Bathrooms are especially humid, given all the running water. Showers especially can make your space as muggy as a rainforest, causing water droplets to cling to windows, mirrors, and walls. If the bathroom ceiling is wet after shower time, that’s a problem. Excess humidity leads to unchecked mold growth as well as bubbled paint and degraded drywall. To help prevent a whole host of issues that can come with chronic humidity, we are going to recommend the best dehumidifier for bathroom use.
If you have an exhaust fan, it’s great to run that during and after your shower, as well as crack open the window in warm enough weather. But what if you don’t have either of those things? And even if you do, it might not be enough to keep moisture from hanging around on your walls. That’s a recipe for unchecked mold growth, which no one wants. The US Environmental Protection Agency reports that relative humidity over 60% provides the right environment for mold to grow, so your goal should be to stay under that, even after a shower
Mold anywhere in the home is unpleasant to both look at and smell. It tends to make a space feel dirty, no matter how much you scrub, because mold can hide in the tiniest of cracks and then easily regain its foothold. Mold in the home has been tied to many health issues, including asthma, respiratory infections, and allergic reactions. Some of the issues can even stick around long after you are no longer exposed.
Mold can also eat away at the building materials that make up your home. It will damage wood, walls, ceilings, and floors, eventually causing structural instability. Mold also grows very quickly, and though it may start in your bathroom, it can easily make its way throughout a home.
Remediation of mold is time consuming and costly, so if you can stop it from getting started in your home, you’ll be protecting your family’s health, your investment in the home, and the health of your wallet. A bathroom dehumidifier is a great addition to other efforts to keep humidity below 60% in that space, and it doesn’t cost much to purchase or operate.
Choosing a Dehumidifier for the Bathroom
There are a couple of factors that are important in choosing a bathroom dehumidifier. You want it to be powerful enough to handle the foggy conditions created by a shower, but small enough to fit in the space easily.
Size
Before making your purchase, take a look around the bathroom and determine where a dehumidifier might fit. There are various sizes and shapes available – some are narrow and tall to fit between a toilet and a vanity and some are a bit boxier. Depending on the size of your space, you may want to place your dehumidifier on a shelf, sink, or the back of the toilet. All of the dehumidifiers on our list are on the smaller side, assuming that you don’t have a ton of extra space; just make sure you are aware of the dimensions of the space you plan to use for your dehumidifier.
Capacity
Before making your purchase, take a look around the bathroom and determine where a dehumidifier might fit. There are various sizes and shapes available – some are narrow and tall to fit between a toilet and a vanity and some are a bit boxier. Depending on the size of your space, you may want to place your dehumidifier on a shelf, sink, or the back of the toilet. All of the dehumidifiers on our list are on the smaller side, assuming that you don’t have a ton of extra space; just make sure you are aware of the dimensions of the space you plan to use for your dehumidifier.
Collection
The tradeoff when it comes to small size is that your dehumidifier won’t hold as much water as a larger unit. This might not be a huge issue since the bathroom gets used very frequently. Someone should be willing to keep an eye on the water level when they’re in there anyway. It is standard for dehumidifiers to shut off automatically when they get full. A mini dehumidifier typically holds between 500 – 2000 ml of water before it will need to be emptied.
Extra Features
While most small dehumidifiers are relatively basic models, there are a few extra features you may want to look for in yours.
- Desiccant rotor – Small dehumidifiers usually don’t have a compressor, as found in larger models. Instead, they use peltier technology for thermo-electric cooling of the condenser coils. And while peltier models do run very quietly, they don’t have as high a capacity as compressor units. Enter the desiccant rotor, which contains absorbent material to help pull as much moisture as possible from the air.
- Non-slip feet – In a wet and close environment like the bathroom, you’ll need to be careful not to knock or kick over your dehumidifier. Some models have rubberized feet to help keep them steady on whatever surface you place them on.
- Auto-restart – If your home is prone to blackouts, you want to make sure that your dehumidifier comes back on automatically with the lights. Otherwise, you might not realize that the unit isn’t operating until several showers have left your bathroom a humid mess.
- Timer function – Perhaps you would like your dehumidifier to run during peak shower times but then not for the rest of the day. A timer function lets you accomplish this and save energy to boot.
