The short answer
Unplug it, then clean the bucket with detergent and water and let it dry. Clean or replace the filter the way the manual says. The coils are the maker’s call: follow the manual, or ask the brand’s service line.
- Bucket: detergent and water, then dry it fully.
- Filter: as the manual says, if it has one.
- Coils: only what the maker’s manual allows.
On this page6 parts
Before you start
Find the manual for your model number. It says which parts come out and what may touch them. Makers publish their own steps, and we don’t reproduce them here.
The bucket
The bucket holds standing water, so it is the part that needs you most. For mold on a hard surface, the EPA’s advice is short: scrub it off with detergent and water, and dry completely.
- Gloves onThe EPA recommends them for mold cleanup.
- Scrub with detergent and waterThe bucket first, then its lid.
- Dry in the airLet both dry completely before they go back in.
- Check the hoseIf you drain by hose, make sure it isn’t kinked and water flows freely. The EPA says the same of air conditioner drain lines.
The filter
If your unit has an air filter, the manual says how to reach it, and whether to wash it or replace it. A clogged filter cuts the air that reaches the coils.
The coils
The coils are where the water condenses. They sit behind panels, close to wiring and the refrigerant circuit.
Dust is the risk ENERGY STAR names:
Locate away from sources of dust and dirt (like woodworking equipment), which can clog coils and grills.
Placement that keeps it clean
The ENERGY STAR placement advice saves cleaning time:
- Room to breathe. Keep the unit away from walls and furniture, so air moves freely around it.
- No dust nearby. Keep it away from a woodworking corner and other dust sources.
- Doors and windows closed while it runs.
- A short hose. If you drain by hose, place it near the floor drain or sump.
Sources
Every figure and quote on this page comes from these, each with the date we read it.
U.S. EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home (opens in a new tab)
Updated Feb 18, 2026Written by Julien Fourel
We don’t test dehumidifiers: this page puts official sources side by side and says where they stop. Updated Oct 5, 2026.