Quick Answer

The filter on most dehumidifiers is a thin plastic mesh that sits behind a removable grille on the back of the unit, or inside the water tank compartment. Pull the tank out, then slide the filter up and out. Rinse it under warm water every 2 to 4 weeks, let it air dry completely, and reinstall it. A clean filter is the most common fix for a dehumidifier that is running but not collecting much water, and it prevents most E1 and E5 error codes that come from a clogged coil.

Before You Start

A few setup and safety checks will make the job easier and protect the unit from a short or a false sensor reading:

  • Unplug the dehumidifier before opening any panel or removing the tank.
  • Move the unit away from the wall so you can reach the back grille.
  • Have a soft brush, a vacuum with a brush attachment, and a few dry towels nearby.
  • If the filter is visibly moldy, wear a basic dust mask and gloves. Mold spores can irritate lungs.
  • Do not run the unit with the filter removed. Dust will coat the coil and reduce performance.
  • If the unit is still under warranty, check the manual before using any cleaning product on the filter.

Common Filter Locations by Brand

Most dehumidifier filters live in one of three places. The list below covers the brands we see most often.

BrandFilter LocationFilter TypeTank Removal Required
HisenseBack grille, behind a plastic coverWashable plastic meshNo
FrigidaireInside the tank compartmentWashable plastic meshYes
GEBack grille, behind a plastic coverWashable plastic meshNo
ToshibaBack grille, behind a plastic coverWashable plastic meshNo
DelonghiBack grille, behind a plastic coverWashable plastic meshNo
MideaInside the tank compartmentWashable plastic meshYes
HoneywellBack grille, behind a plastic coverWashable plastic meshNo
LGInside the tank compartmentWashable plastic meshYes

If your brand is not listed, pull the tank out first and look for a slot on the inside wall of the tank compartment. If nothing is visible there, check the back of the unit for a removable plastic cover. The filter almost always lives in one of those two places.

Common Causes of a Dirty Filter

A filter that goes uncleaned for a few weeks can build up enough dust to choke the airflow over the evaporator coil. The most common causes of a fast-clogging filter are:

CauseLikelihoodWhat to Check
Pet hair and lint in the roomHighVacuum the room before and after cleaning the filter
Recent construction or renovation dustHighRun a separate air purifier while construction is active
Open windows in a high-pollen seasonHighClose windows during heavy pollen days, clean filter more often
Storage in an unventilated areaMediumDust the filter before first use after long storage
Heavy-use season without weekly cleaningMediumSet a calendar reminder every 2 weeks during summer
Mold growth on a damp filterLowLet the filter dry fully after every cleaning, replace if it stays damp

Step-by-Step Filter Cleaning

Step 1: Power Off and Unplug

Always start with the unit unplugged. The filter area is right next to the evaporator coil and the wiring that runs to it.

  1. Press the power button on the control panel to turn the unit off.
  2. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
  3. Wait at least 30 seconds before opening anything.

Step 2: Locate and Remove the Filter

The exact procedure depends on where the filter lives on your model. Use the brand table above to find the location.

  1. If the filter is behind the back grille, gently pull the grille cover off. Most covers clip in place with a few plastic tabs.
  2. If the filter is inside the tank compartment, slide the water tank out first and set it aside.
  3. Slide the filter up and out of its slot. The filter should come out without tools.
  4. Note the orientation. The filter usually has an arrow or a “this side out” mark. You will want to reinstall it the same way.

Step 3: Remove Loose Dust First

A quick pass with a vacuum or a soft brush removes most of the loose dust before you rinse. This keeps the dust out of the drain path and the tank.

  1. Take the filter to a trash can or outside.
  2. Tap the filter gently against the side of the trash can to dislodge loose dust.
  3. Run a vacuum with a brush attachment over both sides of the filter.
  4. Use a soft brush to loosen any clumps that the vacuum did not pick up.

Step 4: Wash the Filter

The filter on most dehumidifiers is a washable plastic mesh. Warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap are enough for routine cleaning.