- Humidistat – A built-in humidistat allows you to read the relative humidity in the room in order to tell if it has dropped below that important 60% mark. It also gives you greater control over the target humidity, generally allowing for settings in increments of 5%.
- Washable air filter – The best dehumidifiers use a filter that pulls allergens and dust from the air along with moisture. This is accomplished with an air filter. One that you can remove, wash, and reuse is great for avoiding costly parts and maintenance.
- Drain hose – Most of the smaller units do not have the option to attach a drain hose, but at least one on our list does. This can be great if you have an extra sink and would like to arrange for water to just drip away rather than collect in a tank that needs to be emptied. A bucket is another good containment tool that can hold way more than the standard tank; it will still need to be emptied, just not as often.
When you are ready to purchase a dehumidifier for damp bathroom use, here are five great choices.
Top 5 Best Dehumidifier For Bathroom
LESHP Removable Quiet Mini Compact Thermo-Electric Dehumidifier with Whisper-quiet Operation
Relying on ultra-quiet peltier technology, this compact little dehumidifier can pull a solid 250 ml per day of moisture from the air and has a 500 ml storage tank. The automatic shut-off feature is supported by an LED light, so you know at a glance when it is time to empty the collected water.
This LESHP model filters out dust and allergens in the air while absorbing excess moisture in order to leave behind fresh air that is free from microorganisms. The air filter is washable, and at only 6.5 x 8.5 x 5.3 inches and 2.26 pounds, this petite machine can fit easily in multiple locations within your bathroom.
SPECS
- 6.5 x 8.5 x 5.3 inches
- 2.26 pounds
- Two year warranty.
PROS
- Quiet operation
- Works quickly in humid conditions
- Fits easily on a ledge or shelf.
CONS
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- Plastic construction
- Fan gets noisy if knocked out of alignment
- No timer, humidistat, or other special features
Ivation 13-Pint Small-Area Desiccant Dehumidifier Compact and Quiet – With Continuous Drain Hose for Smaller Spaces, Bathroom, Attic, Crawlspace and Closets – For Spaces Up To 270 Sq Ft, White
If you have a bigger bathroom and are looking for a dehumidifier loaded with features, look no further. This Ivation model covers up to 270 square feet and can hold up to a half gallon of water before needing to be emptied. Even better, if you prefer continuous drainage, you may simply direct the included drain hose into a sink or bucket.
Featuring a desiccant rotor, you can count on this product to do its job well for you. It also gives off some heat while it works, which is great in colder months (and may reduce your power bill) but could be unwanted in the midst of summer. However, it’s a minor trade-off to get such versatile performance. Functional in temperatures anywhere from 33°F to 104°F (1°C-40°C), this dehumidifier has an LED display with built in humidistat, multiple fan speeds, timer/sleep mode, and adjustable screen brightness. You may also change the position of the vent grille to help dry hanging towels and laundry faster.
And finally, this unit offers an anti-tilt shutoff function that turns the unit off when it detects sudden movement. So you needn’t worry that accidentally kicking or elbowing it will cause an electrical disaster. The machine works quietly without a noisy compressor. The built-in humidistat allows adjustments in 5% increments, and you may also set the readout to either C° or °F, depending on your preference.
SPECS
- 10.6 x 6.8 x 17.5 inches
- 13.95 pounds
- One year warranty.
PROS
- Effective desiccant rotor
- Large collection tank and continuous drainage option
- Loaded with features
CONS
-
- Puts out heat during operation
- Humidistat not able to be calibrated by consumer
- More costly than other models
HOme Small Dehumidifier for 1200 cu ft (150 sq ft) Bathroom or Closet – 16 oz Capacity Mini Quiet Safe Compact Thermoelectric Energy Efficient Dehumidifier – Auto Shut Off
This hOme mini dehumidifier is great for a bathroom because of its compact size. It ably handles rooms up to 150 sq feet and measures just 6.5 x 5.3 x 8.5 inches, making it an ideal small dehumidifier for bathroom use. The machine can handle 250 ml of moisture from the air each day, and the collection tank holds up to 500 ml of water. An auto shut-off feature and LED indicator light help make it easy to know when it’s time to empty the tank.
