GE Biological Growth in Water System

Dehumidifier emits a musty or moldy odor during operation.

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Possible Causes

Dirty water bucket, Mold or mildew on evaporator coil or drain pan, Dirty air filter, Standing water in drain hose

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Unplug the unit before cleaning. Wear gloves and, if sensitive, a mask when dealing with mold.

Steps to remove odor:

  • Clean bucket: Wash the water bucket with warm water and mild detergent. Disinfect with a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water). Rinse thoroughly.
  • Clean air filter: Wash and dry the filter to remove dust and odor-causing particles.
  • Clean coil and drain pan: Remove the front cover and gently vacuum dust from the evaporator coil. Spray a coil-safe cleaner or a mild disinfectant on the coil and drain pan, avoiding electrical components.
  • Flush drain hose: If using a hose, flush it with a bleach solution and then rinse.
  • Run on fan-only: After cleaning, run the unit on fan-only mode for 30–60 minutes to help dry internal surfaces.
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Repair Difficulty

Very Easy 1/5
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