# How to use a Meaco dehumidifier: settings and modes

Source: https://dampanddry.co.uk/blog/how-to-use-a-meaco-dehumidifier
Published: 2026-10-11
Publisher: Damp and Dry

**In short:** Set your Meaco to a target of around 50 to 55 % RH for everyday use and let it switch itself on and off. Use laundry mode when drying washing in a closed room, and continuous mode only for short spells such as after a leak. Fit the drain hose to the outlet on the back so water runs to a sink or drain lower than the unit.

Meaco makes several dehumidifier families, including the compressor Arete One and Arete Two and the desiccant DD8L, and the buttons differ between them. The principles are the same across the range, though: pick a humidity target, choose the right mode for the job, and keep the water going somewhere sensible. This guide explains those principles in plain terms. Exact button names, mode lengths and hose fittings vary by model and production year, so keep your Meaco manual to hand and follow it where it differs.

## Before you switch on

Meaco's manuals give a minimum clearance from walls and furniture for each model. Our guide to [where to put a dehumidifier](https://dampanddry.co.uk/blog/where-to-put-a-dehumidifier) covers the best spots in a typical home.

1. Unpack the unit and remove any tape or packing from the tank and filter.
2. If it is a compressor model and has been carried on its side, stand it upright for the time the manual states before switching on.
3. Place it on a firm, level floor with clear space around the air inlet and outlet.
4. Check the tank is seated properly; most models will not run if it is not.
5. Plug it directly into a wall socket and switch on.

Note: Use a wall socket rather than an extension lead where you can, and never run the unit with a damaged plug or cable.

## Which humidity to set

Most Meaco models let you set a target relative humidity. The unit runs until the room reaches it, then pauses and restarts when humidity rises. For living rooms and bedrooms, 50 to 55 % RH is a sensible everyday target. In winter, if windows still stream, try 50 %. Going much lower rarely helps and costs more to run.

Some Meaco models have an automatic or intelligent humidity mode that chooses a target for you. It is a good starting point if you are unsure. Our [humidity settings guide](https://dampanddry.co.uk/blog/dehumidifier-humidity-settings) has a table by room and season.

| Situation | Suggested target |
| --- | --- |
| Everyday living space | 50 to 55 % RH |
| Bedroom with window condensation | 50 % RH |
| Storage room, garage | 50 to 60 % RH |
| Drying washing | Laundry mode instead |

Starting points for the humidity target

## When to use laundry mode

Laundry mode runs the dehumidifier at a higher fan speed and ignores the humidity target for a set time, so drying is quicker. Meaco lists six hours for laundry mode on the Arete Two; other models may differ. Use it with the washing on an airer in a small room, door closed, and the unit about a metre away with the outlet pointing at the clothes.

See [dehumidifier laundry mode explained](https://dampanddry.co.uk/blog/dehumidifier-laundry-mode-explained) for more on what changes, and [how to dry clothes indoors quickly](https://dampanddry.co.uk/blog/how-to-dry-clothes-indoors-quickly) for the full routine.

## Continuous mode and night mode

Continuous mode runs the unit regardless of humidity. It is useful for short jobs such as drying out a room after a leak or decorating, but for everyday use it wastes electricity, so return to a humidity target afterwards. If you run continuous mode for long, fit the drain hose so the tank does not fill and stop the unit.

Night or quiet mode lowers the fan speed and dims the display. Meaco lists a night mode on the Arete Two that dims all display lights. Extraction is a little lower in this mode, so use it in bedrooms overnight and normal mode in the day.

## Fitting the drain hose

Gravity does the work, so the hose end must be lower than the outlet. If water still collects in the tank, check the hose is not kinked and that the manual does not require a setting change.

1. Switch off and unplug the unit.
2. Find the continuous drainage outlet, usually on the back or side; on some models you remove a cap or a small plug first.
3. Push the hose firmly on and secure it if a clip is supplied.
4. Run the hose downhill all the way to a sink, shower tray or drain, with no kinks or upward loops.
5. Switch on and check the first water flows out rather than into the tank.

## Looking after it

Wash the filter regularly, typically every few weeks in heavy use, and rinse the tank when you empty it. Our [dehumidifier cleaning guide](https://dampanddry.co.uk/blog/how-to-clean-a-dehumidifier) covers each step. If an error light or code appears, see [Meaco error codes and warning lights](https://dampanddry.co.uk/blog/meaco-dehumidifier-error-codes).

[Compare Meaco and other dehumidifiers](https://dampanddry.co.uk/best/best-dehumidifier-uk)

## Frequently asked questions

**What should I set my Meaco dehumidifier to?** Around 50 to 55 % RH for everyday use. Use laundry mode for washing and avoid going much below 45 %, which only costs more to run.

**Can I leave my Meaco dehumidifier on all the time?** Yes, on a humidity target it will cycle itself on and off. Avoid long periods in continuous mode unless you have a reason.

**Why does my Meaco stop after a few hours in laundry mode?** Laundry mode runs for a set time, six hours on the Arete Two according to Meaco, then switches off to save energy.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://dampanddry.co.uk/best/best-dehumidifier-uk
- https://dampanddry.co.uk/best/best-smart-wifi-dehumidifier
- https://dampanddry.co.uk/best/best-dehumidifier-for-drying-clothes

## Sources

- [Meaco](https://www.meaco.com)