Where Should I Place My Dehumidifier?

Finding the perfect spot for your dehumidifier can make a world of difference in managing moisture in your home. Whether you're battling foggy windows, dealing with mould, or just aiming for a more comfortable living space, where you place your dehumidifier matters. In this guide, we'll explore the best practices and top spots to set up your dehumidifier for optimal performance and comfort.

Link to Dehumidifier Placement by RoomDehumidifier Placement by Room

Link to How to Find the Optimal Spot for your DehumidifierHow to Find the Optimal Spot for your Dehumidifier

1. Ensure Good Air Circulation: Dehumidifiers work by pulling in moist air, extracting the moisture, and then releasing that air back into the room. So if you place a dehumidifier in a cramped spot, like a tight corner, for example, it won't work as well. Try to keep about 30 cm of space around the dehumidifier to help it work efficiently.

2. Place It in the Middle of the Room: The ideal spot for a dehumidifier is somewhere in the centre of the room. This allows it to reach all areas evenly, which is especially important in bigger rooms. If the centre isn’t a workable option, put it where nothing blocks the air around it, like away from large furniture or walls.

3. Set It Close to Moist Areas: In places that tend to get damp, like bathrooms and kitchens, positioning your dehumidifier near where the moisture comes from can help it work better. For example, place it near the shower (but not inside the bathroom) or near the stove.

4. Don’t Put It in Corners or Against Walls: A frequent error is setting dehumidifiers near walls or in corners. These locations can block airflow and limit the device’s ability to draw in moisture from all over the room.

Link to Room-by-Room GuideRoom-by-Room Guide

• Bathroom: Bathrooms tend to produce a lot of moisture because of showers and baths, so it's not the best idea to put a dehumidifier right inside the bathroom. Instead, we recommend placing it in the nearby hallway or on a windowsill while keeping the doors open to let the moisture move away. For best results, you might want to use an exhaust fan or open a window in the bathroom while the dehumidifier is running in the hallway.
• Kitchen: Kitchens create a lot of moisture from cooking, boiling water, and washing dishes. Set the dehumidifier on a countertop, a small table, or a windowsill, and keep it away from heat sources like the stove, oven, or kettle. This will prevent it from working poorly or getting too hot. Placing it correctly helps avoid problems like mould behind cabinets or water collecting on tiles.
• Living Room: Since the living room is likely to be a place where you spend a lot of time, maintaining optimal humidity here is important. It's best to put your dehumidifier in the middle of the room or on a small table. Living rooms are often larger so avoid placing the unit in a corner where air can't flow well. Instead, choose a spot where air can move freely around the whole room. This helps prevent issues like foggy windows or mould growing behind furniture.
• Bedroom: Bedrooms can get damp from breathing while you sleep and because they're used often. Set the dehumidifier close to a window or in the middle of the room. If the noise bothers you at night, place the device a good distance from where you sleep. A small table next to the bed or on a windowsill can be a good choice, especially if the dehumidifier is quiet enough to run overnight.
• Basement: Basements are usually damp, especially those below ground level. They often have condensation, wet walls, and sometimes mould. Place your dehumidifier in the centre or close to areas that produce moisture, like the laundry area or near the water heater. If you use your basement for storage, it's important to prevent mould and musty smells by ensuring good airflow and making sure the dehumidifier isn’t blocked by objects.
• Garage: Garages are often more exposed to the elements, leading to humidity-related problems. In garages, it's advised to set the dehumidifier on a shelf or a sturdy table where air can flow freely around it. Avoid placing it directly on the floor, especially if the area often gets wet. Keeping the dehumidifier off the ground helps prevent mould and keeps the space drier for your tools and vehicles.
• Wardrobes and Cupboards: Moisture can collect in closed areas like wardrobes and cupboards, causing clothes to smell musty or damaging stored items. To keep these spaces dry, use a small dehumidifier inside, placing it centrally among the items if possible. Good air movement is important to make sure moisture is removed from all parts of these closed areas.
• Caravans and Motor Homes: Caravans tend to attract dampness, especially in colder months when temperature changes cause condensation. Set the dehumidifier on a table, countertop, or shelf in a well-ventilated spot and ensure it’s not in direct contact with water. When not using it for a long time, replace any moisture-absorbing packs or empty the water tank to prevent stagnant water from building up.

Link to Tips for Maximising Efficiency Tips for Maximising Efficiency 

• Keep Interior Doors Open: If you want to lower humidity in multiple rooms, keep the doors open. This lets moisture from nearby areas move towards the dehumidifier and helps to balance humidity levels around the house.

• Don’t Move It Around too Often: Once you've found the right spot for your dehumidifier, try to leave it there. Moving it from one room to another too often can reduce its effectiveness and can use more energy. Instead of moving the dehumidifier, bring things that are damp, like laundry, to where it is.

• Set the Right Humidity Level: It's recommended that you set your dehumidifier to about 50-55% humidity for the best results. If you still see condensation, try setting it a bit lower until the condensation goes away.

• Think About Continuous Drainage: If your dehumidifier can drain water continuously, place it near a drain. This way, you won't have to empty the tank all the time, which is especially handy in basements and garages.

Link to Common Mistakes in Dehumidifier Placement Common Mistakes in Dehumidifier Placement 

• Placing It in Corners or Small Spaces: As mentioned above, one of the biggest mistakes is positioning your dehumidifier in a corner or too near walls. Dehumidifiers need unobstructed airflow to work well and if you block the intake or exhaust vents, the unit has to work harder, so it doesn't work as effectively. Always make sure there's enough space around it for good airflow.

• Putting It in the Bathroom: Bathrooms might seem like a good place since they produce a lot of moisture. However, most dehumidifiers aren't designed for especially wet environment of bathrooms. Instead, place the dehumidifiers in a nearby room or hallway with the door open to help remove the moisture indirectly.

Link to Conclusion Conclusion 

The placement of your dehumidifier affects how well it works, how much energy it uses, and how humidity-free and comfortable your home feels as a result. Pay close attention to airflow, how close it is to areas that produce moisture, and the size of the room when choosing where to set it up. The best place for your dehumidifier is where it can work well without being blocked by furniture or walls.