Is Your Dehumidifier Actually Making You Sick? (EXPLAINED)

Generally, the humidity level in your house should be around 30-50%. Dehumidifiers remove the excess humidity from the air and, by doing so, make your living condition a lot more comfortable.

But being an electronic home appliance, it does raise the question of whether it’s safe and whether it could affect your health in a negative way.

Dehumidifiers can harm your health and might make you sick if it’s not being used in the proper way. If the humidity in your home is too high or too low, it can cause you various discomforts. Similarly, overusing it and not cleaning it often can also cause various allergies, sore throat, dry cough, etc.

Knowing the correct way to use your dehumidifier, understanding how it works, and knowing what side effects it comes with are all very important to be able to prevent any illnesses. In this article, I’ll help you do exactly that.

Is a Dehumidifier Safe for Your Health?

Well, the market is full of home appliances promising us good health and comfort. Dehumidifiers are one of those inventions that has changed the life of many. It’s not just an air cooler; this machine is famous for its health benefits. 

An imbalance in humidity can make your living conditions extremely uncomfortable and unhealthy. A dehumidifier removes the excessive humidity in your house.

As a result, it makes your home much cooler, prevents structural problems, and helps reduce pest problems.

Dehumidifiers also improve the air quality in your house, which helps prevent many allergies and viruses. Dehumidifiers can improve your health in many ways.

They not only improve the living conditions of your home but also create a healthier environment for you to live in. 

When You Shouldn’t Use a Dehumidifier:

As the name stands, dehumidifiers remove the excess humidity from the environment it’s in. However, running your dehumidifier during winter when the humidity is very low might work against you. As a result, low humidity levels can make your living conditions very uncomfortable and cause issues with your skin, sinuses, and eyes. 

Using a dehumidifier during winter causes the humidity to drop below 30%. For this reason, the air becomes very dry, which makes you prone to colds and the flu. This is very dangerous as colds and flu can develop into even worse sicknesses.

Also, many viruses thrive in colder environments where the humidity is low. Similarly, you may feel irritation in your eyes and skin, as they need natural moisture to stay healthy.

During winter, a dehumidifier is not as beneficial as it might be in the warmer seasons. Being a machine made for warmer environments, you probably shouldn’t use it in winter when the humidity is low overall, as it might lead to an uncomfortable state of being.   

The Correct Way of Using a Dehumidifier:

To ensure a safe and healthy home environment, you need to know the correct ways of using your dehumidifier. For this reason, let’s look at a few things you should know in order to get the best out of your dehumidifier : 

Don’t Use It Too Often:

It is pretty unnecessary to run your dehumidifier constantly as it can increase your energy bills. You should only use it if the humidity levels are above 50%. 

Don’t Keep All Windows and Doors Open:

If the humidity from outside keeps making its way into your house, your dehumidifier might not be able to work as efficiently. The machine is made to remove humidity from a section of your house.

As a result, keeping most doors and windows closed will get you the best outcome.

Empty the Catch Basin:

The catch basin is a bucket inside your dehumidifier that collects the water pulled from the air. Usually, you should empty the bucket once it’s full.

If the bucket is left in for a long period of time, it could cause mold to grow, which can cause various allergies and other illnesses. 

Clean the Dehumidifier:

It is suggested to clean your dehumidifier at least twice a month. This way, the machine stays clean and resists mold and other illnesses from growing.

Cleaning Your Dehumidifier:

You should clean your dehumidifier at least twice a month. However, it’s not just the catch basin that needs to be cleaned. Dehumidifiers are built up of a lot of parts. The grilles, filter, and coils should be cleaned to ensure they work properly. 

If you neglect cleaning your dehumidifier, it might cause mold, allergies, and other sicknesses to grow. Taking the machine apart every now and then to clean it is important to ensure the health of your dehumidifier.

If you avoid cleaning it for a long time, it might also lead to the machine not working properly.

Hygiene is the most important thing when it comes to a healthier lifestyle. For the most part, your dehumidifier can do most things by itself to make your life better. It must be looked after.

Watch this video below to learn the risks of using a Dehumidifier:

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Does the Dehumidifier Remove Mold?

Dehumidifiers do not remove mold. Generally, mold growth happens because of an imbalance of humidity. Dehumidifiers can create this balance which can help prevent mold.

On the other hand, if the mold is already formed, the dehumidifier will not be able to remove the mold.

What Are the Common Sicknesses You Might Face From Dehumidifiers?

Some common illnesses are allergies, viruses, sore throat, irritation in the skin and eyes, respiratory problems, problems with asthma, etc. 

How Long Does It Take for a Dehumidifier to Reduce Humidity?

A dehumidifier usually needs a few days to a week to reduce humidity. 

Should You Run a Dehumidifier Outside?

Dehumidifiers reduce humidity in a section of your house. Using it outside will not work as the dehumidifier will not even have air circulation. 

Do Dehumidifiers Make the Air Dry?

A dehumidifier absorbs moisture from the air, which makes the air dryer. It is important to ensure the air doesn’t dry out too much, or it can make the environment uncomfortable.  

Are Dehumidifiers Safe for Newborn Babies?

Dehumidifiers are safe for newborn babies if the house has problems with high humidity.  

Is It Safe to Sleep With a Dehumidifier On?

It is safe to sleep with your dehumidifier on. However, it’s important to make sure the dehumidifier is set at the right settings, or it could lead to discomfort. In brief, be careful.

Can You Drink the Water From a Dehumidifier?

Drinking water from a dehumidifier is probably not a good idea as it is usually impure. As a result, it could make you sick.

Dehumidifiers benefit your life in many ways as long as it’s understood and used properly.  It doesn’t only make your house cooler, but it makes it healthier. In short, it can turn your life around for the better.