Damp? Done – the Duux dehumidifier will keep mould at bay

Finding a genuinely good dehumidifier for mould should be easy. After all, tackling excess moisture is exactly what these appliances are designed to do. Yet it’s one of the questions I’m asked most often, and until recently, there wasn’t a model I could recommend without caveats. Having tested the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier, I can finally answer with complete confidence and give this quietly impressive brand the air time it deserves.

If you’ve explored more technical air-care brands, you may already have spotted Dutch manufacturer Duux steadily rising to the top of the industry. With over 20 years of expertise in air treatment, they’re exceptionally well placed to create some of the best dehumidifiers you can buy.

The Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier stands out thanks to its intelligent controls, ultra-efficient humidity regulation, and well-judged specialist modes. Sleek, innovative, and highly effective, it’s a model you can genuinely trust when mould is the problem you’re trying to solve.

Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier 20L review

Who would the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier 20L suit?

The Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier is a compressor model, which means that it uses a cold temperature inside the dehumidifier to create condensation, collecting moisture from the air. This means that the Duux is best suited to your main living spaces and any rooms that sit above 15°C, where it will be extra-powerful. That being said, I have been using this in my basement and, even with the cold weather we've been having, it's been collecting an impressive amount of moisture. This makes it a very attractive model if you're looking to combat mould or for a dehumidifier for your bathroom.

I like the sleek design of this too. Whilst it's not going to blend into your interior décor (unless white and boxy is what you're going for), but it's nevertheless attractive and subtle for a dehumidifier - just make sure you know where to put a dehumidifier for the best results. There is a quiet mode, which I recommend using, because this does make quite a lot of noise. Aside from that though, it's great.

As for the power and capacity, this is seriously impressive. Thanks to the 4L tank, it doesn't need emptying often, even when it's lifting a lot of moisture out of the air. There is even a continuous drainage option, which would make this perfect for setting and forgetting about.

Unboxing the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier 20L

This is a big and very heavy dehumidifier. The box, which does a wonderful job of keeping it scratch-free in transit, has some useful handles on the side, but if you're needing to go up and down stairs, make sure your muscles are ready.

I have tested dehumidifiers that come with completely recyclable packing (proof that it is possible), but the Duux does not. Whilst there are recyclable elements, there's a fair amount of soft plastic and polystyrene that will be harder to get rid of without some going into landfil. Obvioulsy, this is only a small part of the process for you, but I think it's worth taking note of.

Once you have the dehumidifier out of the packaging, you'l; see that there is a carbon air filter that needs to be fitted into the back. It's really simple and easy, and Duux sends instructions to help you too.

As it stands, the Duux Bora is ready to go as soon as you've added the air filter and plugs it in. However, it doesn't have smart in the name for fun. You can opt to pair it with your phone, downloading the app, finding the dehumidifier, and making an account. The only thing to note is that this can be somewhat temperamental when it comes to the initial set-up and finding your device. If you can, persist. It'll pay off. One of the biggest mistakes people make with their dehumidifiers is not making the most of all their features.

What is the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier 20L like to use?

There are lots of little touches that I love about the Duux Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifier. The carrying handle makes it easy to move around, as does the wheels. There's also a unique place to plug in a plug when this isn't being used and it's one of the most effective storage options I've come across. It's clear that this has been designed with users very much in mind.

Without using the app, you can control everything from the Bora’s refreshingly simple onboard interface. You can toggle between high and low fan speeds and set a target humidity level, all clearly displayed and easy to adjust. The humidity range goes as low as 30%, which is lower than most experts would recommend for everyday living, but it’s genuinely useful for very damp spaces like basements, recently flooded rooms, or tackling stubborn mould patches. I like that Duux gives you that level of control, even if it’s not something you’d use daily.

I put every dehumidifier through the same series of tests, starting with my notoriously damp basement room. In just three hours, the Bora reduced humidity from a muggy 76% down to a much more comfortable 52%. What impressed me most wasn’t just the end result, but how quickly the room felt different: the air became noticeably fresher and less clammy long before the three-hour mark.

