By controlling humidity and preventing mould and mildew growth, a dehumidifier becomes an essential tool in maintaining a clean and healthy bathroom, ultimately making it a more comfortable and hygienic space for all members of the home.
A dehumidifier or exhaust fan can help keep moisture out of your wet, moist bathroom, helping to prevent structural damage caused by mold, mildew, and water. Both devices can make your bathroom fresher, cleaner, and more convenient and comfortable for showering or bathing.
In the bathroom, you would want the dehumidifier closer to the shower area, where there is lots of mist coming out of the shower. A portable dehumidifier like the Morris 20L Silent dehumidifier can be placed on a countertop next to your hot water sink.
'We don't advise using a dehumidifier in the bathroom because they typically aren't IP rated. But positioning a dehumidifier as close to the bathroom as possible with the door open still can help to reduce moisture quickly in that room,' he assures.
'For the best results, the dehumidifier should always be placed at least 20 centimetres away from every wall,' says Chloe King, Duux brand manager. 'In addition, we advise to place the device away from drafts from doors, windows, and air vents for optimal efficiency.
Cons of Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers collect water meaning they need to be regularly emptied. They also need to be regularly cleaned otherwise black mould can start to grow on the machine , which can induce a wide range of health problems including allergic reactions, lung problems and irritation.
We do not recommend placing a dehumidifier directly against a wall or piece of furniture. Instead, put it at least six inches away from these vent-blocking surfaces. For dehumidifiers that cover large areas, it's a good idea to place them somewhere central such as a hallway or landing.
A dehumidifier makes the external conditions less welcoming to mold; by removing moisture, they reduce the chances of mold growth. An air purifier, however, removes mold spores from the air, making it harder for mold and mildew to create new colonies.
Use desiccants
Without the facilitation of an electrical appliance, desiccants such as silica gel, charcoal, and rock salt can still adsorb some moisture from the air at a slower rate, due to their hygroscopic nature. You can put a basket of charcoal in the room and replace the charcoal once it gets damp.
The bigger the dehumidifier (and the higher the wattage), the more watts it'll generally use. Large ones can use up to 500 watts, while the smaller models usually only use about 22 watts. All of these factors can also impact your dehumidifier's energy use.
Best Dehumidifier For Bathrooms
The best dehumidifier for bathroom use we've tested is the Midea MAD50PS1WS. This full-size unit has a substantial 50-pint capacity and will quickly deal with ambient moisture even within large bathrooms.
It is recommended that you run your dehumidifier during a shower. You should keep it on for several minutes after you get out of your shower in order to eliminate the most amount of bathroom condensation possible.
The simplest way to consistently measure the humidity level within your home is with a hygrometer. It works like a thermometer; instead of measuring temperature, it measures the moisture level in the air. Place a hygrometer in each room of your house to monitor low or high humidity levels throughout.
Place on a windowsill or cabinet with good airflow and avoid being too close to the bath or shower.
If you're dealing with mold, mildew, or dust mite issues, a dehumidifier might be the better choice. However, if you're concerned about airborne particles such as pollen, pet dander, or smoke, an air purifier might be more appropriate.
This DampRid product will reduce damp and musty smells as well as prevent mold that grows in moist and humid conditions. The crystals will work better in a smaller closed off area with restricted airflow, like bathrooms, basements, closets, laundry rooms, RVs, etc.
"While DampRid is nowhere near as rapid or effective as a good dehumidifier, it almost works the same as a poor-performing dehumidifier," says Chris. We know you want the dry details, so you can read how DampRid fared in a mild 65% humidity test against all the currently available dehumidifiers in our review.
Try to take cooler showers when you can, and keep the door open to the bathroom when you can to increase the air circulation. Another effective way to dehumidify your home naturally is by turning on the bathroom's exhaust fan every time you take a shower.
Although how long you let your dehumidifier run will depend on a handful of factors including the room size, current humidity levels, and the size of your dehumidifier, James recommends keeping it running between 6-12 hours in a day.
Use a Dehumidifier: A portable dehumidifier can effectively reduce moisture levels in your bathroom, making it a less hospitable environment for mold. Regularly Clean and Maintain Ventilation Systems: Regularly check and clean your ventilation systems to ensure they're working at peak efficiency.
Also use dehumidifiers, which can help remove moisture from the air and walls. Professionals use tools like moisture meters, infrared imaging devices, dehumidifiers and heavy-duty fans. That ensures the walls are truly dry before further repair, painting or refinishing.
Should a Dehumidifier Run Constantly? No, your dehumidifier should not have to run constantly to regulate the air humidity. An optimal humidity level to shoot for is between 30 and 50 percent. Your dehumidifier should reach this in 8 to 12 hours.
Well, according to Isaac Newton, in his book Opticks, (and USA Today) humid air is actually LESS dense than dry air. It makes sense. If humid air didn't rise, why would rain fall from the sky when the temperature drops? So, in a home, humid air rises up, not down.
If you need to lower humidity throughout your house a whole-house dehumidifier is the best option. It is easy to fit, virtually silent and is the cheapest solution for whole house control.