The hOme uses a thermoelectric peltier module for quiet operation, and an energy efficient 25W ETL certified adapter to prevent overheating. Though the machine itself is quite compact, the attached cord is 6 ft long to offer some flexibility in where it can be situated. This dehumidifier can work in rooms from 15-40 C (59-104F ) and humidity levels from 40-80%.
You get 30 days from purchase to return the product with no questions asked, and a two year warranty on repairs.
SPECS
- 6.5 x 5.3 x 8.5 inches
- 2.6 pounds
- Two year warranty.
PROS
- Perfect for tight spaces
- Important safety features
- Auto shut-off
CONS
-
- Not be strong enough to replace bathroom exhaust fan
- Should only run for 12 hours at a time
- AC adapter can get warm upon extended use
KAIKING Mini Dehumidifier, Auto Shut Off Portable Electric Dehumidifiers for Damp Air Mold Moisture
The Kaiking Mini Dehumidifier is rated for rooms up to 200 square feet, and as a bonus, it comes with a roomy collection tank that can collect up to 1500 ml of water. Built with low energy consumption in mind, you can leave it on for days without spiking your power bill. The dehumidifier has large intake holes that allow for collection of up to 500 ml of water per day, so you’ll only need to drain the tank every three days on average. Auto shut-off and an LED indicator features help avoid spillover. It is able to work in conditions up to 80% humidity.
One of the best features of this dehumidifier for bathroom use is that it has anti-slip rubber feet. That can really help out in the damp environment. The Kaiking will stand firmly on a shelf, counter, or on top of the toilet tank, even if bumped. It works quietly via the manufacturer’s “whisper technology” at about 35 dB.
SPECS
- 8.3 x 6.3 x 11.8 inches
- 5.05 pounds
- One year warranty
PROS
- Anti-slip rubber feet
- Huge capacity for small dehumidifier
- Whisper technology for quiet operation
CONS
-
- Ambient temp affects how much moisture is collected
- May struggle in rooms without ventilation
- Only appropriate for spaces up to 200 sq ft.
Trustech Electric Dehumidifier – Portable 4.2 Pints Dehumidifier with Touch Control and 2L Water Tank for Spaces Up To 269 Sq. ft
If you are just as concerned about air quality as humidity, check out this Trustech model. Equipped with a photocatalyst filter screen and UV bactericidal negative ion air purification, you can truly breathe easy with this little device running. Effective in a space up to 269 square feet, it runs at less than 40dB so it won’t disturb the peace of people nearby.
Compact in design and featuring a sleek black body, the Trustech isn’t quite as feature-rich as the Ivation, but it does carry multiple indicator lights that let you know what it’s doing. For example, you can see at a glance whether the air purifying feature is turned on, if the tank needs to be emptied, and when dehumidifying has temporarily stopped in order to defrost the coils.
The easy-empty tank holds up to 2000 ml of water. It has an auto shutoff to avoid spills and a red indicator light to alert you. At only 11.1 x 7.7 x 17.3 inches and 6.61 pounds, it is easy to find a good spot for this dehumidifier, and to move it around if need be.
SPECS
- 11.1 x 7.7 x 17.3 inches
- 6.61 pounds
- One year warranty
PROS
- Advanced air purification
- Large collection tank
- Quiet operation & good coverage area
CONS
-
- Limited features
- Power supply gets hot upon use
- Works best in a closed space
Preventing Bathroom Mold
Bathrooms are especially prone to mold because they are warm, moist places. A certain amount of bathwater evaporates and splashes on the floor, and a shower will fill the entire room with steam. With a lot of plumbing present for tub, toilet, and sinks, there are also several points where a pipe might drip or leak.
On top of the presence of a lot of humidity, many bathrooms are not properly ventilated. Due to the private nature of what takes place there, bathrooms may not have windows. There is typically only one door that remains closed when occupied. Older homes may not even have the all-important exhaust fan. No matter the layout of your bathroom, following are some tips for how to dehumidify a bathroom naturally in conjunction with your new dehumidifier.
