Does Your Bathroom Need a Dehumidifier? Find the Best Dehumidifier for Bathroom Use.

The construction of a bathroom is an intricate yet fascinating task. Due to daily showering and bathing activities, most people create a lot of humidity in their bathrooms. If left unchecked, such water could result in several things, from the growth of mildew and moulds to foul smells and damage to your fittings. You are among many others if you’ve ever considered whether you require a dehumidifier in your bathroom. This post will show you when your bathroom might need a dehumidifier, the advantages of having a dehumidifier, and the best dehumidifier for bathroom use.

Humidity is undesirable, though it is a normal state in most bathrooms. A specific humidity level is expected in bathrooms, especially after a long soak. Still, excessive moisture gives way to an unhealthy environment, which can be dangerous. Below are several problems associated with high humidity levels:

• Mould Growth: Like bacteria, mould requires a moist environment to develop. A bathroom with high humidity has wet areas, and mould readily grows on walls, ceilings, and towels.
• Mildew: Like penetrative fungi, mildew is a fungus that grows on surfaces, stains, and smells. It is often found on shower curtains, blocks, grout, and sanitary fittings.
• Structural Damage: High humidity also affects fixtures made of wood, paint, wallpapers, etc. and may lead to expensive repairs with time.
• Unpleasant Odours: A damp bathroom may also acquire stale smells that may be difficult to eliminate, making the room unwelcoming.

How do you tell that your bathroom needs a dehumidifier?

1. Continued moisture.
If you have noticed that your bathroom is moist even after you ventilate it, such a notion could logically direct you to buy a dehumidifier. Signs include:

• Wet walls or wet ceilings: These bathroom areas have excess moisture because they are covered by wet surfaces even after sufficient air has been provided.
• Condensation in mirrors or on windows: A substantial amount of moisture leads to constant condensation.

2. Presence of mould or mildew.

If you spot mildew or mould on walls or other surfaces in your bathroom while cleaning surfaces and locations, this will always be the case no matter how hard you clean if you do nothing to control the moisture.

3. Foul odours.

A foul smell from the bathroom is mainly due to mould or mildew. If the odour persists without any visible source even after ventilation and you still can smell an ammonia-like odour, which is usually common in bathrooms, this could be due to excess moisture.

4. Fogged mirrors begin to be quite common.

If your mirror gets fogged up immediately after coming out of the shower and remains hazy for an extended period, there might be high humidity levels. A dehumidifier can deal with excessive moisture.

5. Allergies.

Excessive humidity can also cause allergies, especially for those vulnerable to mould and dust mites. If you or a family member is experiencing elevated allergy levels, examining the moisture in the bathroom may be helpful.

Advantages of using a bathroom dehumidifier.

1. Less mould and mildew.

The most beneficial reason for using a dehumidifier is that it lowers the relative humidity, making it hard for mould and mildew to grow. This may help keep the bathroom hygienic.

2. Improved air quality.

Other benefits of using a dehumidifier include improving air quality in the room by reducing moisture content. This is especially important if one has respiratory problems or allergies.

3. No minor or major damages to structural components.

Minimising moisture can also help protect surfaces or fixtures in your bathroom from damage. This may also help cut costs that would have gone to repairs and maintenance in the future.

4. Increases comfort.

A cooler and less humid bathroom is always more comfortable to use. The air becomes cleaner and more welcoming, making the bathroom a nice room. 

How do I choose the best dehumidifier for household bathrooms?
When on the quest to look for the ideal dehumidifier for bathroom household usage, below are some of the factors to be evaluated: 

1. Size and capacity. 
The capacity of the dehumidifier you choose must match the size of your bathroom. A smaller bathroom is generally likely to have less capacity, so look for a dehumidifier that effectively contains the square footage of the area where you will use it.

2. Desiccant vs. refrigerator.
The available dehumidifiers can be classified into two broad categories:

• Desiccant Dehumidifiers: This dehumidifier uses a medium that absorbs high moisture content but has a low environmental impact. It performs best in small and colder rooms, which is why it is very suitable for bathrooms. 
• Refrigerant Dehumidifiers: These are used as the air circulated is chilled to remove humidity present in the air. Their limitations include that they would be bulky in smaller sizes with smaller spacings.

3. Noise levels.
If your bathroom is small and you do not want any disturbances after buying the dehumidifier, consider the noise level of the device. Choose a model that can work without much noise, which helps restore normalcy.

4. Drainage options.
An additional feature of some dehumidifiers is a built-in pump or continuous drainage. A drainage option allows the collected water to be drained directly into a sink or drain. It saves you the trouble of having to do it by emptying the tank regularly.

5. Energy efficiency.
To limit energy consumption, it is essential to choose energy-star-rated models. Dehumidifiers marketed with the Energy Star Label are energy efficient, as they meet the required levels of energy efficiency.

6. Portability.
If you want to use the dehumidifier in different places, wheeled portable ones or ones that are particularly simple and light in weight are good options. This can also be useful when the need to relocate the device arises.

Tips for using a dehumidifier in your bathroom:

• Positioning: Your dehumidifier must be placed so that there is proper air circulation around it. Do not place it near corners or behind movable furniture.
• Regular Maintenance: Cleaning your dehumidifier regularly involves emptying the water tank and cleaning the filter, as indicated in the manufacturer’s manual. This enhances functionality at all times.
• Monitor Humidity Levels: A hygrometer that measures the humidity or moisture in the air may be a good option, especially if you have humidity challenges in the bathroom. This will guide you on when to run the dehumidifier and how well it works.
• With a Proper Ventilation System: A dehumidifier is excellent when used alone. It is even more productive when used with the appropriate ventilation (such as the exhaust type).

To summarise, purchasing an efficient bathroom dehumidifier is the solution if excessive humidity is a persistent issue in your bathroom. It can help stop the occurrence of mould and mildew, as well as improve the quality of air and the level of comfort within the space. Once you understand the signs that your bathroom should have this indispensable accessory and how to buy the most efficient bathroom dehumidifier, you can make your washroom a more disease-free and pleasant area. 

With all the information we shared, you're already equipped to find the right dehumidifier. Make the choice, and your bathroom will thank you.