Easy DIY Guide: How to Make a Dehumidifier at Home

This article will show you how to make a dehumidifier to help reduce extra moisture in your home. High humidity levels can cause mold and mildew issues. By learning simple techniques for removing water from the air, you can keep your small spaces healthier. We’ll explain the materials you need and the easy steps to take. Follow along to make your own dehumidifier and start enjoying fresher, drier indoor air. Keep reading below to get started!

Key Takeaway

1. You can use things around the house like salt or rice to take moisture out of the air.
2. A fan can help the materials work better by moving the air around.
3. Simple things from the store or kitchen can dry out a room and make it feel fresher.

Credits : Global Citizen

A Thermoelectric Dehumidifier

One easy way to dry out a humid room is by using a thermoelectric cooler. This method works well for damp basements or bathrooms, and it’s simple to put together using the right components (1). One highly recommended option for the cooling plate is the HiLetgo TEC1-12706 Semiconductor Refrigeration Tablets. These thermoelectric modules are lightweight, durable, and easy to install. Operating at 12V and 6A with a compact 40x40mm size, they are ideal for DIY dehumidifiers.

What You Need:

• A thermoelectric cooler (TEC) like the HiLetgo TEC1-12706
• A metal plate called a heat sink
• A small fan
• A container to catch the water
• A power source to run the TEC
• Additional components like thermal grease and a heat radiator (for optimal performance)

How to Assemble:

1. Attach the HiLetgo TEC1-12706 to the heat sink. Make sure to apply thermal grease to improve heat dissipation and prevent damage to the module.
2. Place the fan next to the setup so air blows over the cooler. Be sure to install the heat radiator on the heating side of the TEC to avoid overheating.
3. As the air moves past, the cold side of the TEC generates water droplets, which drip into the container below.

The HiLetgo TEC1-12706 provides an affordable and efficient way to cool and dehumidify a space, though proper setup is crucial for avoiding common issues like overheating or inconsistent temperature regulation.

Using Things That Absorb Moisture

Another simple way to make a dehumidifier is by using materials that absorb moisture from the air. This DIY project is easy and doesn’t require special tools, so anyone can try it at home (2).

Materials You Can Use:

• Rock salt – Works well at holding a lot of water.
• Silica gel packets – Like the ones found in shoe boxes or storage containers. For a highly effective option, consider Silica Gel Packets, 50PCS 5 Gram Premium Transparent Desiccant Packs. These packets can absorb up to 40% of their weight in water vapor and are great for protecting items like clothes, electronics, and jewelry from moisture. They are reusable and can be reactivated by heating them, making them a sustainable option for ongoing moisture control.
• Rice
• Baking soda
• Calcium chloride

How to Set It Up:

Fill a bowl or container with one or more of the materials listed above and place it in a humid area such as the bathroom or basement. For better results, use multiple Silica Gel Packets to cover larger spaces. These silica gel packs are non-toxic and can be reactivated, making them a safe and eco-friendly option for daily moisture absorption.

Using a Ready-Made Solution: Vacplus Moisture Absorbers

For those who prefer a hassle-free option, the Vacplus Moisture Absorbers 6 Pack offers a convenient and efficient solution for controlling humidity in areas like bathrooms, closets, and basements. Utilizing spherical calcium chloride, this product effectively traps excess moisture, preventing mold and mildew growth.

Each box has a 10.5-ounce capacity and lasts for an extended period without needing any electricity. Its compact and portable design makes it ideal for small spaces, and its leakproof feature ensures that the absorbed water is safely contained. Since it’s fragrance-free, the air remains neutral without any additional scent, perfect for those sensitive to smells.

The Vacplus Moisture Absorbers are particularly useful in high-humidity areas, working quietly and efficiently. Plus, it allows you to monitor the progress as the calcium chloride solidifies and dissolves, collecting the water in a dedicated reservoir. For those looking for a quick, energy-saving alternative, this product is a great choice.

Using Air Conditioning to Remove Moisture

Did you know air conditioners can also work like dehumidifiers? While their main job is cooling, they take water out of the air too. This extra feature is helpful in areas with high humidity.

How Air Conditioners Help Dry Things Out:

1. They suck in air from the room that has moisture in it.
2. When the air gets cooled, the water collects as droplets in a container.
3. The air conditioner then blows back drier air that feels nicer and cooler.

This method controls humidity really well, especially in big rooms. It lets you feel more comfortable without needing other equipment. If you use your air conditioner, it can remove moisture from the air around you (3).

How Well Homemade Dehumidifiers Work

DIY dehumidifiers can help dry out humidity, especially in smaller rooms. But how well they do the job depends on some things.

Things to Think About:

• Size of the humid room – For bathrooms and laundry areas, a homemade one works great.
• What you use – Some stuff like rock salt grabs moisture faster than other materials.
• Airflow – Letting air move around the dehumidifier helps it work better.

