Best Dehumidifier for Mold and Allergies
[amazon table=”1638″]If you live in a cold climate or find that there’s a lot of moisture in your home, then you should consider investing in a dehumidifier.
There are various options available, and it’s worth considering which model would be the best fit for your home and situation.
Allergies can often be caused by moisture in the air, which causes dampness and mold growth on walls and other surfaces.
Dehumidifiers can be a great tool to have in your arsenal to fight against this problem.
Here are our top picks…
👑 Our Pick for Best Overall
[amazon box=”B075FS6T9M” title=”Ivation 50-Pint” description=”The Ivation 50-pint dehumidifier is an excellent option that can take care of large rooms and small ones alike. The smart features and different parts of this unit make your life easier and make it straightforward to use and maintain.”]⭐ Our Other Top Dehumidifier Picks
- Best Overall: Ivation 50-Pint
- Best for Allergies: Danby 70-Pint
- Best for the Basement: Frigidaire 70-Pint
- Best for the Kitchen: Pro Breeze Electric Mini
Best Dehumidifier for Mold Reviews
Ivation 50-Pint (👑 Top Pick)
The Ivation 50-Pint model is the best dehumidifier for mold, in our view. Covering spaces up to 3000 square feet, this dehumidifier can be used in most rooms. Moving it between rooms is made easy with its compact design and wheels. Weighing 31 pounds, this unit won’t be too much of a nuisance to have around the house.
As for performance, the Ivation 50-pint model has two different fan settings you can switch between depending on the amount of moisture in the air. The filtration and evaporation system works exceptionally well to keep mold, allergens, and asthma triggers at bay at all times of the day. The filters inside are reusable, too, so all you’ll need to do is wash them off once you get a warning from the machine. The container can collect up to 50 pints of moisture from the air every day, and continuous draining is made possible with the hose accessory.
One of the standout features of this dehumidifier, though, is the smart LCD interface. On this display, you’ll be able to check the humidistat, set your preferred moisture levels in the air, adjust the fan’s speed, set a timer, and receive alerts when necessary. The technology behind this dehumidifier enables it to automatically switch back on after power outages, too, so you can have constant air moisture extraction, whatever happens.
The simplicity of use and effectiveness are the two most important factors for any dehumidifier, and this dehumidifier ticks both boxes. The first time you run this unit out of the box, it will run continuously until it brings the air moisture down significantly. Then it will maintain a regular pace, cycling on and off according to the current level of moisture in the air. This makes it an excellent energy-saving solution to humidity level problems at home.
Features:
- It covers 3,000 square feet
- 6-foot long cord
- LCD interface
- 2 fan speeds
- Built-in humidity meter
- 24-hour timer
- Easy-empty reservoir
- Automatic shut off and restart
- Reusable air filters
Danby 70-Pint (🤧 Best Dehumidifier for Allergies)
The best dehumidifier for allergies has to be the Danby 70-pint model. This Energy Star certified unit is ideal for dealing with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), which includes allergies and other respiratory issues which are typically caused by moisture in the air.
The 70-pint capacity makes this Danby model able to cover rooms of up to 4500 square feet. It does so without getting too loud as well, which is always a plus. Not to say that you can sleep with it turned on, but it won’t be quite as much of a disturbance to have running for the whole day. It can even work for multiple rooms if you leave all of the doors open, which is especially useful if you live in a cold climate and have big issues with humidity.
What makes this the best dehumidifier for allergies, and different from similar models is its autoregulation feature. This feature will pick up on the level of humidity in the air and will automatically adjust in the moment. This will ensure that mold and other humidity-based growths are kept at bay so that it’s much less likely that your allergies will be triggered. Auto-regulation isn’t a feature every dehumidifier has, so this is a solid reason to invest in a Danby, and it can also save on energy consumption.
As for other features, this model has two fan speeds and can shut off automatically and restart in case of power outages. The automatic de-icing system inside this unit will keep the coils ice-free, and it can operate at temperatures as low as 41F. It is also fitted with washable and reusable air filters, which make it easy to maintain.
Features:
- It covers 4,500 square feet
- Two fan speeds
- 24-hour timer
- Operates in low temperatures (as low as 41F)
- Automatic shut off and restart
- Smart dehumidifying function
Frigidaire 70-Pint (🏠 Best for the Basement)
The Frigidaire 70-pint is a strong contender for the best basement dehumidifier. The company has a solid reputation, and this model is especially effective for moisture-gathering rooms like the basement.
There’s a continuous drain option which is useful for preventing you from multiple trips down to the basement when you’re busy going about your life. Simply hook it up to a drain with a hose and you can get on with your business safe in the knowledge that your humid basement is being taken care of. It also has an alert to indicate you when it needs emptying though, so you can use it either way which is handy.
