Dehumidifier emits a musty or moldy odor from the air outlet

Safety: Unplug the unit. Wear gloves and, if sensitive, a mask when cleaning moldy components.

Steps to remove odors:

• Clean bucket thoroughly: Wash the water bucket with warm water and mild detergent. Disinfect with a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water), rinse, and dry.
• Clean air filter: Wash and dry the filter to remove dust and spores.
• Clean evaporator and drain pan: Access the evaporator coil and the pan beneath it. Wipe surfaces with a coil-safe cleaner or a mild detergent solution. Do not soak electrical parts.
• Improve ventilation: Run the unit in a well-ventilated area after cleaning to help dry internal surfaces.
• Regular maintenance: Empty and rinse the bucket frequently and clean the filter monthly to prevent odor recurrence.

Test: After cleaning and drying, run the unit and confirm that the musty odor is significantly reduced or gone.