LGR85L Low Grain Water Restoration Dehumidifier for Mold

Data of LGR85L Efficient Dehumidifier for Mold

Will an LGR Dehumidifier Help Remove Smelly Odor After Water Damage?

Yes, an LGR (Low Grain Refrigerant) dehumidifier can help reduce unpleasant odors after water damage, but it does not directly eliminate odors by itself. Its main function is to remove excess moisture and accelerate drying, which addresses one of the primary causes of musty smells after floods, leaks, and water intrusion.

After water damage, odors usually come from high moisture levels, microbial growth, wet building materials, and trapped contaminants. When materials such as drywall, carpet, wood, insulation, and furniture remain damp, bacteria and mold can grow and release unpleasant musty odors. An LGR dehumidifier helps by creating a dry environment that slows microbial activity and prevents moisture-related odors from becoming worse.

How LGR Dehumidifiers Help Reduce Water Damage Odors

1. Removing Moisture That Causes Musty Smells

Moisture is the biggest contributor to post-water-damage odors. LGR dehumidifiers pull humid air from the affected area, remove water vapor through condensation, and return drier air into the space.

By lowering relative humidity—often to below 40–50% during restoration—the unit helps:

Reduce conditions that support mold and bacteria growth.

Dry wet materials faster.

Prevent odors from becoming stronger.

2. Accelerating Drying of Wet Materials

Many odors come from moisture trapped inside porous materials. A surface may feel dry while moisture remains inside drywall, flooring, or wooden structures.

An LGR dehumidifier works together with air movers to create a continuous drying cycle:

Wet materials release moisture → Air movers circulate humid air → LGR dehumidifier removes moisture → Dry air returns to the room

This process helps remove the moisture source responsible for many musty smells.

3. Helping Prevent Mold-Related Odors

If water damage is not dried quickly, mold growth can produce persistent earthy or musty odors. LGR dehumidifiers do not kill mold or remove existing contamination, but they help prevent further growth by maintaining low humidity conditions.

What an LGR Dehumidifier Cannot Remove

An LGR unit will not completely remove odors caused by:

Existing mold contamination.

Sewage or contaminated water damage.

Permanently damaged carpets, insulation, or drywall.

Bacteria or organic materials left behind after flooding.

Smoke or chemical odors.

In these situations, additional restoration steps may be required, such as:

Removing heavily damaged materials.

Cleaning and disinfecting affected areas.

Using odor-neutralizing treatments or air scrubbers.

Performing professional mold remediation if necessary.

Best Practices for Removing Odors After Water Damage

For the best results:

Stop the source of water intrusion immediately.

Remove standing water and saturated materials.

Run an LGR dehumidifier continuously during the drying process.

Use air movers to improve evaporation.

Monitor moisture levels until materials are completely dry.

Clean or replace materials that continue to produce odors.

An LGR dehumidifier can significantly help remove smelly odors after water damage by eliminating excess moisture and speeding up structural drying. However, it does not act as an air freshener or odor remover. The most effective odor control strategy is to remove the moisture source, dry the structure quickly, and address any contaminated or damaged materials that continue to produce odors.

Features of LGR85L Water Restoration Dehumidifier