Dehumidifiers have become a must-have in many UK households, especially during the cold winter months to tackle dampness and assist in drying clothes.
However, you could be using them incorrectly, potentially squandering money and even risking a dangerous fire.
Consumer watchdog Which? has pinpointed five typical blunders people commit with their dehumidifiers and how to correct them in an enlightening video on its TikTok channel.
Here’s what you need to know to use your dehumidifier safely and effectively.
Never position it against a wall or furniture. Make sure your dehumidifier is properly placed in the middle of the room, it should be at least 20cm away from any walls or nearby furniture to allow for adequate air circulation.
Be aware of heat sources like radiators or fireplaces, as well as vents, which can impact its performance.
Keep all doors and windows closed. Once your dehumidifier is operating, it’s vital to ensure all doors and windows are closed.
This is because the device won’t work as efficiently if it’s battling with external humidity. Regularly clean the filter.
Keeping a clean filter will significantly improve your dehumidifier’s performance. Manufacturers recommend a thorough cleaning every two weeks, or at the very least once a month.
This can be done by simply removing the filter from the device and giving it a gentle vacuum. It’s particularly useful if you have a brush attachment.
However, if the filter is heavily clogged and a simple vacuum won’t do the trick, you’ll need to give it a quick wash. For further information, and to ensure you’re doing it correctly for your specific device, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Avoid drying wet clothes nearby Perhaps the most dangerous mistake on this list is drying wet clothes near your dehumidifier. Damp clothes can pose a serious fire risk, so it’s something to be vigilant about.
As the device is often used to help dry your laundry, make sure they are far enough away that any excess water can’t drip all over the machine. This will also prevent any harmful damage to the device.
Turn it off properly If you own a desiccant dehumidifier, don’t rush to turn off your dehumidifier at the mains after use. The correct way to use it is to use the device’s control panel to switch it off, ensuring it can shut down properly.
Doing this ensures the internal fan can continue spinning to cool down, which in turn protects the internal machinery.
