However, to help give an overview, here are some key facts it's useful to know before searching for the best dehumidifier for the task in hand. What are the main types of dehumidifier?

LOW ENERGY CONSUMPTION: This Energy Efficient 20L/Day Dehumidifier by Pro Breeze uses an ultra-efficient compressor, a 24-Hour on/off timer and an energy saving auto shut-off system - helping you to reduce power consumption and energy bills. Dehumidifiers do not kill mould, but they help make it inert and stop it from spreading (the spores love humid air!). You need a dehumidifier to treat the underlying cause and a good mould killer to eliminate it completely. Here’s our guide to the best mould removers so you can clean it off any surface and stop it from regrowing. How do dehumidifiers work? Because we understand how important the views of real people are, we always seek recommendations from the Mumsnet forums to ensure the information we give you is based on unbiased, trusted opinions from those who have bought the products themselves. Expert opinions If you’re looking for a small dehumidifier, then the Russell Hobbs RHDH1061G Portable Dehumidifier is about as compact as it gets, measuring just H22 x W14 x D14cm and weighing in at 0.9kg.If you want a dehumidifier of a similar power and price point, the slightly more expensive ProBreeze 1500ml Mini Dehumidifier remains our best budget buy, offering a better extraction rate of 0.5L and a larger 1.5L water tank, which means you won’t be emptying it quite so frequently. That said, the ProBreeze 1500ml Mini Dehumidifier is also larger in size, measuring H30 x W22 x D16cm compared to the Russell Hobbs' H22 x W14 x D14cm frame. And, the ProBreeze 1500ml is twice the weight, weighing in at 1.85kg. smaller amounts of moisture, whereas medium and large devices carry a much larger capacity. Therefore, they might be more comfortable in larger and wetter areas. Humidity levels: Relative humidity (RH) should sit between 30 to 60%, and most models have a built-in humidistat to keep the room at your chosen level. Devices with an auto-setting monitor adjust the moisture levels in the room, which can save on electricity. LARGE CAPACITY: This dehumidifier can remove up to 20 litres of water a day and features a water tank capacity of 6.5 litres. When maximum capacity is reached, the tank will automatically shut off and the indicator light will flash which allows you to make full use of this product without having to worry.

And when you're not using it to dry clothes, they've also noticed it's helped transform a 3-bedroom house and (it seems) lots and lots of flats. To give you an idea of it's drying process, users report it helps dry king size bedding, 3 bath towels and 3 hand towels over night. litres – large capacity. A sensible choice if you have a lot of moisture that you need to get rid of fast. For example, clearing up after a flood or dealing with lots of water in the air through drying laundry indoors.

Why do I need a dehumidifier?

The only downside with this one is the placement of the digital control panel. You'll notice others on our list have their displays on the top. There's a reason for this... That depends on your humidity levels and what you’re trying to achieve. You don’t always have to leave your dehumidifier on, but you may want to if your damp problem is severe. Also, it can be cheaper to run them at night. As you would expect for this price point, it does come with a drainage hose. So you can "Set and forget" if you have a sink or drain for it to go into.

If you're wondering how to get rid of mould in a poorly ventilated room, or trying to combat excess moisture or humidity inside the home, then a dehumidifier can be a useful tool in your arsenal.

What's the best dehumidifier to buy?

Laura is also a freelance journalist and has written articles for publications including the Daily Mirror, the i, Metro, Stylist and Happiful magazine. Why you should trust us

Having it on the front means you have to squat down much further to see what it says and to adjust the settings.... Here is the other benefit of owning an energy-efficient dehumidifier. Not only will it save you money, but the environment will thank you. Many people are becoming increasingly concerned about the environment and climate change, rightly so. A dehumidifier is an electric appliance that removes moisture from the air to lower the humidity levels of an enclosed space. Thanks to this, the Silentnight 39899 dehumidifier has noise levels of just 25dBA, and as our reviewer says 'when I say it’s whisper quiet, I mean it. I couldn't hear this dehumidifier whilst it was running at all. That makes it perfect for anywhere you want to maintain peace and quiet' – like the bedroom. How easy it easy to empty the water tank is also another factor. You don't want one that's hard to take out and slops water everywhere when you're carrying it. Similarly, an auto shut-off feature will stop the tank from overflowing.Desiccant dehumidifiers extract water using an absorbent material to draw moisture from the air. Then an internal heater warms it so the moisture condenses and drips into the tank below. For example, too much moisture in the air can create the perfect breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria, while also causing dust mites, condensation, mold, and dampness - not to mention causing a number of health issues.