From time to time, you may need to give your dehumidifier bucket a good cleaning. Otherwise it can become a home for the same kinds of mold and bacteria that you’re trying to avoid in the rest of your home. If you clean the bucket regularly, it won’t become a problem but if you let it sit for too long without at least emptying the bucket then it can become a lot more difficult of a problem to take care of. Like with most things, it’s better to do a small amount of regular cleaning than to wait until a lot of mold has built up.
If there is no noticeable buildup of mold or other unwanted organisms, then all you’ll need to do is wipe the bucket down regularly. Use a soft, damp cloth. If you want something a little stronger you can opt to use soap and water but make sure to rinse out all the soap after. It can also be a good idea to let it dry before putting it back into the machine, but if you just plan on using it right away again this may be less of a need.
If it has been a while and you find that mold has begun to grow in the bucket, then you may need to use more intense methods. You may choose to scrub the mold out by hand, or you can use a pressure washer in order to get the mold and any other unwanted materials out. Then you can use a damp cloth either with just water or with water and some mild soap. After that, make sure to at least check the bucket regularly to make sure a buildup doesn’t occur again.
Related: Dehumidifier Problems: Cleaning and Maintenance Tips