A moisture absorber is a non-electric product that uses a desiccant, a material that draws water from the air, to lower the humidity in a small enclosed space. The two common kinds are silica gel sachets, which hold the moisture inside their beads, and tub-style absorbers, where crystals or a tablet take up moisture that then collects as liquid in a tray or tank. With no fan or power, an absorber works slowly and mainly on the air close to it.
At Wigwam
Moisture absorbers suit storage well, because they need no power and our units have no power sockets. They’re the practical alternative to a dehumidifier, and they work best alongside good packing:
- tub-style absorbers, sold in supermarkets and hardware shops, pull moisture from the air in the unit. Stand them level, clear of your belongings, and replace them when they’re full;
- silica gel sachets go inside closed tubs of tools, small metal parts, electronics, books and photos;
- a small battery hygrometer shows the humidity when you visit, so you can see whether your absorbers are keeping up.
Absorbers are a helper rather than a cure. They can’t dry out things that went in damp, so pack everything clean and completely dry first, lift it off the floor, leave a small gap at the walls and use breathable covers. Look in now and then, especially over winter, to empty or swap absorbers before they fill.
At Chipping Norton and Shipston-on-Stour we insulate our container units to stop condensation, and absorbers add a little extra protection there too.
If you’d like help working out what your things need, call us on 0800 2545585.
Related terms
Related questions