The low-temperature option is a very energy-efficient option thatcan save you a lot of money in the long term. If you see yourself needing a long-term solution for basement humidity due to living in a cold climate for example, this is a useful function. It will also reduce the possibility that the coils will be affected by a build-up of ice.
There’s also a digital humidity readout, 24-hour timer, and control lock which are all accessible with the Ready-Select electronic controls. You have the option to control exactly what percentage of humidity you prefer for the basement or any other room, and the Frigidaire model will take care of the rest. In case you were worried about how easy it would be to move out of the basement to another room, then the SpaceWise portable design should alleviate your concerns. There’s a handle on top and on the sides to carry it up stairs, and the caster wheels will allow you to easily move it from one room to another.
Features:
- Covers around 1400 square feet
- Continuous operation function
- Ready-Select electronic controls
- Built-in 24-hour timer
- Effortless Humidity Control
- SpaceWise portable design
- Low temperature operation option
Pro Breeze Electric Mini (⏲️ Best for the Kitchen)
Kitchens are one of the rooms in the house that can easily get over-cluttered with appliances, bins and other items, so the last thing you want is a huge dehumidifier taking up even more space. That’s one of the main reasons we chose the Pro Breeze Electric Mini as the best dehumidifier for the kitchen.
This unit from Pro Breeze isn’t just good for its conveniently compact size though. It is highly rated by many users on Amazon and is widely praised for its performance, low price, and great features. The Mini isn’t just great for kitchens either, it does an excellent job for small bathrooms and can easily take care of post-shower moisture to prevent problems in the long run.
One of the prominent features of this model is its quiet operation. You don’t really want to hear another grating noise to go along with the sound of the kettle, the dishwasher, or the countertop blender. So the fact that this unit is so quiet means you won’t even know it’s there as you’re preparing food in the kitchen.
Due to the light weight, just 2.4lbs, you can take this dehumidifier from room to room and fight the battle against humidity on multiple fronts. Whether it’s the kitchen, the bathroom, or even the bedroom you can use this model no problem at all. The advantage of using it in the bedroom is that it might even provide a satisfyingly low humming sound that could help you get to sleep. It’s so effortless to use this model that it’s perfect for anyone, even those who’ve never messed around with a dehumidifier before.
To get technical, the Pro Breeze mini is suitable for rooms up to 150 square feet. It has an automatic shut off feature and LED light indicator to let you know when the water tank needs to be emptied out. The quiet operation is due to the ThermoElectric Cooling Technology.
Best of all, this model is the cheapest dehumidifier we’ve covered in this guide, and generally one of the best affordable units available.
Features:
- Covers 150 square feet
- Lightweight design
- Automatic shut off
- LED light alert
- Quiet operation
What To Look For When Selecting A Dehumidifier
There are few main factors you should take into account when you’re looking to invest in a dehumidifier for your home.
1. Capacity
One of the most important aspects to consider before you buy a dehumidifier is the capacity.
If you have larger rooms in your home that have issues with high levels of moisture in the air, then you should look at dehumidifiers with more capacity in their containers. This will make things easier for you, and will prevent the need to constantly replace the container throughout the day.
70-pint is the largest dehumidifier we cover in this guide, which is capable of extracting up to 70 pints of moisture from the air. There are also 50-pint models which are suitable for most rooms, and then compact units which are ideal for the smallest of rooms.
2. Features
While dehumidifiers are only going to have a single purpose to remove moisture from the air, there are some useful features that a few models have.
The features won’t necessarily add functionality, but can make the experience of using them easier and can provide you more information on what your dehumidifier is doing.
For example, our top pick in this guide the Ivation 50-pint has a user-friendly LCD interface that displays a variety of helpful information such as a humidity meter. It also lets you set timers to suit your lifestyle and automate the process.
3. Noise Level
If you live with others, or plan to use a dehumidifier through the night, then you should bear the noise level in mind.
If it’s especially loud, you might find it disturbing which is the last thing you want. A lot of dehumidifiers will make a constant humming sound so finding one that is silent is a difficult task, but you can definitely find quieter models.
4. Energy Efficiency
Something which could save you a lot of money is investing in a dehumidifier that consumes a low amount of energy. Of course, you can’t help the fact that it will need to be on for a long period of time and will cost you money, but you can choose energy-saving options.
Some, like the Ivation 50-pint dehumidifier also feature technology that allows them to automatically switch off and restart to save wasting energy needlessly.
5. Size
The size of a dehumidifier is important for more than just the amount of water it can hold in the tank. If you buy one based solely on the features it has, you might find that when it arrives it’s too large for the space you want to put it in or too small.
As a result, it’s important to pay attention to the size of the unit so you can get a perfect fit the first time. To do so, you’ll need to get the tape measure out and size up the space you feel like it would slot into. The last thing you want is to invest in a dehumidifier that’s an inch or two large, requiring you to have someone come in and create the extra space.
Save yourself the effort and expense of a poor decision by picking the right size from the start.
