How To Clean Dehumidifier With Vinegar (In 9 Simple Ways

If you’ve been using your dehumidifier for a while, it’s probably time to give it a good cleaning.

Dehumidifiers can get pretty dirty over time, and if not cleaned properly, they can start to smell bad.

In this blog post, we will show you how to clean your dehumidifier with vinegar.

This is a simple and effective way to get rid of any dirt or grime that may have built up inside the machine.

Follow these steps and your dehumidifier will be looking and smelling like new in no time.

How To Clean Dehumidifier With Vinegar

To clean a dehumidifier with vinegar, you will need the following supplies:

• Vinegar
• Bowl or container
• Spray bottle
• Warm water
• Soft cloths
• Scrub brush (optional)

Step One

Pour one cup of vinegar into a bowl or container. You can mix the vinegar with water in a ratio of 1:1. This is especially important if you don’t have enough vinegar or you have a huge dehumidifier.

Step Two

Turn your dehumidifier off and unplug it from the outlet. Take it up carefully so you don’t mess up with any wires or parts.

There is always a guide in the user manual on how to take your dehumidifier apart for cleaning. You might want to follow that.

Step Three

Rinse off all the dirt and grime that you can see on the outside of the machine with warm water. A scrub brush might come in handy at this point, but it’s not necessary.

Make sure to clean all the nooks and crannies.

Step Four

Remove the water tank and empty it into a bowl or container. If there is any dirt or grime inside, use a scrub brush to clean it out.

Step Five

Now, this is the all-important part. Using your spray bottle, spray the vinegar or vinegar-water mixture into all the nooks and crannies of your dehumidifier.

Get into all the cracks and crevices, making sure to hit every surface. You also want to thoroughly spray the tank, filters, and drainage hose.

Step Six

After 30 minutes, use a soft cloth to wipe down all the surfaces of your dehumidifier. Make sure to get into all the cracks and crevices. If there is any grime or dirt left, you can use a scrub brush

Step Seven

Leave the vinegar mixture on for at least 30 minutes. You can leave it on for up to an hour if needed.

Leaving it to sit for a while allows the sulfamic acid in the vinegar to work its magic, breaking down dirt and grime.

Step Eight

Wipe off any excess liquid with a soft cloth or towel and allow it to air dry for several hours.

You may also choose to wipe it with warm water by dampening a soft cloth and wiping off the vinegar.

Step Nine

Reassemble your dehumidifier and plug it back in. You’re all done. Your dehumidifier will be looking like new again, ready to work its magic on keeping humidity levels in check.

Cleaning Dehumidifier FAQs

Does Vinegar Kill Mold In A Dehumidifier?

Yes, vinegar is a potent fungal growth inhibitor. It kills mold in dehumidifiers by lowering the pH of their water, which prevents fungal growths from thriving on your machine’s surface and inside its filters.

A recent study suggest that, you can also use vinegar to clean mold off your machine’s exterior surfaces without affecting how well it works at removing humidity from the air.

What Is the Brown Stuff In My Dehumidifier?

The brown stuff on the dehumidifier is often mold and dirt that have built up over time.

Cleaning it off with vinegar can help to get rid of the smell and stop the machine from becoming a breeding ground for harmful fungi.

Can I Put Bleach In My Dehumidifier?

Yes, you can use bleach to clean your dehumidifier.

However, you want to be careful not to use a very strong solution of bleach, because it can damage the plastic parts of your machine. It is advisable to mix half a cup of bleach with a gallon of water for cleaning.

Also, make sure to rinse thoroughly with water before using it again.

Cleaning your dehumidifier is also simple. Just be sure to reach all the nooks and crannies, especially where water collects inside.

How Do I Clean The Gunk Out Of My Dehumidifier?

To effectively clean the gunk off your dehumidifier, you will need to first vacuum the exterior of the unit. Scrape off some of it by hand and then use a mixture of vinegar and water to soak the area.

Let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing with a brush and rinsing off.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean A Dehumidifier?

Several things may happen if you don’t clean your dehumidifier.

It may stop working: The humid air in your home can be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. A dirty dehumidifier will be the perfect place to grow these dangerous organisms, which can then spread throughout your house by circulating through its ductwork or vents.

It may start to smell bad: A dehumidifier that isn’t cleaned regularly will quickly become a smelly and unsanitary place. The bacteria and mold growing inside it will release an unpleasant odor that can be difficult to get rid of.

The drainage hose may get clogged: If the drainage hose isn’t cleaned regularly, it can become clogged with dirt and mold. This can cause water to back up inside the machine and potentially damage it.

Check Out This Related Post: Dehumidifier Not Draining Through The Hose & How to Fix it

It may not work as well: A dirty dehumidifier will have a hard time removing moisture from the air. It won’t be able to cool down your home effectively, which means you might need to use more energy for it to run properly (and cost more money).

You may experience respiratory problems: If you’re constantly breathing in dirty, humid air from your dehumidifier that isn’t cleaned regularly, it can cause respiratory problems. These can include allergies, asthma, and other respiratory infections.

What Is Pink Slime In A Dehumidifier?

The pink slime on the dehumidifier is often Serratia marcescens or pink mold. It is a bacteria that looks like pink or orange slime and can be found in humidifiers, dehumidifiers, showerheads, and hot tubs.

The pink mold is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause a number of infections including pneumonia, sinus infections, and ear infections. It can also cause skin rashes.

Is The Pink Stuff In My Dehumidifier Harmful?

Yes, pink mold can lead to a number of harmful respiratory infections. It has also been shown to cause meningitis, wound infection, among other things.

If you see any pink or orange slime in your dehumidifier, it is best to clean it as soon as possible.

Can I Just Vacuum The Exterior Of My Dehumidifier?

You can vacuum the exterior of your dehumidifier, but you need to be careful not to damage any of its parts with the vacuum cleaner.

However, cleaning the entire unit is the best way to make sure that all the dirt and grime are removed.

How Often Should I Clean My Dehumidifier?

You should clean your dehumidifier at least once every 2-3 weeks.

However, if it is being used in a particularly humid environment, you may need to clean it more often.

What’s The Best Way To Clean My Dehumidifier?

The best way to clean your dehumidifier is by using a mixture of vinegar and water. Soak the area for 30 minutes before scrubbing with a brush and rinsing off.

Final Thoughts

Vinegar is a very good cleaning agent that can be used for many things. If you want to clean your dehumidifier, then vinegar is a good option.

Hopefully, this article has helped you learn more about how to clean dehumidifiers with vinegar. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.

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