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A dehumidifier can help remove smells by reducing the moisture in the air. Excess moisture can contribute to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause unpleasant odors. By removing the moisture, a dehumidifier can help eliminate these smells. Additionally, some dehumidifiers are equipped with filters that can help remove other odors, such as pet smells or cooking odors. To effectively remove smells with a dehumidifier, it is important to choose the right size and placement for the dehumidifier, as well as regularly clean and maintain it.
A dehumidifier not only eliminates excess moisture from indoor air, but also helps to get rid of odors, particularly those caused by dampness. If your basement has a musty smell, using a dehumidifier can help dry the air and eliminate odors caused by mildew and mold spores that thrive in damp environments.
Tip
In order for a dehumidifier to effectively remove moisture-related odors, the root cause of the issue must be addressed. For instance, if your basement experiences water seepage whenever it rains, there is a high probability of mildew or mold growth in the basement, which will result in a persistent odor until the problem is resolved.
Eliminating Odors With a Dehumidifier
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Whether you reside in a high humidity area, close to a body of water, or own a vacation home that is only used for a few months each year, it is almost inevitable to have a stale or musty odor indoors. Over time, this odor can even become trapped in furniture, as moist air retains smells and both moisture and odor adhere to various surfaces such as mattresses, upholstery, dresser drawers, window coverings, and even clothing in closets. Running a dehumidifier can aid in removing these odors.
A portable dehumidifier extracts excess moisture from the air and stores it in a tray or directs it through a hose into a drain. When the outside air is humid, the indoor humidity levels naturally increase as well. Excessive humidity is more noticeable when you are not using an air conditioner or heater, as these devices also dry the air.
A small, portable dehumidifier (we recommend the Pro Breeze Electric Mini Dehumidifier) is ideal for removing odors from a single room, but it will not eliminate odors throughout the entire house. If you live in a humid area, a whole-house dehumidifier will be more effective in keeping the air free from musty odors by extracting moisture from the air throughout your entire home. A whole-house dehumidifier, like the one from AprilAire, connects to an existing forced-air HVAC system and typically utilizes the same ductwork.
Tip
Dehumidifiers can also function as air purifiers as long as they have high-quality air filters (which should be replaced regularly). Even if you do not require a dehumidifier to eliminate unpleasant smells in your home, consider getting one to enhance air quality and remove pollutants and allergens, such as dust mites, from your indoor air.
Using a Dehumidifier
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If you choose a whole-house dehumidifier, a qualified HVAC technician can install it for you and demonstrate how to operate it. However, you can easily install a portable dehumidifier yourself, and they are simple to use. Here are the steps to using a portable dehumidifier:
- Follow the instructions in the user manual to set up your dehumidifier. Some dehumidifiers are ready to use right away, while others may require you to install an air filter or remove protective packaging before use.
- If you want the dehumidifier to constantly drain itself, connect a drain hose and extend it to a drain. If you don’t have a drain or prefer not to use one, place the water collection bucket inside the unit.
- Plug in the dehumidifier and it will be ready to use. Keep an eye on the water bucket to see how quickly it fills up (if you’re not using a drain hose) and empty it when necessary.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to maintain the dehumidifier. This includes regular cleaning of the cooling coils, replacing air filters when needed, and using warm water, baking soda, white vinegar, and non-toxic cleaning products for cleaning. Use bleach to clean mold and grime buildup as necessary.
Warning
Make sure to turn off the dehumidifier when the indoor air temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t, water could freeze on the unit and potentially cause damage.
Where Should I Position My Portable Dehumidifier?
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To achieve the best results, place your dehumidifier as close as possible to the source of moisture. For many homeowners, this means putting it in a damp basement. For others, it could mean placing it in a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room without an exhaust fan. Position the dehumidifier near the moisture problem area.
Tip
Any dark space with limited airflow is more likely to have lingering musty smells. Whenever possible, open blinds and windows to let in light and fresh air, which can help eliminate odors and kill bacteria.
