Dehumidifiers for Damp and Mould: Keep Your Home Dry This Winter

As temperatures drop and windows stay closed, many UK homes experience a familiar problem: damp patches, condensation on windows, and the musty smell of mould. Not only can this damage your property, it can also create an unhealthy living environment, with mould spores often linked to breathing difficulties and chest tightness.

The good news is that portable dehumidifiers and other domestic dehumidifiers offer a simple, effective way to tackle excess moisture before it becomes a bigger issue. By drawing in humid air and reducing condensation, they help protect your home, prevent mould growth, and create a healthier indoor climate throughout the winter months. Dry air also feels warmer and is easier to heat, meaning a dehumidifier can support both your comfort and your energy bills.

Why Damp and Mould Are a Growing Problem

Cold weather, poor ventilation, and everyday activities like cooking or drying clothes indoors all contribute to damp and mould. Condensation forms on cold surfaces such as windows and walls, while unheated rooms, leaks, or poor insulation make the issue worse.

Problem areas are often specific rooms: basements and cellars can trap moisture underground, while garages and lofts are vulnerable in winter because of poor insulation and limited airflow. Left unchecked, these conditions can quickly damage your home and create health risks, with mould spores often triggering asthma, allergies, and breathing difficulties.

It’s no surprise, then, that more people are turning to dehumidifiers. By removing excess moisture from the air, they help stop condensation before it becomes a problem. They also make homes easier — and cheaper — to heat, since dry air warms up more efficiently than damp air.

How Dehumidifiers Work

At their core, dehumidifiers are simple machines with an important job: removing excess moisture from the air. By drawing in humid air, extracting the water, and releasing cleaner, drier air back into the room, they help to stop condensation before it turns into damp or mould.

There are two main types of dehumidifier commonly used in UK homes:

• Compressor dehumidifiers (also known as refrigerant dehumidifiers): These use a cooled surface inside the unit to attract moisture, which then drips into a collection tank. They’re the most popular type of domestic dehumidifier, offering reliable performance and low running costs in average room temperatures.
• Desiccant dehumidifiers: Instead of cooling the air, these use a special material that absorbs moisture. A built-in heating element then dries the material so it can be reused. As a side effect, desiccant models release a little warmth back into the room, making them ideal for colder spaces such as conservatories, garages, or unheated rooms.
  
  

Beyond damp prevention, many modern units include laundry-dry settings. A laundry dehumidifier can speed up clothes drying indoors without the high running costs of a tumble dryer. By lowering humidity, dehumidifiers also make heating systems more efficient — dry air warms up faster and holds heat better than damp air.

Most modern units feature humidity controls, timers, and auto shut-off, making it easy to maintain a healthy indoor humidity of around 40–60%. This sweet spot prevents mould without leaving the air uncomfortably dry.

Choosing the Right Dehumidifier

With so many options available, the best dehumidifier for your home often depends on the size of the space, how severe the damp problem is, and where you plan to use it. Here are three popular choices from Climate Dry:

Igenix IG9851 Portable Home Dehumidifier

A powerful 50L/day unit designed for larger homes or tougher damp problems. Excellent for basements, open-plan areas, or persistent condensation.

• Digital humidistat with auto shut-off
• Laundry mode for fast clothes drying
• Large 6.5L tank with continuous drainage option
   Check product specs & pricing

Igenix IG9821 Portable Home Dehumidifier

A compact, quiet solution for smaller rooms like bedrooms, offices, or conservatories. Removes up to 20L/day while keeping energy use low.

• Touch control panel with LED display
• 24-hour timer and auto restart
• Lightweight design for easy portability
   See technical details & buy online

Brolin BR7DD Desiccant Dehumidifier

Designed for colder environments, this desiccant dehumidifier is perfect for conservatories, garages, and unheated rooms where refrigerant models are less effective. Compact and portable, it provides reliable moisture control all year round.

• Effective in low temperatures (down to 1°C)
• 7L/day extraction with continuous drainage option
• Lightweight design with easy-carry handle
   View full specs & order today

When choosing, think about capacity (litres per day), where you’ll place the unit, and features such as laundry mode, humidistat controls, and drainage options. Matching the dehumidifier to your space ensures you get the most effective and energy-efficient performance.

Not sure what size you need? Try our Drying Calculator to estimate the right capacity for your room or property.

Other Tips for Preventing Damp and Mould

While a dehumidifier is one of the most effective ways to control excess moisture, there are a few other simple steps that can help keep your home dry and healthy through the winter:

• Ventilate regularly: Open windows briefly after cooking, showering, or drying clothes to let humid air escape. A short burst of fresh air can significantly reduce condensation.
• Heat rooms evenly: Cold corners and unheated spaces are prime spots for damp. Keeping a steady background temperature helps prevent moisture settling on surfaces.
• Use extractor fans: In kitchens and bathrooms, make sure extractor fans are working properly to remove steam before it spreads.
• Check for leaks: Structural problems, cracked pipes, or blocked gutters can all contribute to damp. Fixing the source is essential for long-term prevention.
• Avoid drying clothes on radiators: This adds a lot of moisture to the air. Instead, combine air-drying with your dehumidifier’s laundry mode, or use a drying room dehumidifier for whole-room solutions.

Taken together, these habits work hand-in-hand with a dehumidifier to keep indoor air fresher, healthier, and easier to heat.

A Simple Solution for a Healthier Home

Damp and mould are more than just a nuisance — they can damage your property, increase heating costs, and affect your health. A reliable dehumidifier offers a simple, cost-effective way to stay in control, protecting your home and making it more comfortable throughout the winter.

At Climate Dry, we stock a wide range of solutions — from compact domestic dehumidifiers to robust industrial dehumidifiers and wall mounted dehumidifiers. Whether you’re protecting a small flat, drying out a basement, or managing moisture in a workshop, you’ll find expert advice, competitive prices, and rapid delivery.

Browse our full range of dehumidifiers and find the right solution for your home today.