Run the exhaust fan
If you have one, it should always be turned on when you are showering or bathing. Let it run until the mirror has cleared of all water droplets. This will work in conjunction with a dehumidifier to keep the room at a reasonable relative humidity.
Skip the carpeting
Most people agree that carpet in the bathroom is just gross. It’s not as easily cleaned as a hard surface, and considering what goes on there, you want your surfaces to be clean. Carpeting also holds on to moisture after showers and slowly releases it back into the air. If you have moved into a home with a carpeted bathroom, pull it up immediately (provided you have the right to do so) and use washable throw rugs for softness and warmth. Hang up wet throw rugs immediately so they can dry thoroughly and not provide a breeding ground for mold.
Shower Etiquette
Keep all the water inside the shower by making sure your curtain or door is fully closed. After showering, fully extend the curtain so that it can dry faster. If you have a glass shower, use a squeegee to remove excess water. You may also want to leave the door slightly ajar to allow air flow inside the shower. Don’t close the door behind you when you leave the bathroom; in fact, if you trust your family to give you privacy, it’s good to leave the door slightly cracked when you shower. If you have a window, open it, too.
Maintenance
Use a disinfectant with antifungal properties to clean the bathroom and kill any mold that has begun to grow. Check your pipes regularly for potential leaks; a leak sensor is an affordable way to discover leaks early, before they can do too much damage. If you find a leak, have it repaired as soon as possible. Leaks not only encourage mold growth, they can wreck your cabinetry really quickly.
Maintaining a Small Dehumidifier
Small dehumidifiers have fewer parts to worry about, so their maintenance is typically easier. You won’t have a bulky compressor, for one. Some compact models don’t even have an air filter. You still want to take some time to maintain your new dehumidifier in order to keep it in top working order for as long as possible. Let’s take a look at the general principles involved in maintaining a small dehumidifier.
Clean it Out
All the stuff that floats in the air, dust and allergens, can clog up the intake and outtake vents of your dehumidifier. Mold can also grow in the damp environment of the collection tank. Clean these parts regularly to avoid early burnout of your unit.
Water Collection Tank
The water collection tank on a mini dehumidifier must be emptied frequently. But it also needs to be cleaned out with soap and water every so often, because it stays damp consistently and can easily grow mold and mildew itself. Anything that grows in the collection tank can also get dispersed back into the air, triggering allergies in people using the room.
Air Intake and Exhaust Grilles
Take a moment every few weeks to brush or vacuum out the intake and outtake vents on your dehumidifier to keep air flowing at full strength. This will help your dehumidifier work at its optimal level, and avoid burnout of the motor. If it struggles to get air through, its effective life will be very much shortened.
Troubleshooting
There are not a lot of moving parts to a smaller dehumidifier, so the list of things that can go wrong is fairly short. If you find that yours is not pulling moisture, check out the following components.
Coils
If the coils on your dehumidifier freeze at any point, the unit will sound like it is working but it won’t collect water. Repeated freezing and thawing of the coils does shorten their effective lifespan, so pay attention to the temperature guidelines in your unit’s manual. Most dehumidifiers aren’t really able to work in cold conditions, so you may want to put yours away if the room’s temperature isn’t consistently maintained. If your dehumidifier doesn’t seem to be working anymore, run your fingers along the coils and see if they are cool all over. If they are sitting at room temperature or have hot spots, that is likely your problem.
Electric Cords
Frayed cords or loose wires will impact the ability of your dehumidifier to draw power consistently. If you are having issues with yours either turning on and off or not turning on at all, there is likely a problem with the electrical connections. If your power cord is frayed in any way, stop using the dehumidifier immediately! If the cord can be removed from the base of the unit, it is easy to replace. If not, you may need to get a new machine.
A small dehumidifier for your bathroom is one of the best investments you can make in maintaining that space. By far the most humid room in the house due to the amount of hot water that is run there, neglecting to reduce the humidity can cause a host of problems that negatively affect human health. You should now have all the information you need to choose your very best dehumidifier for bathroom use, depending on the space and available amenities (window, exhaust fan, etc.) in your bathroom. It’s not glamorous, but adding a dehumidifier can make a real improvement in your quality of life.
