For many in the UK, the shift into full-blown adulthood is marked by a surprising new interest in home appliances. Beyond paint swatches and storage solutions, the humble dehumidifier has become a coveted gadget for those battling damp, condensation, and the eternal struggle of drying clothes indoors. Journalist Eve Rowlands decided to put one to the test, trying out the MeacoDry Arete One 6L Compact Dehumidifier and Air Purifier over several weeks in her home.
Combating Damp and Mould in a New Build
The initial motivation was a familiar one for British households: a small patch of mould spotted in the bathroom. Despite living in a modern, well-ventilated new-build property, powerful showers in a compact en-suite created a humid environment perfect for mould growth, especially during winter. This moisture also made the adjoining bedroom feel stuffy. To tackle this, Rowlands invested in the Meaco device, priced at £129.99.
She found the two-in-one unit sleek and compact, fitting neatly into a corner. Setting it up was straightforward, and it came with a medical-grade H13 HEPA filter to purify the air, removing particles like dust and pet dander. A highlight was the easy-to-empty water tank.
Visible Results and Health Benefits
Upon first use, the device's hygrometer revealed a room humidity level in the high 60s. The ideal range, according to the manual, is the mid-50s. Using the auto function set to maintain 55% humidity, Rowlands ran the dehumidifier daily. Over several weeks, levels consistently dropped to 50% and even into the 40s.
A notable and welcome side effect was an improvement in air quality. Rowlands reported that a persistent chest tightness she experienced felt less prominent, and the air in the room felt lighter. Importantly, the dehumidifier did not overly dry out the air, alleviating initial concerns.
The Laundry Test: Cutting Drying Time in Half
A key feature promoted by Meaco is the Smart Laundry Mode, designed to dry washing in about six hours and prevent musty smells. Rowlands put this to the test in her kitchen during a cold snap. Normally, a load of laundry could take 14 hours or more to dry in winter.
She hung a washload overnight with the Meaco dehumidifier running. Approximately 8.5 hours later, the clothes were virtually all dry, with only the waistband of one pair of jeans slightly damp. This effectively halved the usual drying time. Furthermore, the existing mould in the bathroom showed no signs of growing further, a significant win, though she notes the dehumidifier does not remove existing mould stains.
Pros, Cons, and Verdict
The review outlined clear advantages and one drawback. The pros are substantial:
- Visibly reduces condensation and damp.
- Significantly speeds up indoor laundry drying.
- Purifies the air with a HEPA filter.
- Cheap to run at an estimated 3p per hour.
- Portable with a handy carry handle.
The main con centred on noise. While quieter than many dehumidifiers, the Night Mode only turns off the display lights, not the fan noise. Rowlands found she had to switch the unit off completely to sleep undisturbed.
In conclusion, the reviewer was seriously impressed with the MeacoDry Arete One. It successfully reduced humidity, almost halved laundry drying time, and helped control mould growth, living up to the hype surrounding these practical home devices.
