Living in an old Victorian house, I've always worried about dampness and mold, especially in my kitchen and the room where I dry clothes. Recently, I took the plunge and purchased a dehumidifier, and it has truly transformed my living space.

This investment wasn't small, as these devices can be pricey, especially the type suitable for my home. After dedicating time to research the top dehumidifiers, I finally made the decision, and thankfully, it has been worth it!

Here's why I can't imagine life without my dehumidifier and why you might need one too.

A dehumidifier in a living room

1. It speeds up indoor laundry drying and enhances freshness

After experimenting with a heated airer and wanting to avoid the dryer, I was hesitant about drying clothes indoors. This practice, especially in winter, often leads to dampness, and having dealt with mold in a previous home, I was determined to avoid that again.

Once I calculated the running costs of a dehumidifier, I discovered that using it alongside my heated airer was still more economical than dryer use. Plus, my clothes not only dried faster but also smelled better than when I air-dried them without the dehumidifier.

It even made my home smell like freshly laundered linens.

2. My kitchen is free from dampness

My compact kitchen has posed challenges since I moved in, with dampness being a significant issue. Cooking in such a small space inevitably leads to condensation, even with the extractor fan on.

I realized how serious the humidity problem was when my salt kept clumping in its container, whether it was on the counter or stored away. This realization prompted me to buy the dehumidifier.

When my unit arrived, I placed it in the kitchen first. I was astonished by how much moisture it extracted from the air in just two hours—almost two pints!

I no longer worry about damp in the kitchen, and my salt is happy now too.

3. It helps alleviate my partner's allergies

I live with my partner, who suffers from worse allergies than I do. We didn't realize how much humidity was affecting him until we let the dehumidifier run continuously for 12 hours one day.

While we haven't purchased one of the best air purifiers yet, the dehumidifier has already made a significant difference. It reduces humidity, making it easier for him to breathe, and it helps eliminate dust mites, which thrive in humid environments.

Each night, I sleep better knowing the air is cleaner around us. I just need to ensure the humidity doesn't drop too low, as that can lead to respiratory issues.

4. My home smells more inviting

I'm always searching for ways to keep my home smelling pleasant, particularly in the entryway and living room where guests arrive. An unexpected benefit of my new dehumidifier is that it has improved my home's overall fragrance, making it feel more welcoming.

Even a small dehumidifier efficiently removes odors, especially musty smells, enhancing the effectiveness of my air fresheners and candles.

My home has never been more fragrant.

A dehumidifier$69.99 at Target

The unit's compact design is perfect for keeping bathrooms, closets, and small rooms free from excess moisture year-round. Regular use maintains comfortable humidity levels and protects against allergens like dust mites, mold, and mildew.

A dehumidifier$209.99 at Target

This Energy Star-rated Haier 20-pint Portable Dehumidifier removes up to 20 pints of moisture from the air daily, making it ideal for damp areas in your home, including bedrooms and basements.

A dehumidifier$238.99 at Target

Perfect for spaces larger than 3000 sq. ft., the Danby dehumidifier features an auto restart function after power failures and an auto de-icer to prevent frost build-up.

Do dehumidifiers purify air?

While a dehumidifier helps reduce moisture in the air, it doesn't clean it. It may capture some dust but doesn't replace an air purifier.

Is it safe to sleep with a dehumidifier on?

Yes, it's safe to sleep in a room with a dehumidifier, provided you set it to turn off once your desired humidity level is reached. Too low humidity can cause respiratory discomfort. Check our guide to see whether to run a dehumidifier during the day or night.


If you're unsure how many dehumidifiers your space needs, our experts have outlined factors to consider.