Reaching for a dehumidifier might be one of the less glamorous signs of adulthood, but for one writer, it became an essential weapon against winter damp and frustratingly slow laundry days. Eve Rowlands, a Senior Fashion & Beauty Writer, put the MeacoDry Arete One 6L Compact Dehumidifier / Air Purifier to the test in her home, with impressive results.
Combating Condensation and Mould Growth
The initial motivation was a familiar winter woe: mould. Despite living in a new-build property, Rowlands noticed specks of mould forming in her bathroom, exacerbated by hot showers and a less-powerful extractor fan. With the bathroom being an en-suite, the resulting humidity was also making her bedroom feel stuffy. This prompted her to invest in the £129.99 Meaco device, a two-in-one unit that also functions as an air purifier with an optional H13 HEPA filter.
Setting up the compact dehumidifier was straightforward. Rowlands found it sleek, portable thanks to a top handle, and noted the water tank was exceptionally easy to empty. On first use, the machine displayed a worrying humidity level in the high 60s, against an ideal target in the mid-50s. Using its auto mode to maintain 55% humidity, she ran the device daily.
Visible Results and Health Benefits
Over several weeks, the consistent use paid off. Humidity levels dropped to a consistent 50% and even into the 40s. Rowlands reported a secondary, welcome benefit: a reduction in long-term chest tightness and irritation, with the air feeling lighter. She also confirmed the device did not overly dry out the air, alleviating a concern raised by her husband.
Critically, the mould growth in the bathroom was halted. While the existing marks remained—a dehumidifier prevents growth but doesn't remove existing mould—no new spread occurred, a clear sign of success.
The Game-Changer: Smart Laundry Mode
One of the standout features tested was the dedicated Smart Laundry Mode, designed to dry washing faster and prevent musty smells. Rowlands put this to the test in her kitchen during a cold snap, where laundry would normally take 14 hours or more to dry.
The result was striking. After approximately 8.5 hours, a load of washing including denim was virtually dry, with only a slightly damp jeans waistband remaining. This effectively halved the usual drying time, a significant efficiency gain for winter laundry.
Considerations and Minor Drawbacks
The review wasn't without a critique. Rowlands found the machine's Night Mode disappointing, noting it only turned off the display lights and did not reduce operational noise. This meant she had to switch the unit off completely to sleep, as the sound, while akin to white noise, was still disruptive.
Overall, however, her verdict was overwhelmingly positive. The MeacoDry Arete One successfully reduced ambient humidity, controlled mould, and dramatically sped up laundry drying. Rowlands concluded she now understands the hype surrounding these practical home gadgets.
The article also referenced alternative dehumidifier recommendations from colleagues, including the Russell Hobbs 10L dehumidifier (£129 at Dunelm) and the NETTA 500ml Dehumidifier, highlighting their effectiveness against condensation and damp in different living situations.
