Trapped moisture is a common dilemma in bathrooms. If left unchecked, such moisture will allow molds and bad odor to form. It’s a big problem that can also result in health problems, including flu-like symptoms, allergies, and irritations. Luckily, you can use one of the 3 best dehumidifiers for the bathroom that we reviewed below to help combat excess moisture and dampness.
Overall, dehumidifiers are designed to draw out moisture from the air and surfaces. It’s the opposite of humidifiers that release moisture into the air.
Moreover, dehumidifiers are widely used in households to prevent mold buildup. It’s because molds thrive in damp, dark, and undisturbed spaces. Such of these are areas in your bathroom, including the underside of tub liners, flooring, shower doors, and so on.
If paired with ventilation, dehumidifiers will be powerful tools in fighting off bathroom molds. Aside from molds, dehumidifiers can potentially reduce bad odors as it eliminates moisture where odor-causing bacteria might proliferate.
If you’re still looking for a dehumidifier you can use in your bathroom, the following are three of our tried and tested picks:
| BATHROOM DEHUMIDIFIER | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick! TOSOT 20-Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier |  | Check Price |
 | Tenergy Sorbi Dehumidifier for Bathroom |  | Check Price |
 | Eva-Dry EDV-1100 Petite Dehumidifier |  | Check Price |
3 Best Dehumidifiers For Bathroom
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: TOSOT 20-Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier
Product Name: TOSOT 20-Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier
Product Description: If you have a large bathroom and dealing with excessive moisture, you should consider the TOSOT 20-Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier. This can cover floor areas of up to 1,500 sq. ft. and collect up to 20 pints of moisture every 24 hours. Moreover, this bears the Energy Star certification, which means that it’s energy-efficient. You can run this all day long without driving up your water bill. You also get two drainage options with the TOSOT Dehumidifier. It has a 1-gallon bucket complete with a beeping reminder once it’s full. But in case you don’t want to carry around a bucket full of water, you can use the continuous drain feature of this dehumidifier. However, you need to purchase the ¾ drain hose separately. Another thing I like about this dehumidifier is its control panel. It has a small LED display that shows the humidity level of your bathroom. There are also soft-touch buttons for power, fan speed, timer, and filter. Overall, it’s easy to use and intuitive even for non-techie users.
Offer price: $$$
Availability: InStock
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Overall
Summary
Even if it’s a large unit, the TOSOT Dehumidifier has a quiet operation. It only produces a maximum of 48dB, which is reasonable enough even if you have sensitive ears. It also has a power outage restart, so you no longer have to manually turn it on. The filter is also washable and can last for up to 250 hours in every wash. Aside from the 20-pint model, you can also get this in 35 and 50-pint versions in case you prefer a bigger one. The only downside here is that the TOSOT dehumidifier is big and heavy to move around. It’s also hard to maneuver on carpeted surfaces in case you’re planning to use it around the house aside from your bathroom.
Pros
Energy Star certified Continuous drain and manual drain options It has a built-in timer. Complete with power outage restart The filter is washable.
Cons
It’s heavy and bulky. It’s hard to move around carpeted surfaces.
RUNNERS-UP
Tenergy Sorbi Dehumidifier for Bathroom
If you’re only looking for a medium-sized bathroom dehumidifier, you won’t go wrong with the Tenergy Sorbi. This unit has a 1-liter tank and can remove up to 750 ml of moisture a day, which is more than enough for small to medium-sized bathrooms.
Aside from that, the Tenergy Sorbi Dehumidifier has a HEPA filter that helps remove dirt in the air. It removes excess moisture in your bathroom while preventing pollutants from recirculating. But for the best results, the filter should be replaced every six months.
I also like that this dehumidifier has an automatic shut-off and water level feature to prevent overflowing. You can also operate this in environments with temperatures not lower than 50F.
Moreover, this unit has an ultra-quiet operation with maximum noise levels not higher than 42dB. It won’t make a ruckus on your bathroom or any part of your home where you plan to use it.
This is made to cover up to 200 sq. ft., perfect for bathrooms, small rooms, and closets. It’s also CARB and ETL-certified for added safety. You’ll get a two-year extended warranty if you register this unit to Tenergy Life.
I also want to mention that this is a dual-voltage unit, which you can use in both 110V and 240V sockets.
Overall, this dehumidifier works excellent, but you should know that it has limitations. It’s not for very damp bathrooms since its tank is small and doesn’t have a continuous drain option. Nevertheless, it’s a decent dehumidifier, which is well worth the price.
Eva-Dry EDV-1100 Petite Dehumidifier
My last pick for this roundup is the Eva-Dry EDV-1100 Petite Dehumidifier. This small unit is suitable for small bathrooms with not much moisture to remove. It has a half-liter tank complete with an auto shut-off feature to prevent overflowing. There’s also an indicator light once the tank is full, so you’ll know when it’s time to drain.
If your mirrors often get misty and your bathroom steamy, this Eva-Dry dehumidifier is a good purchase. Moreover, this has an ultra-portable design that can fit on your sink top. It’s also quiet, so you can still enjoy your bathroom playlist without the hassle.
