Moisture absorbers can be helpful when it comes to preventing mildew and mold from growing in damp areas like bathrooms, basements, closets and beyond. Sure, you could just as easily use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air. However, dehumidifiers are significantly more expensive and work best in spaces with a lot of airflow, whereas moisture absorbers work best in smaller confined areas. Check our list of the best dehumidifiers if you’re looking to invest in a model that fits into your lifestyle and home.
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That said, when trying to remove moisture from an enclosed, smaller area or looking to save a few bucks, moisture absorbers are the way to go. If you’re having a difficult time figuring out the best moisture absorbers to fix your particular situation, we’re here to help with a list of top-rated options. But before we begin, it’s probably best to start by going over the moisture absorbers most commonly used.
Silica Gel
Silica gel, made of sodium silicate, comes in bead or granular form and attracts and removes moisture from the air. Most often sold in small packets or devices, silica gel works well in room temperature conditions but can be quite expensive if being used in larger areas like basements.
Calcium Chloride
Calcium chloride is an amazing choice from high humidity areas like kitchens, basements, closets and more. Often sold in a bucket, it has the ability to attract several times its own weight in water and will dissolve into brine if the air is humidity and temperature is high enough.
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Clay
Clay, used as a moisture desiccant, is a great cheap alternative to silica gel, calcium chloride and other methods. However, clay likely isn’t the best for heavily humid areas since it’s not as effective at preventing mold and mildew in those conditions.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal can also be used as a more eco-friendly option for reducing moisture in food, vitamins, medicines and more.
Now that we’ve laid out the basics, it’s time to dive into the best moisture absorbers to make your home a healthier and happier place to live.
1. DampRid FG50T Moisture Absorber
BEST FOR LARGE SPACES
This calcium chloride-based absorber is great for basements, kitchens, bathrooms and other areas with high moisture and humidity. Each of these four-pound buckets is designed to attract and trap moisture while eliminating musty odors from damp areas. They’re fast and simple to use in spaces up to 1,00 square feet and feature a sealed safety cover to prevent spilling. Each lasts up to up to six months, depending on humidity levels, and should be thrown away when all of the crystals have dissolved.
2. Wisesorb Food Grade Clay Packs
BEST FOR FOOD CONTAINERS
Non-toxic and non-hazardous, these clay packets help foods stay fresh by keeping moisture out. They have a moisture absorption capacity that is even stronger than silica gel when placed in low humidity. Use them in any enclosed food bag or other containers such as medicine bottles, safes, toolboxes and more.
3. Dry & Dry Food Safe Silica Gel Packs
A SILICIA OPTION
These small packets are food safe and easy to use, keeping moisture out of foods, vitamins, medications, safes, clothing, cosmetics and more. They come stored in a reusable bag with each small packet containing 2 grams of small silica beads to cover 240 cubic inch volume containers. Use multiple packets for extra protection.
4. Eva-Dry Wireless Mini Dehumidifier
BEST FOR SMALL SPACES
This hanging silica gel option absorbs moist air in smaller areas such as closets and bedrooms. As the silica gel retains moisture, the interior beads will change from orange to green. Once they all turn green, the unit should be plugged in to dry out the beads for reuse.
5. Vacplus Moisture Absorber
AN ODOR FIGHTING OPTION
Made with a combination of calcium chloride and activated charcoal, these moisture absorbers are great for closets, bathrooms, and other enclosed spaces. It additionally works to eliminate odors while trapping excess moisture and storing it in a water collecting layer that you can view at any time.
6. Nature Fresh Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags
BEST FOR DRAWERS AND CLOSETS
Tuck these odor and moisture absorbing bags into your clothing drawers and closets to keep your clothes fresh and in good condition. With this purchase, you’ll receive four bags of activated charcoal, which is one of nature’s most powerful and safe odor absorbers. These sacks can be rejuvenated and used over and over again by simply placing them in sunlight for a couple of hours.
7. DampRid Drop-in Tab Starter Kit
BEST STARTER KIT
Super compact and simple to place in any area, this drop-in tab start kit from DampRid will help you eliminate moisture with ease. The design of this non-electric device helps maximize airflow to improve moisture absorption. Made with calcium chloride, use it to trap excess moisture and put a halt to musty odors in bathrooms, closets, boats and more. With this combo kit, you’ll receive the starter kit and two moisture-eliminating tabs.
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