How to properly store your dehumidifier for long-term use

Steven E / Wednesday February 19, 2025

Stashing away your dehumidifier properly isn’t just about tidiness—it’s about dodging mold, funky odors, and mechanical issues. Plus, it’ll make life easier when you bring it back out. Let’s run through some key steps to keep your dehumidifier in tip-top shape, even when it’s off duty.

Heads up: The tips we’re sharing might not match up perfectly with your specific appliance model. We aim to dish out helpful advice for all kinds of DIY fixes, but different models and setups can throw some curveballs with troubleshooting, error codes, parts, and so on. For spot-on guidance, it’s best to peek at your manufacturer’s documentation or let us know if you’ve got questions.

Contents hide

I How to properly store your dehumidifier for long-term use

I.I Why bother with proper storage?

I.II Gather your gear

I.III Emptying and cleaning the water tank

I.IV Taking out and cleaning the air filter

I.V Checking out the coils and insides

I.V.I How to safely inspect the coils

I.VI Getting it completely dry

I.VII Stashing your dehumidifier

I.VII.I Picking the right spot

I.VII.II Covering it up

I.VIII Making a last-minute check before storage

I.IX Bringing it back out

I.X We’re here to help

I.X.I Share this entry

Why bother with proper storage?

Your dehumidifier pulls moisture out of the air—which means water’s flowing through its insides. If you tuck it away without getting rid of all that water, you’re asking for trouble. Leftover moisture can lead to mold, nasty smells, and corrosion over time. Taking a bit of time to store it right helps you dodge unnecessary wear and tear from tossing an appliance into less-than-ideal conditions. By knocking out a few simple steps now, you save yourself the hassle and expense of dealing with problems when you pull your dehumidifier back out.

Gather your gear

Before you dive in, round up some basic tools and supplies. You’ll probably need:

- Soft cloths or microfiber rags

- Mild detergent or a cleaner that’s safe for appliances

- A vacuum with a brush attachment

- A can of compressed air (optional but handy for tight spots)

- A soft brush or an old toothbrush

With these goodies, you’ll be able to clean your dehumidifier inside and out without messing anything up. Not sure what’s best for your model? Check the manual or find your appliance’s model number to get the scoop on the right moves for your specific unit.

Emptying and cleaning the water tank

First things first: you gotta empty and clean that water tank. Leftover water, especially if it’s been sitting around for a while, can turn into a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, or algae. Here’s the lowdown:

1. Turn off and unplug your dehumidifier. Safety first!

1. Carefully pull out the water tank. It usually slides or pops out from the front or back, depending on the model.

1. Dump any leftover water into the sink or drain.

1. Mix a bit of mild detergent or appliance-safe cleaner with warm water. Grab a cloth or soft brush and scrub the inside of the tank to get rid of any gunk or mineral buildup.

1. Rinse it out thoroughly with clean water to wash away any soap residue.

1. Dry the tank completely. You can let it air-dry or wipe it down with a dry cloth—just make sure there’s no moisture lingering.

After cleaning, set the tank in a clean, open spot to fully air-dry if there are still any droplets hanging around. This way, your tank’s all set for storage without any sneaky moisture that could cause trouble later on.

Taking out and cleaning the air filter

The air filter in your dehumidifier grabs dust, hair, and other tiny bits floating around. Storing your appliance with a dirty filter means it’ll work less efficiently next time. Plus, trapped dust and moisture can cause funky smells during storage. Here’s how to get that filter spick-and-span:

1. Find the air filter panel—usually on the back or side of your dehumidifier.

1. Remove the filter according to your model’s instructions. If you’re stuck, check the manual or swing by our repair help page for some pointers.

1. Head outside and tap or shake off any loose dust or debris. That way, you’re not spreading dust bunnies all over your place.

1. Rinse the filter under running water or use a soft brush to tackle stubborn dirt. If the manual gives the thumbs up, you can use a bit of mild detergent—but double-check what’s recommended for your specific filter.

1. Look over the filter for any damage. If it looks beat up or torn, consider replacing it now so you’re good to go when you need it again.

1. Let the filter dry completely. A damp filter can invite mold if it’s stored wet.

Once you’re sure the filter’s dry as a bone, pop it back in. If you’re going to store the filter separately, make sure it’s tucked away in a clean, dry bag or container.