Next, I tested it on laundry, as dehumidifiers are increasingly being touted as the best hack for drying clothes indoors. With a full clothes horse of washing, everything was completely dry in four hours, around 20 hours faster than the usual 24 hours it would take in that room. The generous 4-litre water tank also meant I didn’t have to keep stopping to empty it, which makes a big difference when you’re using it for longer drying sessions.

I also ran the Bora overnight, when condensation usually builds up on our windows. At just 36 dB, it’s one of the quieter dehumidifiers I’ve tested, roughly the volume of a whisper or a quiet library, and well below normal conversation levels. I’m a sensitive sleeper, so it took me a couple of nights to fully tune out the background hum, but it did an excellent job: every morning, the windows were completely clear, with no condensation at all. It's a strong contender as one of the best dehumidifiers for a bedroom.

Finally, there’s the running costs of your dehumidifier. At around 7p per hour to use, it’s reassuringly economical, especially given how hard and fast it works. When you factor in the performance, low noise, and energy efficiency, the Bora feels like a dehumidifier you can run regularly without worrying about your energy bills creeping up.

Cleaning and maintenance of the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier 20L

One of the things I really appreciate about the Bora Smart is how much water it can hold before needing to be emptied. The tank has a small window, which not only lets you see when it’s getting full but also gives a quick visual of how quickly the dehumidifier is working. When it’s time to empty, the process is straightforward: the carry handle makes it easy to lift and pour without any spills.

Maintaining the Bora Smart is simple, but important for keeping it running efficiently. The carbon filter should be cleaned regularly. I usually rinse it under the tap and gently scrub with a soft brush once a week. It does trap dust and debris, so staying on top of this really pays off, and the whole process only takes a few minutes. You can also use a handheld vacuum to clean it, just make sure the filter is completely dry before putting it back in.

The water tank also needs regular attention, as stagnant water can lead to mould or bacteria buildup. I usually give it a quick wipe-down each time I empty it, which keeps it hygienic and hassle-free. If you want to find out more, we have a simple guide to how to clean a dehumidifier over here.

How does the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier 20L compare?

Compared side‑by‑side with the Meaco MeacoDry Arete Two 20L Dehumidifier & Air Purifier, the Duux Bora Smart 20L Dehumidifier holds its own as a strong all‑round performer but doesn’t quite match Meaco’s benchmark set in my buying guide.

Both extract around 20 L of moisture per day and have smart controls, yet the Arete Two tends to be more energy‑efficient, quieter in operation and offers dedicated laundry drying and scheduling features alongside built‑in air purification with HEPA filtration, benefits that edge it ahead for everyday versatility and long‑term running costs.

The Bora Smart does impress with its simple interface, solid extraction and larger‑feeling tank, but it lacks some of the nuanced modes and advanced airflow options that make the Arete Two feel more refined, especially for tackling persistent damp and mould or speeding up indoor laundry drying. For someone who prioritises straightforward, effective mould‑control performance, the Bora Smart is a compelling choice, but if you want the most capable, feature‑rich 20 L dehumidifier overall, Meaco’s Arete Two still leads the pack

Should you buy the Duux Bora Smart Dehumidifier 20L?

The Duux Bora Smart 20L is a reliable, efficient dehumidifier that makes tackling damp and mould straightforward. Its smart controls, quiet operation, and generous tank make it a pleasure to use in real-life spaces. For anyone after a powerful, no-fuss solution without breaking the bank, it’s a model that truly delivers.

How we test dehumidifiers

All of our dehumidifiers go through the same series of tests, designed to show you how these would cope in a range of settings. We test them in bedrooms overnight, in bathrooms, in cellars, and more. We also look at how these are designed, how they compare, what they are like to maintain and more. If you're keen to learn about the entire process, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test dehumidifiers.