A dehumidifier is one of the best technologies ever made by humans. In addition to removing moisture from the air, it also helps to avoid dry skin, nosebleeds, and many other problems.
Dehumidifiers don’t need a significant amount of care or repairs, but occasionally cleaning is necessary because dust and debris can build up on them and make them ineffective.
It’s crucial to regularly clean your dehumidifiers if you want to keep them in prime condition. You must clean the coils and remove any mold, dust, debris, and residue. As a result, we have created a guide on How to Thoroughly Clean the Dehumidifier Coils. Have a look!
Also Check This Product: 5 Best Humidifiers for Nosebleed
What is a Dehumidifier Coil?
A dehumidifier coil is a heating element inside your dehumidifier that keeps the humidity level in your home low. The coil heats up water from the humidifier to create steam, which then comes out of the side of your dehumidifier and into the air.
The heat from this steam helps eliminate dampness by drying out the air in your home and removing moisture from it. This means that you don’t have to worry about mold or bacteria growing on surfaces that are moist, like bathroom tiles or kitchen counters.
Why Should You Clean the Dehumidifier Coils?
There are many benefits of cleaning dehumidifier coils on a regular basis. For instance, it will help the dehumidifier absorb or eliminate more humid air or moisture from your room or home, to maintain the humidity levels.
Apart from that, by cleaning the dehumidifier coils, you can increase the life span of your dehumidifier machine, as the cooler and condenser unit will work more efficiently after cleaning the coils.
On top of that, by cleaning the dehumidifier coils, you can prevent germs or mold buildups in the machine so that the machine will offer you healthy air.
Signs that Your Dehumidifier Coils Need Cleaning
- The musty or strange odor from the dehumidifier
- Reduced moisture absorption
- Frost buildup on the coils
Tools Needed to Clean Dehumidifier Coils
- Cleaning solution
- Soft-bristled brush
- Vacuum cleaner or compressed air can
How to Clean the Dehumidifier Coils?
There are various ways to clean the dehumidifier coils. The best way to clean the dehumidifier coils is by disassembling the dehumidifier and taking out the coils.
You can manually clean with various things like cleaning tablets, cleaning agents or solvents, and a lot of other things. Follow the guide to disassemble and clean the dehumidifier coils.
1. Drain the Dehumidifier
First thing first, you have to unplug the dehumidifier from the power source. If the dehumidifier is battery-powered, then make sure to power it off and, if possible, take out the battery. It will help you prevent the dehumidifier parts.
After disconnecting it from the power source, you have to drain the dehumidifier completely. If you are unable to drain the dehumidifier completely, then you can try using a dry cloth to drain the dehumidifier tank. Completely draining the dehumidifier will make it easy for you to clean it thoroughly.
2. Take the Dehumidifier apart.
After you have completely drained the dehumidifier, you need to disassemble it. You need to take out the back panel of the dehumidifier, to remove the coils from the dehumidifier.
You will need a screwdriver to remove the back panel of the machine. When you take the back panel apart from the dehumidifier, you can clean and remove other parts of the dehumidifier, which will make the cleaning effective.
You should clean the fan blades if your dehumidifier contains a fan. Moreover, you can also clean the filters, which require regular maintenance. Also, if possible and required, make sure you replace them.
3. Remove the Hose
When you are done removing the back panel and other parts, you have to disconnect the hose from the machine. The hose works as a duct when the dehumidifier is working.
The hose pushes the air toward the coil. Hence, it is necessary for you to remove the hose from the machine and clean it properly.
However, you should note that your dehumidifier will probably not have a hose, as it depends upon different brands, models, and their functioning.
4. Clean the Spots
After removing the hose and taking the back panel apart, you need to clean any spots or stains present on the unit. This will make sure that the unit looks accomplished. This is an optional step that you should follow while cleaning the dehumidifier coils.
The best way to clean the spots is by using a brush or scrubber, as it will easily clean the spots. Further, if you don’t have a regular cleaning brush, a toothbrush will get the job done.
5. Spray the Cleaning Solvent
When the spots and stains are cleaned, you have to spray the cleaning solvent or any detergent on the dehumidifier coils. The best cleaning solvent to clean the dehumidifier is a detergent or any other foaming agent which is readily available at our home.
Make sure to spray the detergent in the corners of the coils. After the spraying is done, leave it for a few seconds.
6. Cleaning the Coils
After leaving it for a few seconds or minutes, the dirt or dust will be easy to remove as it will not stick to the coil surface. You need to use a scrub or toothbrush to rub the coils. Make sure to rub every part of the coil and ensure you do not damage any vital piece of the coil.
