Dehumidifiers for Bathrooms
A bathroom dehumidifier helps when there is no exhaust fan or the fan cannot keep up, but ventilation comes first. HVI, the ventilation industry group, suggests at least 1 CFM of exhaust per square foot of floor for standard bathrooms, run during showers and for about 20 minutes after.
Choosing a bathroom dehumidifier
- Capacity: a compact compressor unit removes far more water than a thermoelectric mini after a hot shower.
- Electrical safety: plug into a GFCI-protected outlet and keep the unit away from the tub, shower and sink.
- Auto shut-off and humidistat: useful in small spaces.
- Run after showers: let it run with the door closed, then open the door.
- Mold check: persistent mold on grout or ceilings signals a ventilation problem a small unit will not solve.
- Also consider: a smart humidity-sensing exhaust fan.
Compare other compact units in Small Dehumidifiers. For airborne spores in damp rooms, see Air Purifiers for Mold.
FAQs
Can a dehumidifier replace a bathroom exhaust fan?
Not fully. An exhaust fan removes moist air from the home, while a dehumidifier only condenses some of it, and many building codes require mechanical ventilation in bathrooms without an openable window. A dehumidifier is a helpful supplement in poorly ventilated bathrooms or for drying after showers.
Is it safe to put a dehumidifier in a bathroom?
It can be if the unit is plugged into a GFCI-protected outlet, kept well away from the tub, shower and sink, and placed on a stable, dry surface. Do not use extension cords in a wet room. Follow the manual's guidance on use in humid locations.
What size dehumidifier for a bathroom?
A typical bathroom of 40 to 100 sq ft only needs a small unit. A thermoelectric mini can handle light dampness in a small bathroom, but after daily hot showers a compact compressor model of about 20 pints dries the room much faster. A good exhaust fan matters more than size.