 3 air outlets and a touch control panel with a digital display for simple operation. The dehumidifier features an automatic humidity control feature that lets you pick the preferred humidity level and automatically alter it to keep it at that level.
Additional features
The safety features of this dehumidifier are among its best qualities. In addition to overflow protection and warning features accessible if the water tank is full for added security, it offers a Safety Standby Mode that prevents overheating.
It has a child-lock option and sleep mode function that lets you lock the dehumidifier to prevent kids from mistakenly changing the settings. The internal components are composed of thermally resistant materials.
A 24-hour timer is another Waykar 2500 sq. ft. home dehumidifier feature that enables preset operation and lower energy use. Water can be manually drained through the tank or using the included drain hose. It also contains four castor wheels, which make moving the machine from one room to another simple.
This dehumidifier might be helpful for bathroom use in lowering excess humidity and moisture, which can cause mold growth, mildew, and musty aromas. The Waykar dehumidifier is made portable and effective for usage in any size up to 2500 square feet, despite bathrooms being often small. It can also be used in other house parts, including laundry, basements, bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms.
Pros:
- High Capacity
- Adjustable humidity control
- Intelligent touch control
- Multiple air outlets
- Safety features
Cons:
- Large size: It may not be suitable for smaller rooms
- Noise level: loud when running at higher speeds
- Short drain hose
2) MIDEA Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier
Special features: Able to collect 20 pint (Similar to 30 Pint-2012 DOE) of water a day and adjust humidity from 35% to 85%, up to 3X larger water tank, smart control (Wi-Fi Connectivity), 1,500 square feet of coverage, extendable dehumidifier of unparalleled flexibility, works with Alexa, auto restart, auto defrost, energy star rated, product dimensions: 13.5″D x 13.5″W x 13.39″H, item weight: 15.1 Kilograms
This chic white dehumidifier is ideal for 1,500 square feet, a prolonged operation period made possible by its larger water tank and intelligent control capabilities, such as Alexa compatibility and the Midea Cube Air App. The Midea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier is an industry leader in simplicity, effectiveness, and moisture management.
When it comes to removing mold and extra moisture from your basement and rooms, the Midea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier excels. Its small size is sufficient to maintain its ability to cover up to 1,500 square feet effectively. You can enjoy longer operation times with a larger water tank without emptying it regularly.
Additional features
The Midea Cube 20 Pint Dehumidifier has a clean white hue and a modern, elegant style that complements any interior design. Its small size, with dimensions of 13.5 inches in width, depth, and height, makes placing in various places simple. The lift-and-twist construction of the unit offers unrivaled flexibility. The expanded form has a bigger water tank capacity, and the nested structure, which is smaller when not in use, is functional.
The dehumidifier’s front panel has a clear LED display, making it simple to check settings and make changes. The user-friendly control panel provides quick access to features, including humidity level adjustment, fan speed selection, and mode settings. Three different fan speeds and a multi-directional air intake offer practical and personalized cooling.
Pros:
- Powerful dehumidification in a small package.
- A larger water tank allows for longer running times.
- An auto restart function for easy use.
- Intelligent connectivity and control with the Midea Cube Air App and Alexa.
- ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2024-certified energy-efficient operation.
- A drain hose is included for easy continuous emptying.
Cons:
- The design of the unit might only suit some people’s aesthetic tastes.
- The intelligent control functions may need some initial setup and connectivity configuration.
3) Inofia 30 Pint Dehumidifier
Special features: 30-pint moisture removal capacity, digital LCD display screen, continuous draining option, auto defrost, Automatic error detection, product dimensions 8.3 x 12.2 x 17.3 inches, item weight; 26.4 pounds, 0.5-gallon water tank capacity.
Though the grade of this dehumidifier is still okay, it takes a big hit in capacity compared to the earlier reviewed products. With a moisture extraction rate of about 30 pints per day, this device can do an excellent job for spaces as large as 1000 sqft; at least, this is what manufacturers say. We would, however, talk about its practical performance in a short while.
The dehumidifier isn’t lacking in any modern features common today, particularly the auto mode and timer, and it even adds automatic error detection to the stash. In the auto mode, it can run independently, concerning a set humidity level chosen by the user, and shuts off as soon as it attains that level, also turning on once again when it falls short. This feature is monitored and works in hand with an inbuilt humidity sensor.
The timer helps users cap their working duration. With the auto error detection system, the device can diagnose and display error codes, which allows for a much easier repair should a fault arise. Its LCD screen also gives it a pretty cool appearance, showing humidity levels, and its display light can be turned off. However, the sensitivity of the humidity sensor behind this measurement could be better. This leaves the product giving a false reading or quickly circling across too many values.
