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We are staring down the barrel of a hot, and likely quite wet, summer, which isn't great news if your home is susceptible to mould or damp problems. Sweltering temperatures and humidity combined with high rainfall are the perfect conditions for brewing unsightly mould and this season may well have you trying every method under the sun to dry out your living spaces and wardrobes. While dehumidifiers have been shown to be an effective way to reduce condensation and limit the impacts of persistent dampness and mould, they can also be expensive. The models we've reviewed cost anywhere from $99 up to over $1000, and there's also the electricity costs to factor in, too. If you have a damp issue but can't quite stretch to spending hundreds of dollars on a dehumidifying appliance, you may have considered picking up a significantly cheaper moisture-absorbing product such as DampRid from your local supermarket or hardware for less than ten bucks. But, how effective is a quick supermarket buy in dealing with dampness? CHOICE experts put DampRid to the test by measuring its moisture-absorbing capabilities against some dehumidifier appliances. Here's what they found. breathable vented cap
We've tested to find you the best.
DampRid is a moisture absorber that uses calcium chloride crystals to absorb excess moisture in the air. The liquid that collects in the DampRid container can be disposed of by either flushing down the toilet or down your sink. Other brands of moisture-absorbing products that you'll find on supermarket and hardware store shelves include Hippo and DampFree. For the purposes of this comparison, however, we looked specifically at DampRid.
DampRid comes in refillable and disposable containers and claims to last between 45 days to six months depending on the product type.
Yes. CHOICE household products expert Chris Barnes says, "We put a DampRid container in a sealed test chamber about the size of a closet with 80% humidity and a fan for air movement. Within three days, DampRid reduced humidity to 43% and collected almost half a cup of water."
Read more: What does a dehumidifier do and is it worth getting one?
"While DampRid is nowhere near as rapid or effective as a good dehumidifier, it almost works the same as a poor-performing dehumidifier," says Chris.
We know you want the dry details, so you can read how DampRid fared in a mild 65% humidity test against all the currently available dehumidifiers in our review.
When you consider that the DampRid Refillable Moisture Absorber costs around $7 versus $99 for the worst-rated dehumidifier in our CHOICE reviews, the Pursonic 1.5 Litre Clean Air Max, it seems like a decent low-cost option for treating occasional or low-level damp problems (even if you have to buy a few of them). For serious ongoing dampness problems, though, a good dehumidifier is likely to be a better investment.
DampRid vs Dehumidifiers When to use a moisture-absorbing product (e.g. DampRid): - For occasional low-level damp problems - To improve mild mildew or musty odours - In enclosed spaces such as a wardrobe When to use a dehumidifier: - For persistent humidity, mould and/or damp problems - For homes that have been affected by floods or leaks - When measures to improve ventilation or airflow have not been successful
While the best dehumidifiers on the market will give you almost instant dehumidification, absorbing hundreds of grams of water in just an hour, DampRid can do the trick (albeit more slowly) in some cases for a fraction of the price. "If you have low-level dampness in small or confined areas of your house, or just want to keep your closets dry, DampRid and equivalent products are not a bad solution. They are cheaper and they work, just at a slower pace," says Chris.
If you have low-level dampness in small or confined areas of your house, or just want to keep your closets dry, DampRid and equivalent products are not a bad solution
However, for serious dehumidification in homes with severe mould and dampness, you'll need to consider your home's damp-proofing and ventilation, and/or buy a good-quality dehumidifier.
The active ingredient in DampRid is calcium chloride, a commonly used chemical in household products. The product should always be used following instructions and should not be ingested, inhaled or come into contact with eyes or skin as it can cause irritation. It should also be placed out of the reach of children and pets. The product could become hazardous if used off-label (such as if people have prolonged or constant exposure to the product).
Read more: Dehumidifiers to avoid buying
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