Checking out the coils and insides

Peek inside your dehumidifier, and you’ll find evaporator and condenser coils. Over time, these guys can collect dust and grime. If they stay dirty, your dehumidifier has to work overtime, and that buildup can lead to corrosion or stinky odors if you ignore it. Dodging these issues is simple—just give those coils a quick once-over and clean-up.

How to safely inspect the coils

1. First off, make sure your dehumidifier is unplugged.

1. Get to the coil area. You might need to remove a panel or cover—if you’re new to this, check the manufacturer’s instructions.

1. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to suck up dust. Alternatively, you can blast the dust away with compressed air, but do it somewhere well-ventilated so you don’t end up wearing it.

1. Look for any signs of corrosion or damage. If you spot serious corrosion, gently wipe the surface with a soft cloth. Steer clear of harsh chemicals unless the manufacturer says it’s okay.

Since you’ve got the unit open, take a sec to eyeball internal wires or tubes for any obvious damage. Even little problems can snowball if you let ’em slide. If you find any busted parts or stuff that doesn’t look right, check out our repair help resources. We’ve got tips to help you tackle all sorts of common appliance hiccups.

Getting it completely dry

One biggie before you wrap things up: make sure every nook and cranny of your dehumidifier is bone dry. Water likes to hide out in spots like the filter compartment, reservoir cradle, or coils. If moisture sticks around, it can lead to mold or rust. Pay special attention to these areas:

1. Reservoir cradle: Wipe down any sneaky droplets hanging out after you remove the tank.

1. Drain hose (if you’ve got one): If your dehumidifier hooks up to a drain hose, detach it and make sure it’s dry inside and out.

1. Fan and vent: Moisture can gather around the fan blades and vent area. Use a dry cloth or blast it with compressed air to kick out any water.

Letting your dehumidifier chill in a warm, dry spot for a bit (ideally with some airflow) is a solid way to make sure no sneaky moisture is left behind. If you’re in a super humid area, tossing a little dehumidifier packet or silica gel packet inside the reservoir area during storage can help soak up any leftover dampness.

Stashing your dehumidifier

With your unit all clean and dry, it’s time to store it away properly. Where and how you store your dehumidifier can be just as crucial as giving it a good scrub-down. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Picking the right spot

1. Moderate temperature: If you can, store your dehumidifier somewhere that doesn’t get freezing cold. Extreme temps can mess up internal parts, and any leftover moisture could freeze and crack plastic bits.

1. Say no to damp places: Storing it in a humid area kinda defeats the purpose—the dehumidifier might start soaking up moisture again. If you have to stash it in a basement or garage, think about using a clean, sealed container or a protective cover for extra peace of mind.

1. Flat, stable surface: Keep your dehumidifier upright on a level spot. Storing it sideways or in a shaky place might cause parts inside to shift or break. Plus, upright storage lets any hidden moisture escape if there’s any left.

Covering it up

1. Use a breathable cover like a cloth or sheet. Steer clear of plastic wraps—they can trap moisture inside.

1. Wrap up the cords neatly to avoid tangles or frayed wires down the line.

1. If it helps, label your storage area. A quick note like “Dehumidifier – Clean and Dry” can jog your memory when you need it again.

These steps help shield your unit from dust, accidental knocks, and sudden temperature swings. Plus, a cover keeps out any pesky bugs or critters that might want to make a home in your machine when you’re not looking.

Making a last-minute check before storage

Before you call it a day, take a quick look over your dehumidifier to make sure everything’s good to go. Here’s a handy checklist:

- Everything is completely dry

- Filters are clean and in one piece

- Water tank is empty and squeaky clean

- No visible damage or loose parts

- Cord is wrapped up nicely, with no frays or exposed bits

It’s easy to miss the little things when you’re ready to be done. Spending a couple extra minutes now means you can store your appliance with confidence.

Bringing it back out

When the muggy weather returns or the rainy season rolls in, you’ll want your dehumidifier ready to roll. Here’s what to do when it’s time to put it back to work:

1. Take off the cover and let your dehumidifier sit for a bit, especially if it was stored somewhere cold. This lets the parts adjust to room temperature.

1. Check out the filter. Even if you cleaned it before, make sure no dust or gunk built up while it was stored. A quick rinse or vacuum can get it back in shape.

1. Pop the water tank back in and make sure everything clicks into place.

1. Turn it on in a suitable spot, and see if everything’s running smoothly.

If you notice any error codes, weird noises, or it’s not working like it used to, check out our repair help for troubleshooting tips. You can also peek at the manufacturer’s manual to see if it’s a known issue or if a part needs swapping out.