No one likes when lingering moisture causes mildew, mold, or encourages musty odors. A humidity absorber is a chemical, usually enclosed in a packet or bucket, which can be placed indoors to lower humidity. It reduces the water vapor in the air by turning a crystallized substance into a liquid gel that permanently traps water molecules. Many rooms in a house, vehicle, or business would benefit from the improvement in dampness due to a humidity absorber.
A humidity absorber placed in a damp or humid area will prevent mold from forming on books, furniture, or other household items. Mold can be damaging to objects, but also dangerous to sufferers of allergies or asthma. Some places appropriate for a humidity absorber are in cars, boats, recreational vehicles, underneath sinks, couches, or in closets, lockers, or cabinets. Even if your home has a central dehumidifier appliance, these enclosed spaces often do not have enough air circulation for it to be effective.
Most types of humidity absorbers use special chemical granules that are hygroscopic, which means they attract and absorb water floating in the atmosphere. These crystals must be in an appropriate container that has pores to let in water, yet funnels the liquefied gel into a reservoir so it can't drip out. Some containers resemble boxes with lids punched full of holes and two compartments inside, a top one for crystals and a bottom section for gel. They're often reusable by refilling them with more granules.
Other types are bags or pouches that can be hung over closet rods or adhered to walls. Their plastic lining is permeable to entering moisture, but doesn't allow anything to leak out. Some varieties, designed for closets, are reusable blocks of material that you can dry out in a warm oven after they change color as an indication that they are full.
A humidity absorber will not only eliminate excess moisture, but unwanted stale or musty odors. Look for one with a fresh scent like orange, lavender, or jasmine. There are also non-scented varieties. The humidity absorber is completely non-toxic, so it is safe for use in children's play areas or near pets' litter boxes and food bowls. Some kinds can absorb as much as three times their weight in water. Once all of the crystals have transformed into gel, the liquid can be thrown away with your regular garbage.