[2025 Guide] How to Remove Dehumidifier Mold in 3 Simple Steps

NOV 06, 2025

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Generally speaking, the main function of a dehumidifier is to remove moisture from the air and prevent mold growth. But did you know that if you don’t clean the inside of your dehumidifier regularly, it can actually become a breeding ground for bacteria, dust, and mold?

This guide will walk you through the detailed steps to clean mold inside dehumidifier and share practical tips to prevent it from happening again. Curious to learn more? Let’s dive in!

In this article

1. Why Your Dehumidifier Has Mould? 2. How to Remove Mold inside Dehumidifier? 3. FAQs about Dehumidifier Mold

Why Your Dehumidifier Has Mould?

It might seem strange that a machine designed to remove moisture can actually grow mold — but it makes perfect sense when you think about how a dehumidifier works.

Dehumidifiers pull in humid air, cool it, and condense water into a tank or reservoir. That water, combined with dust, lint, and warm air from the motor, creates an ideal environment for mould growth.

Here are the most common reasons mould inside the dehumidifier develops:

1. Poor Maintenance:

If you rarely clean the tank or filter, trapped moisture encourages mold spores to multiply.

2. Standing Water:

Leaving water in the tank for days or weeks provides mold everything it needs — moisture and warmth.

3. Dirty Coils or Filters:

Dust and dirt accumulate over time, giving mold a surface to grow on.

4. Humidity and Temperature:

Mold thrives in humidity levels above 60% and temperatures between 25°C–30°C (77°F–86°F). If your dehumidifier sits in a damp basement or bathroom, it’s constantly exposed to the perfect mold conditions.

5. Poor Ventilation:

If the air around your dehumidifier doesn’t circulate, humidity lingers, leading to faster mold formation.

Fun fact

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mold begins to grow within 24–48 hours on damp surfaces — which explains how quickly it can appear inside your unit.

How to Remove Mold inside Dehumidifier?

If you’ve discovered mold inside your dehumidifier, don’t panic — you can clean it effectively with simple household tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Unplug and Disassemble

Safety first! Unplug the unit and remove the water tank, filters, and any detachable panels.

Step 2: Empty and Rinse the Water Tank

Pour out any leftover water and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Then, mix one part white vinegar with one part water and let it sit in the tank for 10–15 minutes. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that kills over 80% of mold species.

Step 3: Clean the Coils and Air Intake

Use a soft brush or toothbrush dipped in the vinegar solution to gently scrub away visible mold on coils and vents. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach on metal parts — they can cause corrosion.

Step 4: Wash or Replace the Filter

If your dehumidifier has a reusable filter, clean it with warm, soapy water and let it dry completely before reinstalling. For disposable filters, replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually every 3 months).

Step 5: Wipe Down the Exterior and Dry Everything

Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the entire surface, including control panels and handles. Let all components air dry completely before reassembling — moisture is mold’s best friend, so make sure everything is bone-dry.

Step 6: Run a Test Cycle

Once everything is dry and put back together, run the dehumidifier for about 30 minutes to ensure it’s working properly and smells fresh.

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Bonus: Preventing Mold from Returning

Empty the water tank daily to prevent stagnant water.
Clean the tank weekly with mild vinegar or dish soap.
Replace or clean filters regularly (every 2–3 months).
Position your unit in a well-ventilated area.
Keep humidity levels below 50% in your home — most units can monitor this automatically.
Run the dehumidifier periodically even in cooler months to prevent moisture buildup.

FAQs about Dehumidifier Mold

How often should I clean my dehumidifier?

Ideally, give it a light clean weekly and a deep clean every month.

What if my dehumidifier smells musty even after cleaning?

Check the filter, coils, and inside vents again — persistent odor often means hidden mold in the internal tubing.

Can I use bleach to clean my dehumidifier?

You can use diluted bleach for the tank, but avoid it on metal or electrical parts. Vinegar or hydrogen peroxide is safer for most components.

Bottom Lines

Mold inside your dehumidifier might sound unpleasant, but it’s completely manageable. With consistent cleaning, smart placement, and simple habits like emptying the tank daily, you can easily prevent mold from coming back. The key is consistency — once you make dehumidifier care part of your routine, you’ll enjoy fresher, healthier air and a longer-lasting appliance.

For a reliable, energy-efficient option, the Newentor dehumidifier is highly recommended. Equipped with a powerful, low-energy compressor and a removable, washable filter, it makes maintenance simple while keeping your home dry and mould-free.

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