Damp and mould are a growing problem in UK homes and if left untreated, can cause serious respiratatory problems.
Weather, heating systems and even breathing contribute to damp creeping up our walls and across ceilings.
Research from UK property specialists Peter Cox revealed that nearly three quarters (71 per cent) of property surveyors have noticed an increase in damp issues over the last year. However only a third (31 per cent) of Brits know how to address a damp-related problem, leaving them potentially exposed to other issues.
What is a dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier is a gadget which sucks up moisture from the air thereby helping prevent damp forming on the walls or ceilings of your home. It can also reduce the smell of mould or mildew. Normally they can hold up to 20L of water at a time in slide-out buckets or trays, which can then be thrown away.
Do I need a dehumidifier?
If you can see damp or dark patches on any of your walls or ceilings then you may have the beginnings of mould. While we all do it, drying clothes in your house regularly creates moisture in the air – and in the long term will make damp and mould worse.
We’ve tried and tested a whole array to find you the best.
XAXAZON portable electric dehumidifier
We love how portable this dehumidifier is; you can move it from room to room without fuss. The size and design are also a plus. The models rounded edges and perspex water tank give it an edgy look, while also being practical. The water tank is removable so it’s easy to empty out the water when it’s full.
The dehumidifier, with its Peltier technology, can remove up to 450ml of humidity in the air per day, which could be causing damp and mould spores. The low running sound means you can have it on all day and night without it affecting your sleep or distrupting a WFH day or business call.
Another plus was the LED indicator which changes colour when it turns on. There’s also the option to lock in the colour you like. It also just happens to be one of the cheapest on the list but gets our vote for size and practicability.
De’Longhi DEX216F Dehumidifier
This mid-sized dehumidifier is perfect for a large bedroom or living room. It holds an impressive up to 16 litres of water per day and handily comes with a 2.1L removable water tank so you’re not constantly emptying it while you’re trying to keep damp or mould at bay.
The slimline, attractive-looking dehumidifier would blend into your living space, while the handle also makes it practical for moving around the house. The model is also perfect for drying your washing more economically too – as it draws moisture and allergens away from your clothes.
Russell Hobbs Fresh Air Mini Compact Grey Dehumidifier
The smallest and cutest humidifier we tried out, the Russell Hobbs Fresh Air Mini is great if you are short on space but still want to help prevent the build-up of moisture.
The compact 600ml size is suitable for spaces up to 15m², so you can pop it on your desk or mantel piece without it looking out of place. We loved the one touch button function. But at 22cm high and 14cm wide and with a tiny tank size of just 600ml it will only hold around a bottle’s worth of water in one go.
However, the model does have an auto cut-off function when the tank is full, meaning you don’t have to worry about it overflowing. The motor is extremely quiet - we barely remembered it was there. However, if your extraction needs are higher than this mini humidifier may not be worth the investment.
The MeacoDry 20L ABC
One of the largest dehumidifiers on the list, this model will eliminate moisture as well as reduce damp and condensation in a large house.
The low noise levels have also won the dehumidifier a Quiet Mark accreditation – with the ABC 20L found to be of the quietest products in its category. The 4.8 litre tank requires you to empty it far less, and it runs at a low cost – less than 4p per hour to run.
The model also comes with a sleep mode, child lock and laundry setting – while it also has castors so you can move it around easily. A worthy investment for a large house, which may be experiencing damp.
Pro Breeze 12 Litre Dehumidifier
This is another mid-size dehumidifier which is good for larger spaces and has a water tank size of 1.8L. It also comes complete with an attachable drainage hose for plumbing purposes.
The models three dehumidification modes, auto, continuous and sleep, are really practical. It has also been awarded a Quietmark accreditation, meaning it won’t interrupt your busy work day or sleep.
The model has capacity to remove 12 litres of moisture per day from a home – which is ideal for anyone that has persistent humidity issues. The Digital LED screen is also a plus – displaying current room humidity level, and the sensor allows you to set the room humidity levels to how you like them. A worthy investment for a mid-sized house or flat.
MeacoDry ABC 12L Dehumidifier
If Meaco’s model above was too large for your compact home, this smaller version is ideal for flats or smaller rooms – while still extracting up to 12L per day an is ideal for damp and condensation.
The dehumidifier has a very handy laundry mode – which helps to dispel any humidity when drying clothes inside. On this setting, it will run at full speed for six hours then automatically switch off to save energy. It also has low energy costs at 2.45p/hour based on 15.2p/kWh. Easy to use and set up, this is ideal for a small family or couple, and the price is very reasonable too.
Bionaire BDH001 Dehumidifier
Style-wise, this dehumidifier has hit the nail on the head with its frosted water tank and funky grey griddled top. Suitable for bedrooms or offices, which are up to 30 square metres, its design means it won’t look out of place in your house.
The mid-sized model can hold up to 12L of water, and it has a helpful light that indicates when it’s ready to be emptied. It is also very quiet and doesn’t vibrate when working like some models. There are three settings and so you can change it up whether you are eradicating damp, drying clothes or tackling mould.
It’s one of the more expensive models on the list but the extensive quantity of five-star reviews say it all.
Verdict
We loved the price and features of the XAXAZON portable electric dehumidifier – it would sit in the corner of the room comfortably, while fitting seamlessly among your decor. Its size to capacity ratio makes it a practical pick. If you have a bigger house or a bigger budget then the Probreeze 12 Litre Dehumidifier is a great choice – its capacity is huge and it comes with a Quietmark accreditation for its low noise levels.