Additional features
Despite these flaws, it is tranquil while operating, has an auto-shutoff safety feature for keeping the tank from overflowing, and can operate in temperatures as low as 410F. With a washable filter, be sure to keep dirt away while spending nothing on frequent replacement, and for durability, its compressor is designed with a 3 minutes delay protection at the start and stop times.
The moisture extraction capacity of this device is about half what the manufacturers say, and it cannot serve anywhere near a 1000 sqft room size. It has a moisture extraction rate of about 15 pints per day at max and can only do justice to about 400 sqft. It also tends to stain surfaces on which it sits on top.
Pros:
- quiet operation,
- an auto mode for independent functioning,
- auto shutoff,
- continuous draining option,
- can operate in temperatures as low as 410F,
- washable pre-filter,
- 3 minutes compressor delay protection from damages,
- 12 months free warranty,
- fair moisture extraction rate.
Cons:
- leaves stains on the floor it is placed in,
- suitable for small-sized rooms,
- reduced sensitivity of humidity sensor
4) Honeywell, White TP30WKN Energy Star Dehumidifier
Special features: 30-pint moisture removal capacity (20 bits 2019 DOE), an electronic panel with digital LED display, sleep mode, energy star rated, continuous draining option, caster wheels, product dimensions; 10.5 x 13.2 x 20.1 inches, item weight; 30.9 pounds.
This is a product from Honeywell that never ceases to impress when it comes to the design of their product, and this one is not an exception either. With all white colors, this device looks good and has a blend of black at the top-edged and its handle too. It also contains a digital control panel at the top with a LED display and another at the front.
The device is quite bulky and weighty in size, and as a result, it is designed to balance smooth-gliding caster wheels, which enables it to be easily pushed to wherever it is needed, with the support of a handle at the top side. Coming to the capacity, this is a 30-pint dehumidifier, which means it can draw up to 30 pints of moisture per day, though it has a tiny anti-spill water tank to help hold this condensed moisture.
Additional features
It is good that the water tank isn’t the only drainage option available, as users can also choose to enable the continuous drain system, which saves the stress of emptying its tank occasionally in the first place. There is an installed filter for keeping dirt off, which also comes with an indicator for alerting users when it is time for a change. It is, however, tranquil while operating.
The auto mode is present for more, allowing it functions to meet atmospheric conditions, precisely maintaining humidity at a safe level, and is coupled with a timer for setting its work extent. There is, however, the problem of poor durability, though; in all, it is easy to use, and with a 5-year warranty, it makes for a relatively riskless purchase.
Pros:
- suitable for large-sized rooms,
- filter change indicator,
- anti-spill water tank design,
- high moisture removal rate and timer,
- full water tank indicator,
- 5-year warrantee,
- easy mobility,
- quiet operation,
- auto mode
Cons:
- fair durability,
- small water tank,
5) Frigidaire FFAD6022W1 Dehumidifier
Special features: 60-pint moisture removal capacity, easy-to-clean washable filter, custom humidity control, continuous drain option, automatic shut off, product dimensions: 14.72″D x 18.78″W x 24.6″H, item weight: 61.9 pounds
This is another decent dehumidifier for dealing with moisture problems in large-sized rooms. Being able to cover large-sized spaces, this device is a good fit for most homes today. It has a very high moisture extraction rate, drawing in up to 50 pints over 24 hours.
The 60 pints of high humidity capacity the Frigidaire dehumidifier has guarantees efficient moisture removal in big places. The continuous drain option eliminates the need for manual water bucket emptying, while the personalized humidity control and easy-to-clean washable filter optimize comfort.
Performance-wise, the Frigidaire dehumidifier efficiently removes too much moisture from the air, making the space cleaner and cozier. Due to its high humidity capacity can be used in basements, bigger residential areas, or any other place with high humidity levels. The unit’s efficiency is maintained over time thanks to the simple-to-clean washable filter.
Additional features
You can set the unique humidity control to the amount of comfort you choose for yourself. The continuous drain option is a practical feature that does away with the requirement for frequent physical intervention. The device is automatically cut off to guarantee safe operation when the water bucket fills to its maximum capacity.
The Frigidaire dehumidifier has a functional and user-friendly design. It is simple to empty and clean thanks to its front-loading bucket, which has a carrying handle and splash protection. The unit’s white tone gives any space a crisp, contemporary look. Easy placement and mobility are made possible by compact size and maneuverability. The dehumidifier runs silently, reducing noise while in use.
Pros:
- For wider areas, high humidity capacity is suitable.
- Washable filter that is simple to maintain for effective operation.
- Personalized humidity control for comfort.
- There is no longer a need for manual emptying with the continuous drain option.
- Safety-related automatic shut-off feature.
- The practical and user-friendly design includes a front-loading bucket and carrying handle.
Cons:
- Somewhat more expensive than other dehumidifiers available on the market.
- Despite being built to function quietly, the unit may make some noise when used.
- Compared to top-loading alternatives, the front-loading bucket might need to be emptied more frequently.
