Stop what you're doing and clean your moldy dehumidifier. Here's how
Dehumidifiers get gross fast. Follow these easy steps to clean yours in no time.
Your dehumidifier is begging to be cleaned
This is GE's APEL70LW dehumidifier. We've been testing it out to see how well it pulls moisture from the air.
It does a solid job, but that also means it's collecting a lot of dirt, mold and other gross stuff. TL;DR: I need to clean it and I'm bringing you along with me.
Not every model is identical, so be sure to consult your product manual for specifics -- but click through to get the basics on dehumidifier cleaning dos and don'ts.
Turn off your dehumidifier
Always make sure your appliance is powered off and unplugged before you start cleaning it.
Clean the outside
Grab a dry cloth and wipe the outside. If it's looking especially dirty, you can dampen the cloth, but don't spray water on the dehumidifier.
The bucket
Mix liquid soap and water in the reservoir. Then scrub, rinse, and let it air dry before reinstalling it.
The air filter
Remove the air filter and wash it with soapy water. Let it sit out while it dries.
But wait, there's more
Grab a brush or vacuum attachment and clean out any remaining areas that could still use a clean-out.
The bucket filter
Remove the bucket filter (if your dehumidifier has one) and rinse it with warm water. Let it dry completely before you return it.