Can a stronger dehumidifier help with mustiness?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy rains we had last month, I noticed a musty smell lingering in my children's bedroom. It’s particularly noticeable when they sleep at night, and it’s making them cough more frequently. The dehumidifier I have is struggling to keep up with the humidity levels, even though I run it almost 24/7. Is there anything else I can do besides changing the settings or maybe getting a stronger unit?
Posted by Deepak Shah
Asked on February 4, 2026 7:07 am
Yes, a stronger dehumidifier can definitely help alleviate the mustiness issue. In Dubai and UAE generally, humidity levels can fluctuate significantly due to weather conditions like heavy rains or seasonal changes. A stronger unit might be more capable of handling these high humidity loads, especially during rainy seasons.

Firstly, ensure your current dehumidifier is running at its maximum capacity. Some models offer settings for different environments – such as 'normal', 'mold prevention', and 'strong' modes. Increasing the fan speed or opting for a higher setting might help it extract more moisture from the air. However, this approach alone might not be sufficient if you're dealing with high humidity levels.

For your specific case, considering that the mustiness is persisting even after running the dehumidifier 24/7, it's likely that the indoor relative humidity (RH) level has exceeded what a standard unit can handle. In Dubai, during rainy seasons or when there’s been heavy precipitation, RH levels can spike to around 80% or higher in poorly ventilated areas.

In such cases, augmenting your current dehumidifier might be necessary. Look for units with higher BTU ratings (British Thermal Units) which are more effective at reducing humidity. Models that can handle high humidity levels, often rated above 70%, would be suitable for your situation.

Another practical step is to ensure proper ventilation in the bedroom. Open windows during dry periods or use exhaust fans to help expel humid air and introduce drier outdoor air. Using a whole-house dehumidifier might also be an option if you’re dealing with high humidity across multiple rooms.

Regularly inspect for signs of mold growth on walls, ceilings, and under carpets; mold can exacerbate mustiness and respiratory issues in children. In serious cases, professional inspection and remediation may be necessary to identify hidden sources of moisture or mold colonies that dehumidifiers might not address.

Remember, maintaining a relative humidity level below 60% is ideal for preventing mustiness and mold growth according to UAE building codes and standards (UAE-AS1205).

Given the severity of your situation, it would be wise to contact a professional service. If you need assistance, feel free to call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com for a thorough inspection and tailored advice.

Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 7, 2026 5:17 am