The Best Moisture Absorbers

DampRid Refillable Moisture Absorber

Holy moldy

Mold doesn't stand a chance against this mold-eliminating moisture absorber.

Best Overall

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Although it depends on the level of moisture, temperature, and overall humidity levels, each tub of DampRid can last up to sixty days. That’s a couple of months of stress-free moisture elimination. Simply remove the lid, pour the moisture-absorbing crystals into the top tray, and close. You’ll know it’s time to refill once all of the crystals have dissolved. You can toss the water and refill the container indefinitely. That way, you’re able to keep tabs on the amount of moisture you’re pulling as well as when you need to restock.

Pros:

• Works to trap excess moisture
• Helps to eliminate damp smells
• Aids in cleaning musty air

Cons:

• Outer container does get sticky with use
• Does not last long in humid environments

Barska Safe Moisture Absorber

Handy dehumidifier packs

Each little pack contains special anti-moisture ingredients that absorbs excess moisture and keeps your valuables safe.

Best For Small Spaces

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Although a dehumidifier may work well to ensure against excess moisture in any given environment, for small valuables, a little extra assurance goes a long way. Barska’s moisture absorber is small enough to hold in the palm of your hand, making it an excellent choice for dresser drawers, safes, closets, and vehicles. This moisture absorber can be recharged, in a sense, by simply evaporating the collected moisture in a microwave. And since the packet is made with reinforced seams, there’s no fear that the contents will leak, either.

Pros:

• Ideal for drawers, safes, and other small spaces
• Thick, durable material
• Designed for reuse

Cons:

• Microwave with caution, as any amount of grease can catch fire
• For best results, use along with a larger dehumidifying product or machine

Canager Moisture Absorber Hanging Bag

For the freshest looks

Keep your clothes fresh with this hanging closet moisture absorber.

Best For Closets

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Thanks to this thoughtful design, it’s entirely possible to keep your clothes and other closet items safe and protected from excess moisture. Designed to hang along with your clothes, these small packets work to absorb and trap moisture, all without the use of nasty chemicals. We can’t get over how incredibly easy it is to use these bags. All you have to do is hang them — that’s it. With a 500-milliliter water capacity, they’ll swiftly suck any excess water away from clothing, keeping your closet smelling fresh and clean and its contents protected.

Pros:

• Compact design for closets, vehicles, and more
• Available packs of five, ten, and twelve
• Convenient built-in hanging hook

Cons:

• For best results, use a few bags per space
• We wish the hook were more durable

DampRid Disposable Moisture Absorber

Absorbency, ahoy

Keep your beloved vessel clean with this boat-friendly moisture absorber.

Best For Boats

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While exposure to water is inherent to boat ownership, there are ways to keep the moisture where it belongs. Below deck, in areas where you’d rather not be surrounded by mold and mildew, a moisture absorber is key to keeping things clean and clear. Absorbing excess moisture for up to 60 days in areas 300 square feet or smaller, this tub of activated charcoal expertly works to wick away moisture and keep areas clear of damp, dank smells, and mold growth.

Pros:

• Contains non-toxic activated charcoal
• Ideal for spaces up to 300 square feet
• No chemical smell or added scents

Cons:

• Disposable moisture absorber — not reusable
• Only works with the lid off, which isn’t exactly the most tip-safe for a boat

Eleclink Nature Fresh Charcoal Bags

Purify on the go

These travel-friendly moisture-absorbing packs can be easily tucked into a suitcase.

Most Portable

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Carefully crafted with a portable bag, this bamboo and charcoal pack is a killer combo for eliminating mold, mildew, and musty smells wherever you go. With the ability to use these bags pretty much anywhere — seriously, just toss one in your suitcase — we love these moisture eliminators for keeping your belongings mold-free on the road. With the ability to re-activate using exposure to direct sunlight, you can use one bag for up to two years. Completely effective at trapping both odors and moisture, these are pet-safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly.

Pros:

• Ideal for storage bins, suitcases, and other small spaces
• Each bag has a hanging loop for convenience
• Made with safe, non-toxic ingredients and materials

Cons:

• Meant for very small storage spaces
• Make sure to expose to sunlight for a few hours every month

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if you need a moisture absorber?
Although it can be tricky to tell if you need a moisture absorber, there are a few telltale signs that excess moisture exists around you. If you have a damp interior, whether that’s the basement or in closets, as well as any musty smells, chances are you need a dehumidifier or moisture absorber. Mold or mildew growth is another obvious sign, although, at that point, it’s best to bring in an expert. If you’re unsure, moisture absorbers typically don’t cost a lot of money, so to be on the safe side, you can always grab a few and place them around your space. That can be a helpful way to gauge if you’ve got excess moisture in your home.

How often should you replace a moisture absorber?
That depends on the type of moisture absorber you’re using. Typically, they last a month before needing to be replaced. Be sure to check the specs on whichever method you choose to make sure you’re getting the most out of your moisture absorber.