DIY fixes for a dehumidifier that won’t turn on

So your dehumidifier won’t turn on, frustrating, right? Before you assume it’s completely dead, there’s a good chance the issue is something minor that you can fix yourself. Dehumidifiers, like most appliances, have a few built-in safety features and common failure points that can stop them from powering up, even when they seem fine on the outside.

The good news? You don’t need to be an appliance expert to troubleshoot and repair it. Whether it’s a power issue, a stuck switch, or a sensor that’s being overly cautious, this guide will walk you through the most common DIY fixes step by step.

The info in this article might not line up perfectly with your dehumidifier’s model. While we aim to dish out helpful tips for all sorts of DIY appliance fixes, different models and setups can mean variations in troubleshooting steps, error codes, parts, etc. For the most spot-on advice, it’s best to check the manufacturer’s guide for your specific model or reach out to us if you’ve got questions.

Safety precautions   

Safety should always be a priority when working on any appliance. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay safe:

• Turn off the power to the appliance by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker before starting any maintenance or repairs. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to shield your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Work at a steady pace and take your time to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep the area clear of clutter, and ensure children and pets stay out of the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Check that both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Refer to your appliance’s user manual for any specific instructions or safety guidelines related to the part or repair.
• Handle parts gently to avoid damage to the appliance or potential injuries from applying too much force.
• Use safety glasses when dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes from harm.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it enough time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections and terminals before disconnecting anything to make reassembly easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you must handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to minimize the risk of electrical shock.

Step 1: Check the power source

Before opening up the dehumidifier or testing components, rule out any simple power supply issues. A surprising number of “dead” units are just dealing with outlet or breaker problems.

Test the outlet

1. Plug in another small appliance (like a lamp or phone charger) to make sure the outlet is working.
2. If that doesn’t turn on either, you may be dealing with a tripped circuit breaker or a GFCI outlet that needs resetting

Reset the GFCI (if applicable)

1. If the outlet is part of a GFCI circuit, press the reset button on the outlet faceplate.
2. These outlets often trip during power surges or in humid environments.

Inspect the plug

1. Move the dehumidifier to another room or plug it into an outlet on a different circuit to rule out localized power issues.
2. Look for loose or bent prongs, burn marks or discoloration, and a plug that doesn’t sit securely in the outlet 
3. Plug the dehumidifier directly into a wall outlet. Many models won’t power on reliably through extension cords or surge protectors.

Visually inspect the power cord

1. Look for cuts, kinks, or pinched areas, exposed wiring or cracked insulation and any discoloration or burn marks near the plug.
2. Gently bend and flex the cord (again, while it’s unplugged) to check for stiff or damaged spots that could indicate internal wire breaks.
3. Test the power cord with a multimeter. If you don’t hear a beep or see continuity on either prong, the cord is likely damaged and needs replacing.

Step 2: Inspect the control panel and settings

Sometimes the problem isn’t electrical, it’s just a setting or mode that’s keeping your dehumidifier from turning on. Before diving deeper into hardware, double-check that everything is set up correctly.

Make sure the unit isn’t in standby or timer mode

1. Some models won’t power on immediately if a delay start or timer is active.
2. Press and hold the power button for a few seconds to make sure it’s not in a sleep mode.
3. Look for any timer or delay icons on the digital display, if it has one.

Try resetting the unit

1. Unplug the dehumidifier for at least 5–10 minutes, then plug it back in.
2. This soft reset can clear minor control board glitches.
3. Some models also have a physical reset button, check near the control panel or consult the manual for its location.

Check the display panel for error codes

1. If the display lights up but nothing runs, look for error messages (like “EC” or “P1”).
2. These can signal full buckets, temperature issues, or sensor malfunctions.
3. Press each button and check for responsiveness, if one seems stuck or unresponsive, the control panel may be dirty or worn out.
4. A few quick passes with a microfiber cloth and a little rubbing alcohol can clean sticky button contacts.
5. Make sure the set humidity level is higher than the current room humidity. If the room is already dry, the unit won’t turn on.

Step 3: Check the water collection bucket

Most dehumidifiers are designed not to run if the water collection bucket isn’t seated just right. This safety feature prevents spills and overflows, but it can also be the reason your unit won’t turn on, even if everything else seems fine.

Remove and reseat the bucket

1. Take out the bucket and place it back firmly into position.
2. Make sure it slides all the way in and clicks or fits snugly into place.
3. Some units are super picky, even a slightly misaligned bucket can stop operation.

Locate the float mechanism

1. It’s usually inside or attached to the water bucket.
2. Look for a small plastic arm or float that moves up and down with the water level.
3. On some models, the float is a separate part near the back of the bucket compartment.

Manually move the float

1. With the bucket out, gently lift and lower the float.
2. It should move freely and spring back to its resting position without resistance.
3. If it’s stuck in the “up” position (which simulates a full bucket), the dehumidifier won’t start.
4. Use a damp cloth or compressed air to remove dust, debris, or mineral buildup.
5. Make sure nothing is obstructing the float’s movement.

Test the float switch with a multimeter (if accessible)

1. Locate the switch or sensor connected to the float mechanism.
2. Disconnect the wires from the switch.
3. Set your multimeter to continuity mode.
4. Activate the float by lifting it up, then test the switch terminals.
5. You should hear a beep (or see a change on the meter) as the switch changes state.
6. If the float switch fails the test, replacing it is usually straightforward and inexpensive.

Nice work! You’ve taken real steps to troubleshoot and repair your dehumidifier on your own. That’s not only satisfying, it’s cost-saving and empowering too.

Wrapping up

You can find replacement parts and more tips at AppliancePartsPros.com, where you’ll get just the right fit for your dehumidifier. If you’re unsure about any steps, our comprehensive repair help section has got you covered.

We hope these pointers help you fix up your dehumidifier without a hitch. Feel free to follow us on social media for more DIY appliance repair ideas and updates. Join us on Facebook or connect with us on Twitter.