Drying out a damp cellar - dehumidifier or open window?

[NewHouseNoMoney]

As in the title really…

Obviously at some point I’ll get a professional in, but for now…

I have a cellar that used to be used as a bedroom. However, the most recent owners used it simply for storage so it was never heated or ventilated. There’s now a bit of lateral damp down there, it needs a new carpet, and possibly some sealant on the walls.

In the meantime - am I better using a dehumidifier with the windows shut, or airing it out with an open window?

Dehumidifier will deal with the worst of it but it will need to be on a lot and if the damp is reoccurring you need to treat the problem causing it before fighting a losing battle trying to dry it out.

Open window in summer , dehumidifier in winter.

Great, thank you!