Cleaning-by-brush

How to Thoroughly Clean the Dehumidifier Coils?

A dehumidifier is a helpful tool for removing moisture from the air. It should be installed in the attic, and also in the parts of the house where moisture level remains high. Like most appliances in your home, dehumidifier coils can also accumulate dirt, reducing efficiency. However, regular maintenance is required to keep it in good condition. If the dehumidifier does not appear to be working correctly, clean the coil to remove mold and debris. This guide will explain what dehumidifier coils do and how to clean them properly.

Dealing with a clogged dehumidifier coil is not easy. However, you can clean the humidifier and restore its ability to dry the air with a few simple steps. Here’s how to clean the dehumidifier coil to function correctly again.

Dehumidifier-coil

What is the purpose of the dehumidifier coil?

Cold and warm coils are two types of dehumidifiers. The freezing coil serves as a cooling device, condensing and removing water from the air. The warm coil then heats the air, drying it. When this air is blown into the room, the humidity decreases.

You might be tempted to ask, “But why do we first cool and heat air? Isn’t it redundant?” The answer lies in Relative Humidity—the ability of air to hold water changes with temperature. In winter, the cool air makes things wet, creating condensed droplets on glass surfaces and plants. But once this condensed water is released by cool air, we need to bring it back to a desirable temperature by heating it again. The difference is that the air will have significantly less water once heated than when we started.

1. Drain and separate all water

The first step in cleaning the dehumidifier is to unplug it. It prevents not only electrocution but also dehumidifier damage. It also prevents the white dust from humidifier. Then drain the dehumidifier completely.

If all water is not removed, moisture can accumulate, accumulating dirt in difficult-to-reach areas.

Another advantage of thoroughly draining the unit before cleaning is knowing which parts must be thoroughly cleaned as the exposed debris. It makes cleaning easier and cuts cleaning time in half.

2. Disassemble the dehumidifier

The coil is usually located behind the plastic panel on the back of the assembly. The plastic panel covering the back of the dehumidifier can be easily removed with a screwdriver, depending on the brand.

When you disassemble the device, you’ll notice all other parts that need to be cleaned. Filters and fan blades must be cleaned and maintained regularly to function correctly. Also, replace the filter if necessary.

3. Disconnect the Hose

When the dehumidifier is turned on, the hose functions as a duct, pushing air onto the coil; as a result, please remove it from the device’s interior and clean it. However, not all dehumidifiers contain hoses. Instead, some brands use reservoirs. Clean the reservoir thoroughly if the water tank has one instead of a hose.

4. Clean up any surface stains

Begin scrubbing after you’ve disassembled the unit and removed the coil. This can be accomplished with a brush known as a coil brush. It would help if you bought it because it becomes very easy to clean with a brush.

A regular toothbrush will suffice if you don’t have a spiral brush. To remove any dirt on the coil’s surface, rub it up and down. This preliminary scrub makes subsequent steps easier.

5. Spray the detergent

After cleaning all the stained surfaces, spray the coil with detergent. A foaming solvent is the best cleaning agent for coils. It can remove dirt from corners and crevices.

Cleaning

6. Scrub the Coils

Spraying the coil with a foaming solvent makes dirt easier to collect. Scrub the coils once more. Make sure to scrub every part of the coil. However, take care not to damage any other vital components.

Cleaning-by-brush

7. Rinse thoroughly with warm water

After scrubbing these coils, wash away all the dirt. The foaming solvent works its magic, does all the hard scrubbing, and cleans everything after rinsing.

If mold is still present on the coil, spray it with bleach and leave it for a few minutes. Then, thoroughly rinse with warm water. Rinse with a sponge if you have one of the dehumidifier brands where the coil is wired to another electrical component. Soak the sponge in warm water and insert it into the coil, careful not to damage the other parts. 

8. Dry the Coils

Dry the dehumidifier coil after scrubbing and rinsing. With a soft cloth, dry all parts as much as possible. Thoroughly clean all the corners and gaps you washed earlier.

Some parts or places cannot be dried with a cloth. So air-dry the device for at least 30 minutes before reassembling it to remove all moisture. After the air-drying process is complete, inspect all parts for damage and dirt.

Clean the Dehumidifier coils to Remove the Moisture Efficiently!

The coil is an essential component of the dehumidifier, and it will not function without it. Allowing the dehumidifier coils to become mold-infested is hazardous to your health and well-being. Follow the coil cleaning procedures and maintenance tips to keep the dehumidifier working and removing moisture.

Otherwise, you will not be able to get the benefits of dehumidifiers fully. Because a dirty filter can reduce air quality and increase operational costs, keep the dehumidifier and coil clean to avoid these issues.

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About Author

Mobeen Shahid

Mobeen Shahid

Mobeen Shahid is a Mechanical Engineer with two years of experience in the HVAC industry. His passion is analyzing HVAC issues, and he works relentlessly to devise customized solutions. He has been in the industry long enough to know the ins and outs and ensures that areas are optimally heated, cooled, and ventilated.

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