Experts at Which? have urged people to be mindful when using dehumidifiers this winter (Image: Getty)
in our homes can become a prominent issue throughout the winter months, so we often turn to cheap and -efficient hacks to stop the problem from spreading.
A popular to help reduce moisture around the house is a dehumidifier.
Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air by passing it over a cold surface that condenses the water vapour.
Water then is collected in a tray at the bottom of the machine, which should then be thrown away after use.
However, you may not have realised but you could be making some simple mistakes which could be reducing a dehumidifier’s efficiency.
Place the dehumidifier in the middle of the room, away from walls and furniture (Image: Getty)
The experts at Which? shared some of the most common issues people face and how you can avoid them.
In a recent post, Which? Explained that you should never place a dehumidifier near a wall.
It said: “Never run the dehumidifier up against a wall or furniture. Most models should be placed in the centre of the room so the air circulates evenly, at least 20cm away from walls or furniture.
“Also make sure it’s not placed near any heat sources or vents as this can affect its performance.”
Secondly, you should always check the appliance’s filter to avoid it becoming clogged.
According to Which?, manufacturers recommend cleaning the filter every two weeks or once a month.
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The experts suggested either giving the filter a vacuum with the brush attachment, or give it a wash.
Just make sure to check the instructions for what is safe for cleaning.
Lastly, if you’re air drying clothes around your house and using a dehumidifier to soak up excess moisture, you need to make sure you’re doing it safely.
Which? warned to never hang your clothes over the appliance.
Wet clothes dripping over a dehumidifier could pose a potential fire hazard.
The experts said: “Make sure the dehumidifier is far enough away from the laundry and position it so the air coming out of it is directed towards the clothes.”