I also like the fact that this dehumidifier consumes very little electricity. It only uses 22 watts of power, and it won’t jack up the cost of your energy bill.
In front, there’s a button for power and indicator lights. There are no other controls, but this design can actually be beneficial for old users who aren’t very techie.
It’s also an affordable dehumidifier to purchase. If you’re just looking for a small unit, it’s hard to beat the value that Eva-Dry EDV-1100 Petite Dehumidifier can offer.
Please take note that this dehumidifier has a short power cord, so you need to place it right beside a power source. Also, you’d have to drain the bucket multiple times if your bathroom gets high humidity levels. But other than that, this is a trusty dehumidifier that will last for years.
How to choose a bathroom dehumidifier
Choosing a bathroom dehumidifier can be tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with its features. To help you out, here are some of the aspects you should consider when shopping for your first unit:
✔️Check the tank capacity
The first thing you should consider when buying a bathroom dehumidifier. This will impact how often you’ll need to drain the tank, especially if your unit doesn’t have a continuous drain option.
Take note that bathrooms are more humid than other parts of your home. This is why you should invest in a large tank, so you won’t have to babysit the unit throughout the night.
In general, dehumidifiers are available in roughly 10 to 50 point models. You can find smaller or bigger options than this, depending on the amount you’re willing to spend.
Aside from the amount of water it can hold, you should also consider the size of your bathroom. While 50 to 70-point models can be wise to collect as much moisture as possible, they will also require larger floor space. For those with small bathrooms or homes in general, a large unit may not be a practical option.
On average, small to medium-sized dehumidifiers would be enough for most bathrooms. Besides, you wouldn’t want to remove all the moisture in the air as it will tip the balance of healthy humidity levels in your home.
✔️Consider the coverage area
Aside from the amount of water the dehumidifier can hold, it’s also important to consider the floor area of your bathroom. Usually, large units are directly proportional to the floor area they can cover.
Take note that the floor area of your bathroom is just one of the many considerations when sizing a dehumidifier. You should also factor in how damp your bathroom gets as well as the weather in your place.
So even if you have an average-sized bathroom, you may need a large dehumidifier if your home is prone to excessive humidity levels.
✔️Mind the drain options
Dehumidifiers often come in two drain options: manual drain and continuous drain.
Manual drain is usually designed for small and portable units. With this, you need to remove the tank from the unit and pour the collected water out into the sink. It’s not the most convenient, but units with this design are typically cheaper.
On the other hand, dehumidifiers with continuous drain allow you to run the unit all day long. You can also leave the dehumidifier running as you sleep, go to work, or run errands.
A continuous drain dehumidifier comes with a hose that will be attached to the unit and into the bathroom drain. Some units can be integrated into your plumbing. However, you should know that the continuous drain feature is commonly found on larger units only.
✔️Check the filter
Dehumidifiers have filters inside to prevent pollutants from recirculating in the air. With this, it also offers an air-purifying feature to reduce allergens, dust, pollens, and similar particles.
These filters need to be replaced or cleaned regularly. Most units in the market have filters that need to be maintained every 30 days to 3 months.
The good thing is that dehumidifier manufacturers sell replacement filters so that you won’t have issues with compatibility.
✔️Look for an auto shut-off feature
An auto shut-off feature in dehumidifiers is a crucial feature. It’s a matter of safety and preventing over-dehumidification.
I always recommend a dehumidifier with a built-in humidistat. This feature will detect the humidity levels in your bathroom, and it will also let you set a target moisture level.
Once the dehumidifier reaches the target humidity level, it will shut down automatically. It will restart once the moisture level becomes higher than the set target.
Aside from that, an auto shut-off feature will prevent the tank from overflowing. Once the sensor detects that the tank is about to get full, it will turn the unit off. This way, the unit won’t suffer from water damage, and you won’t be at risk of electrocution.
✔️Check for adjustability
A bathroom dehumidifier should have adjustable settings so that you can match its performance with your needs. The ability to set target humidity levels, choose fan speeds, and the option for various modes are just some of the best features you can find.
✔️Invest in additional features
Aside from the specifications mentioned above, it will also help to look for the following features. While not a requirement, it will surely add value to your purchase.
- Auto defrost. Dehumidifiers have a risk of freezing when operated in low-temperature environments. If you’re located in a place with this climate, you should get a bathroom dehumidifier with an auto-defrost feature. It will also prevent the dehumidifier tank from overflowing.
- Low temp setting. A low temp setting will allow you to run the bathroom dehumidifier in temperatures lower than 41 F.
- Auto-reset. An auto-reset feature will restart the dehumidifier automatically after power loss. This way, you no longer have to turn it on manually or set the previous settings again.
- LCD console. If you’re opting for a large dehumidifier, consider looking for one with an LCD display. This way, you can see the current humidity level of your bathroom. It will also tweak the setting much easier.
✔️Check the price tag
Lastly, you should invest in a dehumidifier that provides the best value for money. While some units are more expensive than others, it often packs a lot more features.
You don’t have to spend a fortune just to get a decent bathroom dehumidifier in the long run. Still, it would help to avoid dirt-cheap units as these aren’t made to last.