7. Rinse the Coils
When the scrubbing is finished, rinse the coils with lukewarm water. Try to wash away all the residue, debris, and dirt. Hopefully, the dehumidifier will be cleaned in one go. However, if it is not completely cleaned in one go, then spray the detergent once more and leave it for a few seconds.
Then, scrub the coil with a brush, and rinse it with warm water. You can repeat the same steps until the coil is completely cleaned. However, there are chances that some dirt or residue will not come out, so you can use cleaning tablets, or other methods, which are listed below.
8. Let the Coil Dry
The coil should be dried with a dry sponge after being rinsed with warm water. To dry the coils, you can use any dry cloth.
After the coils have dried entirely, keep them in a dry environment for 30 minutes so that they can completely dry off the areas that you can’t dry with a sponge or cloth.
9. Placing the Coils into place
You can reinstall the dehumidifier coils when they have been cleaned and dried. Place the rear panel where it fits, and make sure all the screws are tight.
Other Ways to Clean the Dehumidifier Coils
If you are unable to clean the dehumidifier coils with the detergent or cleaning solvent, you can use the methods below.
1. Cleaning Dehumidifier with Cleaning Tablets
The best way to clean the dehumidifier is by using formulated cleaning tablets. You just need to drop a couple of cleaning tablets into the dehumidifier tank, and the tablets will slowly dissolve into the water.
These tablets are 100% safe to use in all types of dehumidifiers, and they can effectively clean the dehumidifiers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning a dehumidifier with cleaning tablets.
Step 1: Turn off the dehumidifier and drain the water tank.
Before you begin cleaning your dehumidifier, unplug it and empty the water tank. This is critical for safety, as you don’t want to accidentally turn on the unit while cleaning it. You need to make sure the dehumidifier’s water tank is completely emptied after taking it apart from the dehumidifier.
Step 2: Wipe out the dehumidifier’s exterior.
Then, using a damp cloth, wipe down the dehumidifier’s exterior. Clean up any dust or dirt that has gathered on the unit. This will help to keep dirt and dust out of the dehumidifier while you’re cleaning it.
Step 3: Change or clean the air filter.
In dehumidifiers, air filters assist in removing impurities from the air. It is crucial to clean the air filter on a regular basis to ensure proper operation.
Simply remove the air filter from the dehumidifier and vacuum up any dust or dirt that has accumulated on it to clean it. If the air filter is particularly filthy, use mild detergent and warm water to clean it. Allow the air filter to dry completely before placing it back in the dehumidifier.
If you have never cleaned the air filter before and it is in such a state that it cannot be reused after cleaning, we recommend that you replace it. Furthermore, keep the air filter maintained and cleaned on a regular basis to avoid costly air filter replacements in the future.
Step 4: Clean the water tank.
The water tank collects excess moisture from the air, so it must be kept clean. For cleaning the water tank, mix one part vinegar with one part water.
Allow about an hour for the solution to sit in the tank before draining and thoroughly rinsing it. If the tank contains hard water stains, you can scrub them away with a soft cloth or sponge.
Step 5: Use cleaning tablets.
Cleaning tablets make it simple to clean and deodorize your dehumidifier. Simply place one or two tablets in the water tank and fill it with water to use.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the number of tablets to use. Allow the cleaning tablets to dissolve in the water for about an hour before draining and thoroughly rinsing the tank.
Step 6: Reassemble the dehumidifier.
When you’ve finished cleaning the dehumidifier, it’s time to reassemble it. Reinstall the air filter and water tank, making sure they are securely fastened. To ensure proper operation, reconnect the dehumidifier to power and turn it on.
2. Use Bleach to Clean the Dehumidifier
Take the bleach and mix 1/10 bleach into the water tank of the dehumidifier. Let it soak for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, thoroughly clean it with water. Add fresh water to the tank and run it for a few minutes, this will clean the dehumidifier tank.
To clean your dehumidifier using Bleach, follow these steps.
Step 1: Power off the dehumidifier.
Step 2: Drain the water from the dehumidifier’s tank.
Step 3: Then, you need to wash the water tank with warm water along with a mild detergent combination. After that, rinse it thoroughly and use a cloth for a dry wipe.
Step 4: If there is visible mold or mildew inside the tank, a solution of water and Bleach can be used to help remove it. Fill the tank with a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.
Step 5: Allow at least 15 minutes for the solution to resolve in the tank.
Step 6: To remove any remaining bleach residue, thoroughly rinse the tank with clean water.
Step 7: Wipe down the tank with a dry cloth.
Step 8: When the water tank is clean and dry, replace it in the dehumidifier and resume normal operation.
