My Oceanfront Apartment Was Covered in Mildew — Until I Tried This

Here’s something no one tells you about living near the ocean: Life isn’t always a beach. Sure, the views are stunning and the breeze is constant, but that breeze carries one invisible problem — moisture.

For two years, I battled mildew around my 700-square-foot home. It appeared on mirrors, walls, and even clothes in my closet. I tried silica packets, fans, and moisture absorbers, but nothing worked for long. Then my brother suggested something that finally did: a dehumidifier, which works by removing moisture from the air. I purchased the HOGARLABS 50 Pint Smart Dehumidifier and never looked back.

The HOGARLABS 50 Pint Smart Dehumidifier is made for large homes and basements, ideally 350 square feet of space, and removes up to 50 pints of moisture. It measures 20.63 inches tall, 14.42 inches wide, and 10.73 inches deep and currently retails for $199.99 on Amazon, which is comparable with other 50-pint dehumidifiers on the market that range from $130 to over $250.

It runs quietly (about as loud as a white-noise machine) and shuts off automatically when full (the green light turns blue). I empty the tank twice a day, though it also comes with a hose for continuous drainage. It has three modes, easy-to-clean parts, and wheels that make moving it from room to room a breeze.

Before this, I thought dehumidifiers were only for dark, damp basements. Now I can’t imagine living without one. I haven’t needed to clean any noticeable mildew in about a month, the air feels lighter, and my clothes and furniture stay fresh. If I could go back, I might have bought a slightly larger model to cover even more space, but this one more than handles my living area, bedroom, and bathroom. 

If you live in a humid climate or just want to protect your home from moisture, a humidifier makes a big difference. Ever since I got my dehumidifier, life by the beach has been a lot easier.

Buy: HOGARLABS 50 Pint Smart Dehumidifier, $199.99