How To Clean Dehumidifier Coils: Easy & Quick Guide

Dehumidifiers play a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.

Over time, these appliances can accumulate dirt, dust, and even mold on their coils, negatively impacting their efficiency and the air quality in your home.

To ensure your dehumidifier continues to work effectively and maintains a clean, fresh atmosphere, it’s essential to know how to clean its coils properly.

Cleaning your dehumidifier coils might seem daunting at first, but with the right steps and a little patience, your appliance will operate at peak performance in no time.

Throughout this article, you’ll learn practical and straightforward methods to clean your dehumidifier coils, ensuring that your device efficiently removes excess moisture from the air while promoting a healthy indoor environment.

Table of Contents

1. Why Clean Dehumidifier Coils

Cleaning your dehumidifier coils is essential for maintaining optimal air quality and ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your device.

Over time, dirt, dust, and debris may accumulate on the coils, leading to reduced performance and increased energy consumption.

When dehumidifier coils aren’t cleaned regularly, bacteria and mold growth can occur, potentially impacting your home’s health and overall air quality.

Keeping the coils clean can prevent the spread of allergens and harmful substances in the air, making your living environment much safer and more comfortable.

Cleaning your dehumidifier coils regularly can help improve your device’s energy efficiency.

When dust and dirt build-up on the coils, your dehumidifier has to work harder to remove moisture from the air, consuming more energy.

By keeping the coils clean, you can save on energy costs and reduce your environmental footprint.

2. When to Clean Your Dehumidifier Coils

As part of regular maintenance, cleaning your dehumidifier coils is essential to ensure optimal performance and extend the lifespan of your appliance.

A good rule of thumb is to clean the coils twice a year, but depending on your usage and the environment, you might need to clean them more often.

If you notice your dehumidifier isn’t removing moisture as efficiently as it used to, or if it’s producing a strange odor, it’s time to clean the coils thoroughly.

Keeping the coils clean also maintains the appliance’s energy efficiency, saving you money on your energy bills.

Remember to check and clean the dehumidifier filter regularly, which can also impact the appliance’s performance.

Establishing a filter and coil maintenance routine will help keep your dehumidifier running smoothly and your home free from excess moisture and mold.

3. Removing Surface Dirt and Dust

Cleaning your dehumidifier coils is essential to ensure optimal performance.

First, unplug your dehumidifier to ensure your safety during the cleaning process.

Next, locate the filter and remove it from the unit.

This filter usually catches most superficial dirt and dust, so clean it thoroughly with soap and water or a vacuum cleaner.

Now it’s time to remove the dust and dirt from the coils.

To do this, gather the necessary cleaning tools, such as a coil brush or coil brushes and a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.

These specialized brushes are designed to remove dirt without damaging the coils, while the vacuum cleaner will help to get rid of any loose debris.

Begin gently brushing the coils with the coil or coil brushes to dislodge any superficial dirt. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure, which can damage the coils.

After brushing off the coils, use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to lift any remaining dust and dirt.

Keep an eye out for any buildup of grime or hard-to-reach areas that may require additional attention.

If you encounter stubborn debris, use a damp cloth to wipe it away gently. Be sure to let the coils dry completely before reassembling your dehumidifier.

4. Cleaning the Coils in Depth

Manual Cleaning

Grab a small brush with moderately firm bristles that can reach into the tight spaces of the coils. Carefully brush off any accumulated dust, mold, and grime from the coils.

Next, prepare a cleaning solution. Mix warm water with a mild detergent, creating a soapy mixture.

Gently scrub the coils with a soft cloth, or sponge dipped in the solution, working in the grooves to remove stubborn buildup.

You can also use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar for a more natural cleaning solution.

This combination helps break down grime effectively without causing harm to the coils.

After cleaning, rinse the coils thoroughly with clean water, and use a clean towel to dry them. Ensure the coils are completely dry before turning your dehumidifier back on.

Using Cleaning Solvents

Sometimes, you might need a specialized coil cleaner or a foaming solvent to clean your dehumidifier coils. These products can be found at home improvement stores or ordered online.

Wear gloves for safety, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the cleaning agent.

Apply the cleaner directly onto the coils, allowing the foaming action to break down tough buildup.

After waiting for the prescribed time mentioned on the product, gently scrub the coils using a soft brush or cloth. Make sure to reach all areas, focusing on removing any stubborn residue.

Finally, rinse the coils thoroughly with clean water, and allow them to dry completely before reassembling and turning on your dehumidifier.

5. Drying and Reassembling Your Dehumidifier

Now that your dehumidifier coils are clean, it’s time to focus on drying and reassembling the unit. Drying the components properly is crucial to prevent any damage or malfunction.

First, grab a clean, dry cloth and gently wipe off any excess water from the coils, careful not to cause any damage.

Next, allow the coils to air dry by leaving them in a well-ventilated area for a few hours. This ensures all the moisture evaporates completely before reassembling.

While your coils are air drying, take this opportunity to clean other parts of the dehumidifier, like the fan motor, fan blade, and outer cover.

You can use a cloth or household cleaner to remove dirt and dust.

Once all the components are completely dry, it’s time to put them back together. Start by carefully placing the coils back in their designated place within the unit.

Then, reconnect any hoses or wiring removed during the disassembly process.

Next, reattach the fan motor and blade, ensuring they’re fitted correctly and securely. Finally, put the filter and outer cover back on your dehumidifier.

Double-check that everything is in its proper place and connected correctly.

Plug in your dehumidifier and turn it on to ensure it’s functioning properly. With a clean and dry unit, you should notice improved performance and efficiency in your dehumidifier.

Good job, your dehumidifier is ready to get back to work!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best method to clean dehumidifier coils?

First, gather tools such as a screwdriver, coil brush, detergent, and clean water to clean the dehumidifier coils. Unplug the device, remove the water tank and air filter, and follow your device’s instruction manual to access the coils. Rinse the coils under warm, clean water to remove dirt and debris. It’s essential to be gentle and thorough when cleaning the coils to avoid damaging them.

How can I safely remove mold from my dehumidifier?

If you notice mold on your dehumidifier coils, you can safely remove it using bleach or a mold-killing cleaner after rinsing them. Spray the mold-affected areas, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse it thoroughly with warm water. Wear gloves and a mask when handling moldy components to protect yourself from inhaling harmful spores.

What household items help clean dehumidifier coils?

You can use a vacuum cleaner, a soft brush, mild detergent, and clean water for cleaning dehumidifier coils. Using these tools, you can remove dust and debris before gently cleaning the coils with detergent and water.

How often should dehumidifier coils be cleaned?

Dehumidifier coils should typically be cleaned every three to six months, depending on the usage and environment. If your dehumidifier runs in a damp, dusty, or high-traffic area, consider cleaning the coils more frequently to maintain optimal performance.

Are dehumidifier cleaning tablets effective?

Dehumidifier cleaning tablets can help reduce the buildup of minerals and bacteria in the water tank of your dehumidifier, keeping the water fresher and reducing odors. However, these tablets do not clean the coils. Regular manual cleaning is necessary to maintain the efficiency and lifespan of your device.

How do I prevent mold growth in my dehumidifier bucket?

To prevent mold growth in your dehumidifier bucket, empty it regularly and wash it with mild soap and water. Dry the bucket thoroughly before reinserting it into the dehumidifier. Additionally, clean and maintain the coils and other components of the device to minimize mold growth.