Features to consider in choosing the best dehumidifier for mold removal
Moisture extraction rate:
A dehumidifier’s moisture extraction rate or capacity is virtually its most valuable asset and directly segregates them into different classes, also the expensive from the cheap. Sadly, if you want a capable device, you have to pay that few extra dollars, and it would be worth it in the end. The higher a device’s moisture extraction rate, the more effective and quick it would work in riding the air from moisture.
Tank size/ drain options:
There are two standard drain options seen in dehumidifiers today, and we must say that any device you purchase should have both. The first is a water tank, which collects moisture after it condenses to a liquid, storing it till filled, then the user has to empty it. At the same time, the other option is continuous drainage, which channels the pipe to an outlet of your desire away from the device.
Should you decide to use the tank option for any reason, ensure the tank is of a suitable size, as that would save the stress of emptying it now and then. However, the continuous drain is far more convenient and allows you to maximize resources by using the condensed water elsewhere.
Room size/ Mobility:
High-capacity dehumidifiers are big, too, most times, and as a result, ease of mobility should be considered. Firstly, the device should be able to serve the room size in which it is to be used, and for large rooms, be sure to have a large machine in your hand. Mobility options like caster wheels or lifting handles become an essential feature; trust us when we say you will move the device more often than not.
Auto mode:
The king of convenience in the world of dehumidifiers is the auto mode, and it rules firmly with a very streamlined manner of leadership, making things easy for users. With this mode, devices can run independently, some concerning a set point chosen by the operator, while others just bring humidity to a safe level. Whichever way, it saves the stress of having to toggle settings always to meet our ever-changing needs.
Auto shutoff:
This feature primarily helps against over-flooding for those who use the water tank option while also preventing the waste of energy. Water overflowing from the device would only be humidity escaping back into the air on evaporation which defeats the purpose of having a device run 10 hours per day. It is a must-have for dehumidifiers today.
Timer: dehumidifiers with this feature allow users to set how much it would run before shutting off. It is helpful for energy conservation and much flexibility in usage, for example, leaving your device to run for a particular time while you can conveniently walk out.
Durability/ warrantee:
With manufacturers always on the hunt, looking for cheaper materials to make this product, saving cost and not affecting performance, most dehumidifiers’ durability to date has come into question. The market is now filled with cheap but costly products that might give way anytime from purchase, and if you want the old day’s durability, you have to be ready to part with a lot of cash.
To circumvent this problem, you can either spend obviously or go for only products with a considerable warranty; that way, you can make a relatively risk-free investment and wouldn’t be on the receiving end should the device choose to give up.
Washable filter:
Some devices are infused with air filters, as well as water filters for the bucket. These filters help clean the air and water accordingly, helping you get cleaner results overall, though they are not a must-have feature. A device with these, however, comes with a plus.
Auto defrost:
Most refrigerant dehumidifiers, which are the most common type today, make use of metal plates or coil in condensing moisture to water, and as a result, are not exactly friendly with cold seasons. In the cold, this cold tends to freeze, causing a blockage and creating a less capable device; however, products with this feature automatically heats up the coils, leaving you with a 100% efficient dehumidifier both in cold and warm seasons.
Also Read: Are Dehumidifiers safe to leave on
Mold removal precaution: Mold can get inside your dehumidifier
When using a dehumidifier in mold-infested rooms over a long period, there is a good chance that the accumulated moisture collected by the device would lead to mold growth when not regularly or adequately cleaned.
As per precautions for preventing this, the primary thing to do is clean the device regularly. Prevalent mold-infested areas include the water tank or drainpipe, depending on your option, and over time too, there is a chance that mold accumulates in invisible regions of the device, such as the air and tank filters.
How to get rid of mold in your dehumidifier
If you are left with a mold-infested device, do the following to get rid of the contamination as soon as possible:
- Unplug the dehumidifier from all power source
- Wipe the outer body with a dry or wet clean cloth depending on how much dirt is on the body. Avoid spraying cleaning solvents directly on the body, as they could cause damage.
- Clean the reservoir with soap and water.
- Clean the air and bucket filter correctly, and replace accordingly if it is in an appalling state
- Vacuum the device to get rid of tiny particles that you might have missed along the way, or never even got to in the first place.
Final Verdict: Best Dehumidifier for Mold Removal
As each product specializes in many features, it comes to users to choose what is most suitable for them and what spaces they want to cover. Still, the Frigidaire High-Efficiency Dehumidifier can be the top product in this class for removing mold, mainly due to its tremendous moisture extraction rate, which leaves nothing in excess humidity for molds to thrive.
It is also straightforward to use the product, backed up by unique features like its nearly silent operation, auto shutoff, easy-to-clean washable filter, custom humidity control, and continuous drain option. It is a very durable device, all while functioning in low temperatures.
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