Sunbeam Odor / Biological Growth

Dehumidifier emits a musty or moldy odor from the air outlet

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Possible Causes

Mold growth on evaporator coil, Dirty water bucket, Stagnant water in drain pan, Dirty air filter

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Unplug the unit. Wear gloves and a mask if you are sensitive to mold.

Steps:

  • Clean bucket: Wash the water bucket with warm soapy water and a small amount of bleach. Rinse thoroughly.
  • Clean filter: Wash or replace the air filter.
  • Coil cleaning: Remove the front panel and gently clean the evaporator coil with a coil cleaner approved for aluminum fins, or a mild detergent solution. Avoid bending fins.
  • Drain pan: Wipe out the drain pan beneath the coil with a bleach solution to kill mold and mildew. Rinse and dry.
  • Drying run: After reassembly, run the fan-only mode (if available) for 30–60 minutes to help dry internal surfaces.
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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5
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