There are also different types of dehumidifiers that are classified by their size. For taking care of humidity problems in a single room there’s the portable unit, but for a large space or an entire home you’ll likely need a whole house dehumidifier.
Bear in mind that whole house dehumidifiers are a much steeper investment than their portable counterparts, and will in all likelihood need to be hooked up to the ductwork of your home’s central heating system.
Portable dehumidfiers on the other hand are light enough to carry around the house, so if your humidifier issues are confined to a few rooms, then they might be the way to go.
6. Type
There are several types of dehumidifiers, so it’s wise to have a firm idea of what will work best for your home.
Heat Pump
The heat pump dehumidifier will take water from the air with a heat pump, and then store it in an internal bucket or out to a drain.
These units are best for all-round use.
Dehumidifying Ventilators
Dehumidifying ventilators are equipped with an exhaust fan and a sensor controller that determines when the unit starts to work.
These units are best for basements.
Chemical Absorbent
Chemical absorbent dehumidifiers use a heat exchange wheel and a drying agent to soak up water from the air, before sending it outside through vents.
These units are best for industrial use.
Related: Best Air Purifier for Pets
Frequently Asked Questions About Dehumidifiers
Do dehumidifiers help with mold?
Dehumidifiers can be a great way to help clear up mold and mildew, as well as dust mites.
The reason why dehumidifiers can be an effective tool to fight mold since the common household growth thrives in humidity. Mold tends to grow in humid environments like the basement and the kitchen, but having a dehumidifier in the room can stifle the growth.
They can also be used as a preventative measure to ensure that mold is less likely to grow in your home. This makes them excellent for dealing with both potential and current issues with mold growth.
How do I get rid of mold in my dehumidifier?
If you don’t empty the water container of your dehumidifier on a regular basis, there’s a chance that it can develop mold.
In order to deal with mold buildup in your dehumidifier it’s best to slip on some rubber gloves and first empty out the water in the container into a sink or drain.
You can then create a solution of water and dish soap in the water container. Swirl this around to ensure you remove any remaining mold.
Lastly, to deal the killing blow to any muld that’s settled on the inside of the water container, you can add a mixture of bleach and water. Let it rest for around 20 minutes, and then rinse out the water container one last time.
This should take care of any mold residing in the container, so you can start using your dehumidifier again.
What brand of dehumidifier is best?
It’s hard to pick out a single dehumidifier brand as the best, but there are some excellent options out there.
Ivation, Frigidaire, and Danby are all popular dehumidifier brands for various reasons. There’s also Pro Breeze and Eva-Dry, which both have excellent portable dehumidifiers which are best suited for small spaces and rooms.
We especially like Ivation, though, and we selected their 50-pint model as the best dehumidifier for tackling mold. What we like about it is its compact size and impressive performance. It can cover spaces up to 3000 square feet, and features an intuitive LCD interface for greater ease of use.
Where is the best place to put a dehumidifier?
As a general rule, you should try to put a dehumidifier in the room of the house that has the highest level of humidity for the best results.
This tends to be either the bathroom, the kitchen, or the basement in most cases, since water collects in all three of them.
However, it’s also usually the case that humidity is worse upstairs than downstairs. This means that if your home has more than one floor, you’ll have to decide between putting it in one of the most commonly affected rooms which are usually on the ground floor, or upstairs.
Another factor to bear in mind is the temperature of different rooms, and floors. If the top floor is colder, then that would be the better choice. Likewise, if the basement is especially cold, then that would be a great place to put it.
If you have a few rooms together which produce a lot of moisture in the air, namely kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, then one of those rooms would greatly benefit from a dehumidifier.
You should try to take all of these factors into consideration when deciding where to place a dehumidifier, but it also depends on your personal situation. If there is already mold in one room then, of course, you should put it there.
The great thing with dehumidifiers is that they’re easy enough to move around should you need to keep several rooms under control.
Do dehumidifiers really work?
Put simply – yes. Dehumidifiers do a great job of drawing excess moisture out of the air, which helps prevent such problems as mold growth and damp.
The question should be less about whether or not they work, and more about the right time to use one.
If your home is already showing heavy signs of mold or damp growth on the walls or ceiling, then it’s time to invest in a dehumidifier.
However, if you just notice signs of condensation and moisture, then there’s a chance you can deal with this before it becomes a major issue with extractor fans, smart sealing of cracks, or simply wiping down wetness whenever you notice it.
Related: Best Air Quality Monitor
A Final Word on Dehumidifiers and Mold
Dehumidifiers can be very effective for addressing problems with mold and allergies at home. Hopefully, this guide has shown you the different things to look out for to know which dehumidifier will be best for your home.
Especially if you’re in a cold climate and have a lot of moisture in the air, you could live a lot more comfortably with a dehumidifier. If your goal is overcoming allergy or asthma symptoms, you might also wish to consider a humidifier.
