Quick answer Check your model at CPSC.gov/Recalls by brand and model number. Look for a burning smell, scorched cord or plug, a plug that is hot to the touch, or repeated breaker trips. Unplug immediately if any appear. Run the unit on a dedicated outlet, never on an extension cord, and never unattended in a closed space.

Dehumidifiers are in a small group of household appliances that have been recalled in the hundreds of thousands for fire and burn hazards. The typical fault is in the power cord, the plug or the compressor circuit.

That does not make dehumidifiers unsafe. It makes them an appliance worth checking, especially a second-hand one, and a category where a few operating habits materially reduce the risk.

On this page

  1. How to check for a recall
  2. The three real hazards
  3. Warning signs to act on
  4. Safe placement
  5. Safe power use
  6. Buying second-hand safely
  7. A monthly safety check
  8. The apartment angle
  9. FAQ

How to check for a recall

Recall checks take two minutes and are the single most effective safety step.

  1. Find the model and serial number. Usually on a label on the back or the base, and sometimes inside the tank compartment.
  2. Go to CPSC.gov/Recalls and search the brand and model number. The Consumer Product Safety Commission maintains the authoritative US recall list.
  3. Check the manufacturer's own recall page in addition, because some recalls are announced only there.
  4. Register the product when you buy new, so you are contacted directly if a recall happens later.
  5. If it is recalled, stop using it and follow the manufacturer's remedy — usually a refund or a replacement, not a repair.
Large dehumidifier recallsSeveral major brands have recalled hundreds of thousands of dehumidifiers for fire and burn hazards, typically involving the power cord and plug. Recalled units are usually remedied with a refund rather than a repair, and the recall can cover models sold a decade ago.
CheckWhereWhat you need
Model numberLabel on back or baseLetters and digits
Serial numberSame labelFor recall confirmation
Purchase dateReceipt or order emailSome recalls are date-limited
CPSC listingCPSC.gov/RecallsTwo minutes
What you need to check a recall

The three real hazards

The risks that appear in recall notices and incident reports fall into three groups.

  • Cord and plug overheating. The most common recall fault. The plug or the cord near the plug overheats, chars and can ignite. It is often caused by a poor connection at the outlet or by using an undersized extension cord.
  • Compressor circuit faults. A failing start component or a short in the compressor circuit can overheat the unit and, in the worst cases, ignite internal materials.
  • Water and electricity. A leaking tank, a blocked drain hose or a unit knocked over can put water where the electrics are. This is a shock risk rather than a fire risk, and it is entirely avoidable with placement and a leak alarm.

Notice that none of these are about the dehumidifier's normal operation. Each is a fault condition, and each has a warning sign you can look for.

Warning signs to act on

SignWhat it suggestsAction
Burning or hot-plastic smellCord, plug or internal overheatingUnplug immediately, do not reuse
Plug hot to the touchPoor connection, undersized cordUnplug; check outlet; replace if it recurs
Scorched or discoloured plugOverheating at the connectionUnplug and stop using the unit
Cord warm along its lengthCord damage or overloadUnplug; do not use an extension cord
Frequent breaker tripsElectrical fault or circuit overloadTry another circuit; if it persists, stop
Unit very hot on the casingRestricted airflow or compressor faultClear airflow; if it stays hot, stop
Buzzing that changes pitchCompressor or fan faultHave it checked or replace it
Dehumidifier warning signs
One sign is absoluteA burning smell or a scorched plug is never normal and never a cleaning problem. Unplug the unit, do not use it again, and check the model for a recall.

Safe placement

  1. On a hard, level, dry surface. Not on carpet, which blocks airflow and traps heat, and not on a surface that can tip.
  2. At least 12 inches of clearance on every side with an air intake or exhaust.
  3. Never in a closed cabinet or sealed closet. A powered unit needs air exchange or it overheats.
  4. Away from curtains, bedding and stored fabric, which can be drawn into the intake.
  5. Away from water sources. Not directly beside a shower, a bathtub or a sink.
  6. Somewhere you can see it. A unit running behind furniture gets neither cleaned nor noticed.

Safe power use

More dehumidifier incidents involve the power connection than the machine itself. The rules are short.