Knowing these factors can help a DIY dehumidifier be more effective. Place it right and choose the right materials. Then it can really make a difference and reduce extra moisture. Try different options to see what works best for the space. A homemade dehumidifier is worth trying in smaller rooms with humidity issues.

Best Stuff to Use

Here are some good materials for homemade dehumidifiers:

• Rock salt – Takes in water very well.
• Silica gel – Found in packets, it grabs moisture.
• Rice – Natural way to dry air out.
• Calcium chloride – Helps control humidity.

Easy Ways to Make One

• Thermoelectric cooler – Uses cold to pull water from air.
• Rock salt dehumidifier – Simple setup with salt.
• Things that soak up water – Common items dry the air.

Using these materials and methods, you can make a dehumidifier that works for your space. Experiment with different natural absorbers and cooling techniques to see what drying system is best for your home. Try different options to find the easiest solution.

FAQ

How can I make a DIY dehumidifier using common household items?

You can create a homemade dehumidifier using materials like table salt, baking soda, or coffee whitener. These substances act as moisture absorbers. Place them in a container with holes, like a coffee creamer can with a cheesecloth cover, to absorb water vapor from the air. This DIY option can help reduce moisture and humidity levels in your house, though it may not be as powerful as commercial dehumidifiers.

What are some natural dehumidifier options for removing moisture and reducing humidity?

Natural dehumidifiers include substances like silica gel, kitty litter, and rock salt. These desiccants absorb moisture from the air, helping to dehumidify your house. Place them in open containers or cloth bags in areas with high humidity. While they may not be as effective as electric dehumidifiers, they’re safe, low-cost options for reducing moisture and combating mold and mildew.

How does a calcium chloride dehumidifier work to absorb moisture from the air?

A calcium chloride dehumidifier is a simple DIY option that uses the moisture-absorbing properties of calcium chloride, a type of salt. To make one, place calcium chloride in a gallon bucket with holes, suspended over another bucket to collect water. As it absorbs moisture from the air, it’ll dissolve and drip into the bottom bucket, effectively reducing the humidity in your house.

Can you explain how to make a dehumidifier using silica gel packets?

Silica gel packets, often found in packaging, can be repurposed to create a DIY dehumidifier. Collect these packets and place them in a breathable container or mesh bag. Hang or place this in areas with high humidity. The silica gel will absorb water vapor from the air, helping to reduce moisture. Remember to “recharge” the silica gel by heating it in an oven periodically to remove absorbed moisture.

How can I use a heat sink in a homemade dehumidifier to combat water damage and black mold?

A heat sink can be incorporated into a DIY dehumidifier to enhance its effectiveness. Create a simple setup with a fan blowing air over a cold surface (the heat sink). As warm, humid air passes over the cold surface, water vapor condenses and drips into a collection container. This method can help reduce humidity levels, potentially preventing water damage and inhibiting black mold growth in high-humidity areas of your house.

What’s the difference between relative humidity and regular humidity?

Relative humidity tells us how much water is in the air compared to how much it could hold at that temperature. It’s like saying how full a cup is. Regular humidity just measures the amount of water in the air. Knowing relative humidity helps us understand if the air feels sticky or dry.

How do HVAC systems help with humidity?

HVAC systems, which heat and cool your house, can also help control humidity. They work by moving air around and sometimes removing moisture from it. This can make your home feel more comfortable and help prevent mold growth.

What’s a desiccant and how does it work in dehumidifiers?

A desiccant is a substance that soaks up water from the air, kind of like a sponge. In dehumidifiers, desiccants like silica gel or calcium chloride pull moisture out of the air, helping to make a room less humid and more comfortable.

Why is sodium chloride (table salt) good for DIY dehumidifiers?

Sodium chloride, or regular table salt, is great for DIY dehumidifiers because it naturally attracts water. When you leave it out in an open container, it will slowly absorb moisture from the air. It’s cheap, easy to find, and safe to use around the house.

How can reducing humidity help prevent mold and mildew?

Mold and mildew love damp places. By reducing humidity, you’re making your home less inviting for these unwanted guests. Less moisture in the air means fewer places for mold and mildew to grow, keeping your home cleaner and healthier.

Conclusion

You can easily make your own dehumidifier to help with too much moisture in the air. Things like salt, rice or a cooler can take water out of the air. This keeps mold away and makes the air feel fresher. Whether you use absorbers or an air conditioner, it will dry places that get damp. With a small amount of work, you can feel more comfortable. Your home will have better quality air too.

References

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/dehumidifier-benefits#how-to-tell-if-you-need-a-dehumidifier
2. https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/five-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-dehumidifier-ar9gH0V6U000
3. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/house-garden/g45800416/best-dehumidifiers/

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