3. Use Vinegar to Clean the Dehumidifier
If you have tried everything else, but nothing worked out, then try using vinegar. First of all, completely empty the dehumidifier tank and fill it with lukewarm water. Add some white vinegar to the water and run the machine in an outdoor area. It will surely clean the dehumidifier. After this, you can follow the steps below which will remove the leftover mold, stains, and odor.
Step 1: Switch off the dehumidifier and unplug it.
Step 2: Drain the dehumidifier and wash the tank with warm water and detergent solution.
Step 3: After rinsing it, you can use Vinegar to remove the mold and mildew. You need to fill the tank with the mixture of water and Vinegar and let it sit in the tank for an hour.
Step 4: Rinse the tank and dry out the tank.
Vinegar is a chemical-free agent that is less aggressive than Bleach and effective at removing mold and mildew. If you want to avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning a dehumidifier, this is a good option.
Just make sure to thoroughly rinse the tank to remove any remaining vinegar residue, as it can leave an unpleasant odor if not completely removed.
Apart from cleaning coils, it is also necessary to clean a dehumidifier tank. Below we have shared the complete step-by-step guide to clean a dehumidifier tank.
How to Clean a Dehumidifier Tank?
To clean the dehumidifier tank, follow these steps:
Step 1: Turn off the dehumidifier and unplug it from the outlet.
Step 2: The dehumidifier’s water tank should be drained off.
Step 3: Empty the water tank.
Step 4: Wash the water tank with warm water and mild detergent. Thoroughly rinse before patting dry with a soft cloth.
Step 5: Cleaning tablets or cleaning balls can be used if there is visible mold or mildew inside the tank. The cleaning tablets we recommend for cleaning the dehumidifier tank are listed below. Half-fill the tank with water, add a cleaning tablet or two and let them sit for a few hours before rinsing and drying.
Leemone Dehumidifier Cleaning Tablets
The Leemone dehumidifier cleaning tablets are one of the best tablets to remove mold and mildew from a dehumidifier or a humidifier. Apart from dehumidifiers and humidifiers, you can use these tablets to clean fish tanks as well.
These tablets work by purifying the water and also preventing hard water build-up. Furthermore, it eliminates the white dust and odor from the tank.
Step 6: If the tank is particularly dirty or has a strong odor, you may want to soak it for a few hours in a solution of water and cleaning tablets before rinsing and drying.
Step 7: Once the water tank is clean and dry, you can place it back in the dehumidifier and resume normal use.
If there is stubborn mold that is stuck in the dehumidifier tank, then it is very hard to remove it. Below, we have shared the complete guide to remove mold from a dehumidifier.
How to Remove Mold from a Dehumidifier?
Mold is easy to grow inside a dehumidifier tank as it has the best environment for mold to grow. The inside of a dehumidifier is a moist and warm environment that is ideal for growing mold.
In case you don’t know how does the mold in a dehumidifier or humidifier look like, you should check out our guide. It will help you to identify mold and easily remove it.
Since you have already identified the mold in your dehumidifier, you can remove it with the help of this guide.
Step 1: Turn off the dehumidifier and unplug it from the power source.
Step 2: By opening the dehumidifier, you should inspect all mold growth areas. Mold can grow in isolated areas of the dehumidifier, as well as in the tank and other areas that come into contact with moisture.
Step 3: Start cleaning the spots that contain mold. You should clean the dehumidifier’s filter, tank, and coils.
Step 4: If the mold is stubborn, it will be very difficult for you to remove the mold. In this case, you can use an anti-mold spray to remove it easily.
RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Remover Spray
If you are concerned whether which anti-mold spray you should use to remove the mold, then we recommend you check out the RMR-86 Instant mold and mildew remover spray. Apart from using this spray on dehumidifier cleaning, you can use it on the toilet, floor, shower, doors, sink, and grout cleaning.
Conclusion
So, this is how to thoroughly clean the dehumidifier coils. Hopefully, you will be able to clean the dehumidifier by yourself at home.
You should follow other methods to clean the dehumidifier if you are unable to clean it with the regular method. Moreover, ensure to clean the dehumidifier frequently to prevent it from clogging, blockage, and growing mold.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Frequently Should You Clean the Dehumidifier?
It is recommended to clean the dehumidifier tank once every three weeks. Or you can clean it once a month.
How to Remove Black Soot from the Dehumidifier?
To clean the black soot, you can frequently clean the filter, as this will prevent the black soot from getting inside. Also, use warm water to remove the black soot. Apart from that, you can also use acid-based cleaners to remove the black soot from the dehumidifier.
How to prevent the dehumidifier from growing mold?
Regular cleaning of the dehumidifier with an anti-microbial coil cleaner can prevent any mildew and mold from growing.
