First stop the source of the water, remove standing water and soaked items, and then ensure continuous ventilation, a comfortable room temperature and dehumidification. A dehumidifier keeps the air dry, but cannot dry thick walls or floors on its own. In the event of major damage, contact a professional and your insurer.
Step 1: stop the source and remove the water
Drying a room only makes sense if no more water is added. In the event of a leak, turn off the tap or main valve, have the cause repaired and remove whatever you can: standing water, wet carpets, mattresses, cardboard and clothing. Items that have been soaked and do not dry quickly are breeding grounds for mould. If the damage is extensive, for example from a leaking pipe in the wall or water under the floor, contact your insurer. Milieu Centraal points out that in the event of damage you can check whether your insurance covers this, and that tenants should contact their landlord.
Step 2: ventilate and heat
Moisture from a wet room must be released outdoors. Open the windows slightly and ventilate as much as possible, even if it is cold outside. Heat the room moderately, as warmer air can hold more moisture than cold air. The RIVM describes moisture and mould as a combination of moisture sources and inadequate ventilation, and emphasises that you must first address the cause of the moisture. Longfonds advises combining ventilation and heating and keeping the indoor temperature at at least 15 °C even at night to prevent mould.
Step 3: dehumidify the air in the room
Once the water is removed and you are ventilating properly, a dehumidifier can remove the moisture from the air released by the walls, floor and items. Place the device in the wet room, keep the door closed so it does not have to dehumidify the entire house, and empty the tank regularly. A dehumidifier is not a building dryer for serious water damage; professional drying equipment is often needed for soaked floors or walls. You can read about the difference in our article on dehumidifiers or building dryers.
| Step | What you do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Stop the source | Seal the leak, remove water and wet items | Otherwise moisture will continue to accumulate |
| 2. Ventilate | Open windows, do not block ventilation | Damp air must be released outdoors |
| 3. Heat | Heat the room moderately, not below 15 °C at night | Warm air holds more moisture, reducing condensation |
| 4. Dehumidify | Dehumidifier in the room, door closed | Removes moisture from the air |
| 5. Check | Look for a musty smell and stains | Early intervention prevents mould |
Direct answer: you dry a room after water damage by first removing the source, then ventilating, heating moderately and dehumidifying the air. In the event of major damage, a professional is required.
Preventing mould and protecting health
Moisture and mould go together. According to the GGD, mould can cause a sore throat, sneezing, coughing and a stuffy nose and can worsen asthma and other lung conditions. If you have a lung condition or respiratory problems, speak to your GP. A dehumidifier is not a treatment and does not replace medical advice. If you still see mould after drying, read our article on removing mould: what you can do yourself. If it keeps coming back, there is often still a moisture source. You can find out more about this in why mould returns after cleaning?
Dynter DH251 dehumidifier for a wet room
The Dynter DH251 is a compact dehumidifier that is easy to move from room to room.
Dehumidification: up to 900 ml per day
Water tank: 3800 ml; at maximum capacity, the tank is full in just over four days
Suitable for: rooms up to 55 m²
Consumption and weight: 80 W, 2.5 kg
Extra features: timer from 1 to 24 hours, night mode where the display turns off, safety sensor that switches off when the tank is full
View the Dynter DH251 dehumidifier or browse the Dynter dehumidifier collection. Want to know whether it is a leak or rising damp? Read damp problem or leak: how to tell the difference?
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for a room to dry after water damage?
This depends on the amount of water, the material and the conditions. A tiled floor dries faster than a wooden floor or a thick wall. Measure the humidity and, if in doubt, have a specialist measure the moisture content of the walls and floors.
Can I run a dehumidifier all day after a leak?
Yes, you can, as long as you empty the tank regularly or use a drain. Keep the door closed and ventilate at the same time, so that damp air can actually be released outdoors.
Should I set the heating high to dry a wet room?
A moderately warm room helps, but extreme heating is unnecessary and uses a lot of energy. Longfonds recommends 15 °C as the minimum to prevent mould; a comfortable temperature is best combined with good ventilation.
When should I call a professional?
In the event of a hidden leak, soaked walls or floors, extensive mould or if you cannot manage it yourself. Your insurer or landlord can also help you with the next steps.