Dehumidifiers run day after day collecting water from the air. That water ends up in the machine’s reservoir tank. If you don’t clean and empty that tank frequently, mold and bacteria will start to grow inside.
Your dehumidifier will also eventually run less efficiently. You can prevent all of these issues just by following a few simple steps. Let’s take a look!
Why You Need to Empty It Regularly
Air moisture levels dictate how quickly your tank will fill up. Basements and bathrooms tend to have the highest humidity levels. Expect to empty the tank more frequently in rooms like these.
Your tank will probably auto shut off once it gets full. When this happens your home will no longer be dehumidified until you empty it. An extremely humid room could cause it to fill within hours.
Water loves moisture just like your dehumidifier does. If you let the tank stay full for too long, mold and mildew can grow inside of it. Over time this could cause bacteria to grow inside and impact your indoor air quality.
Empty and clean the tank daily if you live in a very humid area. Otherwise aim to check the tank every day or two. Don’t wait until your unit shuts off on its own.
Emptying your tank should take less than 30 seconds. Make it a habit to empty it right when you notice it’s full. Think of it like watering a household plant.
How to Empty Your Tank Correctly
Emptying your tank is straightforward. Let’s walk through how to do it properly.
Step 1: Turn off the unit.
You don’t need to unplug your dehumidifier to empty the tank. But make sure the unit is off before removing the tank. It’s not a good idea to run your dehumidifier without the water reservoir attached.
Step 2: Remove the tank carefully.
Slowly slide the tank out of the dehumidifier. Most models will remove from the front or side. Do this slowly so you don’t slosh water everywhere. Most tanks come with a handle to assist with this process.
Step 3: Take it to the sink.
Keep your hand under the tank while you walk it over to the sink. Tilt the tank and pour out all of the water once you are over the sink or toilet.
Step 4: Rinse it off.
Once water is drained pour a small amount of warm water inside of it. Swirl the water around so that it hits all of the sides of the tank. This helps loosen any film that has started to build up inside.
Step 5: Replace the tank.
Carefully slide the tank back into its home. Make sure that it goes all of the way in and isn’t just sitting there loosely. Your unit may not turn back on if it’s not seated properly, or may leak.
You have now successfully emptied your dehumidifier tank the right way. Remember to rinse it out while you’re at it. The small extra step of rinsing will keep your tank clean and buildup free for longer periods of time.
Cleaning Your Tank Thoroughly
Giving the tank a quick rinse every time you empty it will help keep it clean. But you should deep clean the tank every week or two just to make sure. Follow these steps to clean the tank correctly.
Combine warm water and dish soap. Empty out the tank as you would normally. Add a few squirts of dish soap. Then fill it halfway with warm water. Use a cloth or sponge to scrub all of the inside walls and corners of the tank. Rinse until no soap remains.
Use bleach to remove mold. If there is visible mold or mildew inside of the tank it’s time for a bleach bath. Combine water and bleach at a ratio of 90%/10% respectively. Pour the mixture into the tank and slosh it around. Let it sit for 5 minutes before emptying it out. Rinse the tank thoroughly with water.
Use vinegar for a natural solution. White vinegar and water can also be used to clean your tank. Fill the tank half way with both water and white vinegar. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes. Vinegar breaks down minerals and kills bacteria and mold with its mild acidity. Empty and rinse the tank with water afterwards.
Allow to air dry. Pour out excess water and allow the tank to air dry before placing it back in. Putting a wet tank back into your unit can promote more mold growth. Shake out excess water then let dry for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can wipe the tank dry with a towel.
Maintaining Other Components of Your Dehumidifier
Your tank isn’t the only part of your dehumidifier that needs occasional cleaning.
Air filters should be cleaned every two weeks. Located inside the air intake area of your unit, this filter traps dust and debris. The NHS told us that when this filter gets too dirty your motor works harder. Wasting energy and eventually wearing down your dehumidifier quicker. To clean simply remove the filter and vacuum off the dirt. If it is extremely dirty you can rinse it under warm water. Let the filter air dry completely before reinstalling.
Evaporator coils should be dusted. These coils become dusty over time. As dust builds up it can hinder your dehumidifier’s performance. Remove the dust by using a vacuum with a brush attachment. You can also use a brush or cloth to gently wipe the dust away. Avoid bending or putting pressure on the coil fins.
If your unit has a drain hose, clean that too. Just like any other hose or pipe mold, algae, and minerals can build up inside. Depending on the type of water you have this may occur more frequently. Drain hoses can be wiped down with a rag or brush. You should remove the hose from the unit and run water through it once a month.
Case Study: Avoiding Mold Buildup
Client: Homeowner utilizing dehumidifier in damp basement
Problem: Started to smell a funky odor from the unit after using it for several weeks.
Solution:
- Make sure to empty the water tank daily.
- Established weekly deep clean routine.
- Sanitized with vinegar to remove mineral deposits and kill bacteria.
- Cleaned air filter every other week.
- Flushed drain hose monthly.
- Make sure to let tank air dry before putting it back into the unit.
Results:
- The odor was gone after a couple days.
- Run time was reduced due to increased efficiency.
- The air quality was fresher.
- Avoided having to clean up mold buildup.
Clean takeaway:
Regular cleaning is necessary when using a dehumidifier. Take the time every few days to give your unit a good clean! You can avoid mold and kill bacteria by allowing your tank to air dry between uses.
Case study – https://dehumidifiercorp.com/case-studies/replacement-dehumidifier-savings/
FAQs
1. How often should you empty your dehumidifier tank?
If you live in a humid area, it’s recommended to empty your tank daily. If your area is less humid, empty whenever the tank is full every 1–2 days.
2. What happens if you don’t empty the tank?
The dehumidifier will automatically shut off, and if water is left to sit, you’ll have buildups of mold, bacteria, and begin to smell bad.
3. Do I need to clean my tank each time I empty it?
You should give it a quick rinse each time you empty the tank. Every couple of weeks you should do a more thorough cleaning.
4. How do I clean the tank?
Rinse the tank with warm water and dish soap. For a deeper clean, you can use bleach or white vinegar.
5. Can I use bleach in my tank?
Yes, when diluted into a 10% bleach solution. Make sure you rinse it out after using bleach!
6. Can I use vinegar instead of bleach?
Yes! Vinegar acts as a natural bleach and helps get rid of any built-up minerals as well as killing bacteria and mold.
7. Do I need to dry my tank before putting it back into the unit?
Yes. Allow to air dry or wipe down with a towel before placing back into the dehumidifier.
8. What other parts of my dehumidifier should I clean?
- Air filter – Clean every other week
- Coils – Dust when needed
- Drain hose – Clean monthly
9. Can I reuse the water?
Yes! Just like when you collect water from your fridge, you can use the water to water plants or even clean. However, it should not be consumed.
10. How should I store my dehumidifier?
Empty your tank and give it a good cleaning. Leave the tank open and allow it to air dry. Make sure there is no chance of moisture collecting inside when storing your unit.
Final Words
Try not to dump your dehumidifier water down the drain if you can use it. Water collected from a dehumidifier can be used to water house plants, fill your steam iron, or even rinse off tools. Do not drink dehumidifier water as it can contain dust and mold.
Always store your unit correctly. Before storing your dehumidifier for an extended period of time. Empty the tank, rinse it out, and leave the tank drawer open. Allowing the inside of your unit to air helps prevent mold growth while in storage.
Taking good care of your dehumidifier will keep your home smelling fresh and clean. Taking a few minutes once a week to clean your unit will allow it to run efficiently for years to come.