  • Plug directly into a wall outlet. Not into an extension cord, not into a power strip, not into an adapter.
  • Use a dedicated circuit where possible, or at least avoid sharing with a heater, a hair dryer or a microwave.
  • Never run the cord under a rug or across a doorway where it can be pinched or walked on.
  • Check the plug monthly for warmth, discolouration or a loose fit. A plug that wobbles in the outlet is a fire risk regardless of the appliance.
  • Unplug before cleaning or emptying, every time.
  • Do not use a damaged cord. A cord repair on a dehumidifier is not a DIY job; replace the unit or the cord assembly.
A GFCI outlet adds a layerRunning a dehumidifier from a GFCI-protected outlet in a bathroom, laundry or basement adds shock protection. If the outlet is not GFCI, a plug-in GFCI adapter costs a few dollars.

Buying second-hand safely

A cheap second-hand dehumidifier is a reasonable buy, with three checks.

  1. Check the model for a recall before you pay. A recalled unit is worth nothing — in some programmes the remedy is a refund to the original purchaser, not a repair.
  2. Inspect the cord and plug closely. Look for any discolouration, a stiff or cracked cord, or a plug that has been replaced.
  3. Ask how it was stored. A unit stored on its side or in a damp garage is more likely to have a compressor or corrosion problem.
  4. Run it before you buy. Listen for a compressor that starts with a struggle or a fan that scrapes.
  5. Check the tank and the drain port for cracks and missing caps. Missing drain fittings are hard to source later.

A monthly safety check

  1. Look at the plug for warmth, discolouration or a loose fit.
  2. Run a hand along the cord for stiffness, cracks or warm spots.
  3. Confirm the unit is on a hard surface with clearance on all sides.
  4. Check the tank and drain hose for leaks.
  5. Vacuum the intake filter so the compressor is not working harder than it should.
  6. Listen for a change in the sound — a new rattle or a struggling start.
  7. Confirm the unit is not somewhere it can be knocked over or splashed.

The apartment angle

Renters carry extra risk because the building is not theirs, the wiring may be old, and a fire affects neighbours.

  • Old wiring. Loose outlets and undersized circuits are more common in older buildings. If a plug is warm in a particular outlet, stop using that outlet and report it.
  • Shared circuits. A dehumidifier shared with a neighbour's load on the same circuit is more likely to trip or overheat. Run it when other heavy appliances are off.
  • Never leave it unattended in a sealed space. A closet, a cupboard or a closed room with no airflow is the highest-risk placement.
  • Renters' insurance. Check what your policy covers, and tell the insurer if you run a dehumidifier continuously. It is inexpensive and it covers the neighbour's property too.
  • Report building faults. Repeated breaker trips on one circuit with nothing unusual plugged in is a maintenance issue, not a tenant problem.
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Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my dehumidifier is recalled?
Find the model and serial number on the label on the back or base, then search CPSC.gov/Recalls and the manufacturer's recall page. Registering a new unit means you are contacted directly if a recall is announced later.
Are dehumidifiers a fire risk?
They can be. Several large recalls have covered dehumidifiers for fire and burn hazards, usually involving the power cord or plug. The risk is low in normal operation but rises with a damaged cord, an overloaded circuit or blocked airflow.
Is it safe to leave a dehumidifier running overnight?
It is generally safe if the unit is on a hard surface, plugged directly into a wall outlet, has clearance around it, and has auto shut-off. Do not leave one running unattended in a sealed closet or on an extension cord.
Can I use an extension cord with a dehumidifier?
No. Dehumidifiers should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. An extension cord or power strip can overheat at the connection, which is the most common fault in dehumidifier fire incidents.
What should I do if my dehumidifier smells like burning?
Unplug it immediately and do not use it again. A burning smell is never a cleaning problem. Check the model for a recall and contact the manufacturer or retailer.
Bottom line Check the model for a recall, run it on a hard surface on a dedicated outlet with clearance, and treat a burning smell or a scorched plug as an immediate stop. A properly placed dehumidifier is a low-risk appliance; the incidents cluster around cords, blocked airflow and sealed spaces.
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Apartment Air Fix Editorial Team

We test and write about the appliances that break in apartments. Our recommendations are based on hands-on use, manufacturer specs and verified owner reviews — never on commission rates.

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