  1. Hold the filter under warm running water. Do not use hot water, which can warp the plastic frame.
  2. If the filter is heavily soiled, fill a basin with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
  3. Submerge the filter for 5 to 10 minutes, then gently agitate it with your fingers.
  4. Rinse the filter under running water until the water runs clear and no soap residue remains.
  5. Do not use harsh detergents, bleach, or abrasive cleaners. They can damage the mesh and leave residue that affects airflow.
  6. Shake off the excess water gently.

Step 5: Dry the Filter Completely

A wet filter reduces airflow the same way a dirty filter does. The filter must be fully dry before you reinstall it.

  1. Lay the filter on a clean dry towel and let it air dry for at least 30 minutes.
  2. If the room is humid, point a fan at the filter or move it to a dry area.
  3. Do not reinstall a damp filter. Running the unit with a damp filter can cause the evaporator coil to ice up, which triggers E1 or E5 codes.
  4. While the filter is drying, use the time to clean the inside of the grille opening with a soft brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment.

Step 6: Reinstall the Filter

  1. Slide the filter back into its slot in the same orientation it came out.
  2. Confirm the filter is fully seated and the edges are flush with the slot.
  3. Refit the grille cover or slide the water tank back into place.
  4. Plug the unit back in and power it on.
  5. Run the unit for 30 minutes in Continuous mode and confirm the tank is collecting water at the expected rate.

Why a Dirty Filter Stops the Dehumidifier From Collecting Water

A dehumidifier pulls warm humid air across a cold evaporator coil. The moisture in the air condenses on the coil and drips into the tank. The dry air is then reheated and pushed back into the room. A clean filter is essential to this process because:

  • The filter protects the coil from dust. A clogged filter lets dust coat the coil, which insulates the cold surface and reduces condensation. The unit runs longer but collects less water.
  • The filter protects the sensors. Most dehumidifiers have a temperature or humidity sensor near the coil. A clogged filter changes the air temperature the sensor reads, which can trigger E1 or E5 codes.
  • The filter keeps the fan efficient. A clogged filter makes the fan work harder for less airflow. The compressor may cycle off early to protect itself, which also reduces moisture removal.

A clean filter restores airflow, keeps the coil cold, and lets the sensors read correctly. In most cases, it is the single highest-ROI maintenance task on a dehumidifier.

How Often to Clean the Filter

The right interval depends on the room and the unit, but the table below is a reasonable starting point.

EnvironmentRecommended Cleaning Interval
Pet-friendly home, dusty areaEvery 1 to 2 weeks
Heavy-use season (summer)Every 2 to 4 weeks
Normal use, average homeEvery 4 to 6 weeks
Light use, low-dust roomEvery 6 to 8 weeks
Storage between seasonsClean before first use after storage

A quick visual check is more reliable than a fixed schedule. If the filter looks gray or you cannot see through it when held up to a light, clean it.

When the Filter Is Not the Problem

A clean filter does not always restore full performance. Move on to deeper troubleshooting if any of the following is true after a filter cleaning:

  • The unit still shows E1, E5, or a similar code after a clean filter and a power cycle.
  • The compressor runs but the coil is not cold to the touch.
  • The room humidity is below 40 percent and the tank is collecting very little water (the unit may simply be sized correctly for the room).
  • The room temperature is below 65 F (18 C). Most dehumidifiers lose efficiency below this threshold.
  • The tank is full but the unit does not shut off, or the unit shows a full-tank code with an empty tank.

For these cases, see our related guide on dehumidifiers that run but do not collect water.

When to Call a Technician

Stop DIY work and contact the manufacturer or a qualified service technician if any of the following is true:

  • The unit trips the breaker as soon as it restarts after a filter cleaning.
  • You hear a hissing or bubbling sound anywhere in the cabinet, which can indicate a refrigerant leak.
  • The compressor is running but the coil is not cold at all.
  • The unit shows an E1 or E5 code immediately after a clean filter and a power cycle.
  • You see ice forming on the coil repeatedly even after the filter is clean and the room is warm.
  • The unit is still under warranty. Opening the housing can void coverage on most brands.

If the unit is out of warranty and you have ruled out the filter, the room temperature, and the tank, the most likely remaining cause is a faulty humidity sensor, a clogged drain line, or a low-refrigerant condition. All three are parts-level repairs that need a qualified technician.