Stop what you're doing and clean your moldy dehumidifier. Here's how

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.

Always make sure your appliance is powered off and unplugged before you start cleaning it.

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. 

Mix liquid soap and water in the reservoir. Then scrub, rinse, and let it air dry before reinstalling it. 

Remove the air filter and wash it with soapy water. Let it sit out while it dries. 

Grab a brush or vacuum attachment and clean out any remaining areas that could still use a clean-out. 

Remove the bucket filter (if your dehumidifier has one) and rinse it with warm water. Let it dry completely before you return it.