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Nobody likes allergies. (Even more so, the word “moist” is a big no-no.)

Investing in a good dehumidifier is a great way to reduce excess moisture in your space, especially if you’re prone to allergies. Plus, the small appliance is typically low-maintenance to empty, especially if your dehumidifier has a water basin.

But here’s the catch-22: what’s the difference between a dehumidifier and a humidifier?

“A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, as opposed to a humidifier which adds it,” Dr. Steven Cole, a private practitioner at Park Lane Allergy & Asthma Center and Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, told the New York Post. “People who are allergic to dust mites, mold, or cockroaches benefit from a dehumidifier since those allergens increase in damp environments.”

Speaking of damp environments, Dr. Cole adds that dehumidifiers work best in “any place that is damp, prone to flooding or water damage or has a mildew or musty smell.” The humidity-sucking devices are commonly stored in basements but are recommended in bedrooms, too, per Dr. Cole’s advice.

“Bedrooms are where we spend a large amount of time in our home, and that is the primary source of dust mites in the home, too,” he said.

To maintain the freshness of your home all year round — not just during springtime allergy season — shop the best dehumidifiers below. To help guide your decision, we provided specifications for each model.

From portable options to dehumidifiers for large spaces, there’s one for every preference and living space.

Midea makes some of the best home products, and this dehumidifier removes up to 22 pints of moisture per day, according to the brand. The water tank is easy to empty manually, but you can also attach a hose to it if this is going to be a consistent product in your daily routine. The 360-degree wheels also make it easy to lug around the apartment, while the companion smart home app allows it to be operated from anywhere in the house.

Amazon shoppers love it for how efficient it is. “I’ve run this thing for weeks, and despite the space heater vibes, I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” one customer shared. “My windows no longer fog. My sheets no longer feel like they’ve been slow-cooked. My plants are confused, but I’m thriving.”

Dimensions: 8.27 x 5.71 x 13.78 inches | Coverage: 1,000 square feet | Capacity: 22 pints, or 2.75 gallons, of moisture removed per day

Hisense makes an excellent energy-efficient option, and this portable dehumidifier has a built-in pump, making it easier to connect to a hose so all the water is disposed of outside your home (never inside). There are three fan speeds available, and the brand also says that this pick can function in low temperatures without giving out. There are three modes, too, including an auto mode, which means this dehumidifier will automatically adjust to your space to function as needed.

Dimensions: 10.7 x 15.1 x 24.8 inches | Capacity: 50 pints (6.25 gallons) | Coverage: Up to 4,500 square feet

Perfect for small spaces, this Eva-Dry Dehumidifier is cordless, portable and spill-free. Impressively, it lasts 20 to 30 days before the silica gel beads have to be recharged. Oh, and did we mention you hang it up on your wall to save space in your room?

Dimensions: 9 x 8.3 x 2.9 inches

With more than 40,000 positive Amazon reviews, there’s no surprise HomeLabs’ Energy Star Dehumidifier made the cut. Choose from different sizes (from 1,500 square feet to 4,500 square feet) and enjoy its sleek look, built-in Turbo mode to tackle humidity, and included wheels and handles.

Dimensions: 11.1 x 15.4 x 24.3 inches | Capacity: 15.4 pints (1.6 gallons)

With a large 95-ounce tank, this larger dehumidifier option works well for bigger spaces — up to 1,000 square feet. It’s also super aesthetic, thanks to the ambient light options, which can be modified to your liking. Since it comes with a sleep mode, you also know this dehumidifier will be on the quieter side, come nighttime. It’s 30 decibels, which is equivalent to the sound of a soft whisper. And since it has an auto-shutoff feature, you also don’t have to worry about your device running overtime.

Shoppers love this dehumidifier for its built-in ambient light and super-quiet noise levels. “Works great! It quickly reduces humidity and you can notice the difference fast. It’s quiet, easy to use, and doesn’t take up much space. Definitely worth it!” says one shopper.

Dimensions: 8.27 x 5.71 x 13.78 inches | Coverage: 1,000 square feet | Capacity: 95-ounce tank capacity (0.74 gallons)

This mini option is what you’ll want to place on your desk or bedside table. It has a much smaller capacity, which means it’s also one of the most affordable options on this list. It has auto-shutoff features and functions at 28 decibels, according to the brand, also making this one of the quietest picks on our list. It’s got a built-in handle, too, for easy transport.

With over 16,000 Amazon reviews, this is a very popular option, and shoppers love it for its size and effectiveness. “I live in a humid city and have four of these humidifiers to prevent mold/mildew from growing in my apartment. I love the small size because I can fit them in the smaller rooms in my apartment,” says one shopper.

Dimensions: 5.91 x 5.91 x 10.11 inches | Capacity: 35 ounces (0.27 gallons) | Coverage: up to 250 square feet

With a washable filter, a built-in carry handle and an easy-to-clean design, Frigidaire’s dehumidifier makes a great pick for those looking for a dependable option. You can empty the water bucket yourself or connect it so it drains automatically. Like the other options on our list, there are also auto-shutoff features, and if for some reason you need a larger dehumidifier, Frigidaire offers options up to 60-pint capacity (7.5 gallons).

Dimensions: 12.19 x 24.25 x 24.25 inches | Capacity: 35 pints (4.38 gallons) | Coverage: up to 3,000 square feet

The EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) says indoor humidity levels should stay below 60% or between 30% and 50%, when possible. Anything higher might trigger mold growth, according to the CDC. “Keeping humidity in this range can also support overall respiratory comfort and healthier indoor air quality,” says Dr. Payam Hakimi, board-certified family physician and medical spokesperson for Boiron USA.

Since it lowers humidity, it will help allergies and symptoms triggered by dampness, mold and mildew. It’s not a medical treatment, though, so consult a physician or allergist if you’re suffering from persistent coughing or congestion.

Yes, usually. “Modern dehumidifiers are designed for safe overnight use and can help create a more comfortable sleeping environment by reducing excess moisture and airborne allergens,” says Hakimi.

You’ll want to monitor the humidity levels, though, and if you’re waking up with a dry throat or itchy eyes, the humidity may be dipping too low for you.

Empty and rinse the water tank regularly, especially if this is a device you use daily. “A poorly maintained dehumidifier can accumulate mold, bacteria, and dust, which may then be circulated back into the air,” says Hakimi. As a rule, empty the appliance when it fills up if you don’t have a hose connected to it. If you notice a musty smell coming from the tank, that’s another reminder to clean it.

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