Additional ways to remove bathroom moisture
Aside from using a dehumidifier, there are other ways to curb excess moisture in your bathroom. The following are some of my tried and tested methods to prevent mold-inducing dampness:
🛁Wipe surfaces
After using your bathroom, especially after taking a shower, it will help a lot to wipe the floor, walls, and sink. The goal is to remove as much moisture as possible, so your dehumidifier won’t have to compensate too much.
Also, you should never leave pools of water in your bathroom. This moisture takes a while to dry up and will likely cause mold growth.
🛁Ventilate your bathroom
Please take note that dehumidifiers only remove moisture from the air, but it doesn’t provide ventilation. With that, it’s best to open your bathroom window or door to let the air circulate. This will also prevent odors from getting stuck in your bath.
Aside from that, opening your bathroom window will speed up the drying process of the moisture. However, it would be best if you shut it close once you’re going to use your dehumidifier.
🛁Remove the mist on your mirror
The mist on your mirrors is excess moisture. Make sure that you wipe this off or switch to demistable mirrors instead.
Aside from reducing moisture in your bathroom, wiping your mirrors will save you from the hassle of cleaning stubborn water spots.
🛁Keep your bathroom warm
If possible, you should keep your bathroom warm to prevent airborne moisture from getting into other surfaces. It’s because water molecules in the air attach to cold surfaces, which will lead to condensation.
Many households use bathroom heaters, which come in handy during winter. There are also underfloor bathroom heaters to prevent moisture from lingering on the floor.
🛁Dry your towels outside
One of the most common sources of excess moisture in bathrooms is wet towels. Instead of letting your used towels dry inside, it’s best to hang them outdoors. It will dry fast, not to mention that you’ll get to reduce moisture inside your bathroom.
After all, wet towels will start to form a bad smell as they trap moisture will allow bacteria to grow.
🛁Check for leaks
It’s important to ensure that your bathroom pipes don’t have leaks. It’s best to check your plumbing at least quarterly to see if there are any present leaks.
You should also check your showerhead, faucets, toilet flush, and sink. If there are leaks, you should have them fixed immediately. Otherwise, your dehumidifier would have to compensate, leading to higher energy consumption.
🛁Consider using an extractor fan
If you don’t have a dehumidifier, you can use an extractor fan as an alternative. This will help suck out moisture-laden air out of your bathroom. Also, it’s an excellent way to remove malodors.
However, you should know that extractor fans can build negative air pressure inside your home. It’s important to balance this by only running the extractor fans for short periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do dehumidifiers work for bathrooms?
A: Dehumidifiers are very helpful in bathrooms with trapped moisture. It will draw out the moisture, so your bathroom won’t become the harborage of molds and bacteria. But for the bathroom dehumidifier to work, it must be sized accordingly. Also, you should mind the placement of the dehumidifier to ensure that it’s collecting as much moisture as possible.
Q: What should bathroom humidity be?
A: Your house should generally have a humidity level not exceeding 50% to 60%. However, this can be not easy to achieve in the bathroom, where constant moisture is found. But with the use of a dehumidifier, you can achieve this level once your bathroom isn’t in use.
Q: Is it better to get a bigger dehumidifier?
A: A dehumidifier bigger than the room where it will be used will consume more electricity. Also, it could make the air too dry, which isn’t a good thing either. This is why you should consider getting a dehumidifier that matches the size of your home or bathroom.
Q: Will a dehumidifier stop mold in the bathroom?
A: A dehumidifier can help prevent mold buildup in your bathroom. It removes excess moisture, which is one of the catalysts of mold growth. Still, you should pair the use of dehumidifiers with ventilation for the best results.
Q: When should I run a dehumidifier in my bathroom?
A: It’s best to run a dehumidifier once you’re done using your bathroom. It’s a waste of electricity and filter lifespan to run a bathroom dehumidifier while you’re still showering or taking a bath. Also, you shouldn’t overuse a dehumidifier as it can result in very low humidity levels.
Q: Do dehumidifiers suck out water from toilets?
A: Dehumidifiers are designed to remove airborne moisture, so they won’t technically suck out the water on your toilet bowl. While your toilet water may evaporate to some extent, such an amount of airborne moisture is just little. Overall, your dehumidifier will not get cups of water from your toilet bowl. Still, you should keep the bowl lid close to avoid odors and germs from spreading.
Q: Will a dehumidifier dry up standing water?
A: A dehumidifier is unlikely to drain out water that’s been standing with inches of depth. This device is designed to pull out water from the air, not from basins, buckets, and other containers. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t leave standing water in your bathroom as it may attract mosquitoes.
Final words
The 3 best dehumidifiers for bathroom I reviewed above are only a few of the top-notch options in the market. Whether you have small or large bathrooms, there’s a unit that will match your needs.
Overall, you should get a dehumidifier based on your bathroom’s floor area, humidity level, and the price you can afford. Good thing the three picks above meet all of these aspects.
Home Air Quality is founded by Bernard K to provide information on Indoor Air Quality in Homes and enlighten people about what they need to know about creating and maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment.
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