Top Dehumidifiers to Combat Mold and Bacteria at Home

As winter approaches, dehumidifiers become essential for homes plagued by mold and harmful bacteria. Even in spotless homes, moisture can lead to these issues. A reliable dehumidifier effectively prevents these conditions.

Dehumidifiers operate by extracting excess moisture from indoor air, collecting it in a removable tank or directing it outside via a hose.

Mold flourishes in damp spaces, but maintaining humidity below 60% significantly reduces its growth. Plus, they help your laundry dry quicker by absorbing moisture!

We've examined several top-rated dehumidifiers to help you select the best fit for your needs. If you're also interested in purifying the air, check out our selection of air purifiers.

Read on for our insights and handy buying tips.

The best dehumidifiers in:

1. GE ADEL50LZ 50-Pint Dehumidifier

Best overall

Specifications

Tank capacity: 1.9 gal
Removal: 50 pints/day
Frost protection: Yes
Drain hose connection: Yes
Noise: 50dB

Reasons to buy

+Large tank capacity
+Efficient, extracting 50 pints/day
+Timer settings
+Energy Star certified

Reasons to avoid

-Some noise at 50dB

This sleek GE model is designed for high-moisture areas like basements, removing up to 50 pints daily. It can operate continuously with a hose (sold separately).

You'll receive notifications when the 1.9-gallon tank needs emptying or the filter requires cleaning, both of which are easy to access. The unit automatically shuts off when the tank fills.

Customize its operation with three fan speeds and an adjustable humidistat, plus timer settings to optimize energy use.

2. TaoTronics TT-EE015 Dehumidifier

Best for large spaces

Specifications

Removal: 50 pints/day
Tank size: 6L
Drain hose connection: Yes

Reasons to buy

+Ideal for expansive areas
+Efficient, removes 50 pints/day
+Energy Star certified

Reasons to avoid

-Tank size might be small

This impressive dehumidifier efficiently handles up to 4,500 sq ft, removing 50 pints of moisture daily. It's perfect for larger homes with significant humidity challenges.

It features a built-in sensor to maintain humidity levels at a comfortable 45-55%. The auto timer prevents energy waste by shutting off when not needed.

A hose can be connected for continuous drainage, but you'll need to purchase it separately. An auto pump drain hose is included.

3. Insignia NS-DH35WH1 35-Pint Dehumidifier

Best for medium rooms

Specifications

Tank size: 1.6 gal
Removal: 35 pints/day
Drain hose connection: Yes

Reasons to buy

+Visible water level
+Energy Star certified
+Adjustable humidistat

Reasons to avoid

-Lacks timer function

If you need less power than our top pick, the Insignia 35-Pint dehumidifier is an excellent alternative.

It removes moisture at a rate of 35 pints/day across up to 2,000 sq ft, effectively addressing humidity in large rooms. Connect a drain hose (not included) for continuous operation or let the tank fill before emptying.

The humidistat ensures a comfortable moisture level, preventing excessive humidity.

4. LG PuriCare UD501KOG5 50-Pint Dehumidifier

Best for convenience

Specifications

Tank size: 7.5L
Removal: 50 pints/day
Drain hose connection: Yes

Reasons to buy

+Spacious tank
+Efficient, removes 50 pints/day
+Stylish design
+Energy Star certified

Reasons to avoid

-Some users find the tank tricky to handle

This stylish LG model not only offers performance but also looks great. It features a user-friendly LED display and a handle for simple tank emptying.

Though some users find tank removal and reinstallation challenging, the unit is portable with wheels, making it easy to move between rooms. The 12-hour timer and auto shutoff help conserve energy, and it includes an airflow blockage alarm for safety.

5. MEACO DD8L Zambezi Desiccant Dehumidifier

Best for laundry

Specifications

Tank capacity: 3L
Removal: 8L/day
Drain hose connection: Yes
Noise: 41-50dB

Reasons to buy

+Air-sterilizing ionizer
+Low-energy laundry mode
+Auto humidity detection

Reasons to avoid

-Small tank and low removal rate

The MEACO DD8L Zambezi Desiccant Dehumidifier is compact yet powerful, effectively handling areas up to 150m3 while also purifying the air. It features an ionizer and a removable antibacterial filter.

With an anti-mold coating and the ability to turn on automatically when humidity rises, this machine is ideal for preventing moisture issues.

Its laundry+ mode adjusts its operation based on the environment, with a timer and automatic shutoff when the 3L tank is full, promoting energy efficiency.

Choosing the Right Dehumidifier for Your Home

Do dehumidifiers eliminate all moisture in a space?

Dehumidifiers maintain optimal humidity levels, which is not the same as complete dryness. Recommended humidity should be around 45-60%, with many units adjusting automatically to stay in this range.

Excessively dry air can worsen issues like allergies and snoring, and facilitate germ survival. This is why some households also use humidifiers to balance moisture during dry seasons.

Can dehumidifiers remove mold?

While high humidity is a primary cause of mold, dehumidifiers cannot eliminate existing mold. It's advisable to remove visible mold from areas like basements and bathrooms before using a dehumidifier.

However, once in operation, a dehumidifier can significantly reduce future mold growth. That's a win!

What distinguishes a dehumidifier from an air conditioner?

If you're exploring options, you may have seen portable air conditioners. These units can also lower humidity while cooling your home. Many effective portable air conditioners serve dual purposes as dehumidifiers and fans, but they tend to be pricier and bulkier.

For ease of use and portability, we recommend sticking with a dehumidifier.

Check out our guide on the best fans to learn more about keeping your home cool.