How to Remove Mold from a Dehumidifier's Tank and Clean the Filter

Keep a portable dehumidifier running smoothly with these expert-backed cleaning tips

Written by Victor Belavus | Edited by Hunter Rising

Last Updated: September 10, 2024 References

Have you noticed buildup on your dehumidifier making it look dirty or work less effectively? Then it’s time to clean all the dust and grime on the components. You can tackle most of the mess on a standard portable dehumidifier with mild dish soap or an equal mix of vinegar and warm water. With a few other supplies you have at home, you can clean the rest of your dehumidifier to get rid of any stubborn mold and mildew. Just keep reading, and we’ll tell you how to clean each part of your dehumidifier so it works smoothly again.

This article is based on an interview with our air conditioning specialist, Victor Belavus, owner of 212 HVAC. Check out the full interview here.

Things You Should Know

Clean dust off the filter with a vacuum or by washing it with soapy water. Let it dry completely before putting it back in your dehumidifier.
Wash the dehumidifier’s tank with soapy water or a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and warm water.
Brush the coils clean with a soft-bristled brush if you have access to them behind the filter.
Wipe dust off of the outside of your dehumidifier with a soft cloth.

1

Turn off and unplug your dehumidifier.

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Disconnecting power prevents you from getting shocked while cleaning. Use the Power button to turn your dehumidifier off. If your dehumidifier turns on when you’re cleaning the components, it could also get damaged since it isn’t running properly.^{[1]
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- Most dehumidifiers will beep if you start taking it apart while it’s still on.
- Clean your dehumidifier once every 2 weeks so dust and dirt doesn’t buildup. It’ll only take an hour at max to clean it completely.

2

Wipe the exterior with a soft cloth.

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Cleaning dust off the surface stops it from getting on internal components. Run a dry microfiber cloth over the exterior of your dehumidifier to clean it. If there are any stubborn spots or scuff marks, get a corner of the cloth damp and gently scrub the area until it’s clean.^{[2]
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- Avoid using water directly on your dehumidifier since you could damage the electronic components.

3

Vacuum the air intake.

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Vacuuming gets dust and dirt out from inside your dehumidifier. The air intake is the grate on the front or back of your dehumidifier. Hold the vacuum hose against the intake opening and slowly move it back and forth over the area. Run the vacuum over the intake about 2 times to loosen and remove the dust buildup inside.^{[3]
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- Using a vacuum also helps keep the coils clean so they aren’t as dusty.

4

Remove and empty the tank.

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Old water in the tank could harbor mold or mildew. Check the dehumidifier’s display for a lit light or icon signaling that the tank is full. Carefully pull the tank out from the bottom of your dehumidifier and take it to a tub or sink. Slowly pour out the water until it’s completely drained.^{[4]
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- If your dehumidifier has a hose that runs to a drain, then it won’t have a tank to empty or clean.

5

Wash the tank with warm water and mild detergent.

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A quick cleanse with dish soap will kill any bacteria inside the tank. Fill the bottom of the tank with water and add in a few drops of mild dish soap. Shake the tank around so the soap and water splash against the sides and clean off any residue that’s on the surface. Swish the water for a couple of minutes before pouring it out down the sink. Fill the tank up with clean water and swish it around to get rid of all the suds and residual cleaner.^{[5]
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- For extra cleaning power against mold and mildew, try a mix that’s equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Let the mixture soak in the tank for up to 1 hour before dumping it out.
- Dry the outside of the tank with a clean towel and let the inside air-dry completely.^{[6]
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6

Pull the air filter out from your dehumidifier.

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The air filter is typically behind the grate on the dehumidifier’s exterior. How you access the filter varies between models. If you see a handle or tab on the top of the filter, gently pull it up and away from your dehumidifier. If you can’t see the filter, then pull out the water tank from the bottom of the dehumidifier. Check the top of the opening for the filter tab so you can pull it out.^{[7]
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- Insignia and Frigidaire dehumidifiers have air filters in the back behind a grate that pops out.
- Certain LG models have filters that you can only access once you remove the tank.
- The air filter looks like a rectangular plastic frame with mesh netting to catch dust and dirt.
- Avoid using your dehumidifier without a filter since you could damage the internal components.

7

Vacuum or wash the dehumidifier’s air filter.

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Cleaning out the filter helps clear out blockages in your dehumidifier. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum and run the bristles over the filter.^{[8]
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- Alternatively, you can clean the filter in a mixture that’s equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Leave it to soak for 15 minutes to an hour depending on how much buildup you have.
- Be careful not to press the vacuum too hard against the filter so you don’t break through it.
- Avoid putting the filter in your dishwasher since it will get damaged.

8

Scrub the coils with a cleaning brush if you can access them.

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Dust on the coils stops them from working efficiently. The coils are straight metal pieces that are usually behind the filter or grate on your dehumidifier. If you’re able to remove the grate or front cover on your dehumidifier, carefully pull it off. Move your cleaning brush parallel to the direction of the coils to get rid of the dust and dirt.^{[10]
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- The metal coils can be sharp, so avoid touching them.
- Alternatively, spray a coil cleaner onto the coils. This cleaner foams up and doesn’t require you to rinse or wipe it off afterward.^{[11]
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9

Reassemble your dehumidifier when the parts are dry.

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If you washed any pieces of your dehumidifier, let them air-dry completely. When it’s dry, slide the filter back into the slot on your dehumidifier. If you had to remove the tank to access the filter, reattach it as well before you turn your dehumidifier back on again.^{[12]
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Tips

If you plan on putting your dehumidifier away for storage, let it dry out for a day before storing it.^{[13]
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Use a dehumidifier whenever you have wet stains on your walls or ceiling, stuffy-feeling rooms, condensation on your windows, musty odors, or visible mold.

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Try to maintain a humidity of 40–60% to help combat airborne diseases.

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Warnings

Avoid disassembling your dehumidifier on your own if it’s not recommended in the manual since you could damage it or void the warranty. Check your instruction manual or online for the customer service helpline to learn the next steps.^{[14]
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