Here are the three main types:

Water Absorbers – Usually composed of porous bags or tubes of crushed corncobs, these products can hold up to 1000 times their weight in water, and are used for collecting water after flooding, leaks, or other water damage.

Electric Dehumidifiers –These appliances reduce moisture in the air by drawing warm, humid air into a cold chamber and then collecting the moisture that condenses.

Moisture Absorbers – Non-electric dehumidifiers consisting of chemical or natural compounds that naturally absorb excess humidity from the air.

When comparing electric versus non electric versions, most people find that the non electric version has some distinct advantages, including being simple to use, inexpensive, requiring no maintenance and being very effective.

Non-electric moisture absorbers usually use one of three main types of absorbent materials: Silica compounds, clay absorbers, and calcium chloride. Silica compounds are toxic. Clay is the least effective at absorbing excess moisture. Calcium chloride is the superior choice. This compound is a mixture of chlorine and calcium (salt). It has strong moisture absorbing properties and works great for basements, kitchens, cabinets, closets, crawl spaces and other damp indoor spaces.

DampRid is the original non-electric dehumidifier, using white, calcium chloride crystals to bring humidity to an ideal and safer level of below 50% to help prevent musty odors. Best of all, once the optimal moisture level is reached, DampRid Moisture Absorber automatically slows down the absorption process and then restarts as necessary.

When the white pellets are exposed to the air, they absorb excess moisture and dissolve into a brine (salt solution). They won’t dry the air to a level that damages plants, animals or clothing. The formula is non-toxic, septic safe and friendly to the environment. It’s safe for home, family and pets and is easy to dispose of after use.

DampRid’s Moisture Absorbers absorb moisture in three phases:

Phase One:

Excess moisture is absorbed into the white calcium chloride crystals. The white crystals begin to harden and form a solid mass. They have not yet dissolved. You may see liquid dripping into the bottom chamber of the product at this stage.

Phase Two:

Excess moisture will most likely be dripping into the bottom of the product. Approximately ½ to ¾’s of the white crystals will have dissolved.

Phase Three:

All the white crystals will have dissolved and the bottom of the product will be full of moisture. You will still see a small line of yellow freshener beads in the top chamber of the Hanging Moisture Absorber.

Discard the DampRid product and replace with a new one. For refillable products empty the collected liquid into the sink (with running water) or toilet and refill.

The timeliness listed for each product should only be used as a guideline. The product may last a shorter or longer period of time depending on the changes in the temperature and humidity.