You don't need expensive equipment to control humidity. Many effective methods cost little or nothing. Before investing in a dehumidifier, try these budget-friendly approaches. For mild to moderate humidity problems, they may be all you need.
Free Methods
The most effective humidity controls often cost nothing at all—they're just habits and practices.
Ventilate Consistently
Opening windows when outdoor humidity is lower than indoor humidity is the most effective free humidity control. Morning and evening are often the best times. Even brief ventilation helps exchange moist indoor air for drier outdoor air.
Cost: Free
Use Exhaust Fans Properly
Your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are already installed—make sure you're using them fully. Run the bathroom fan during and for 15-20 minutes after showers. Run the kitchen exhaust while cooking. These fans exist specifically to remove moisture.
Cost: Minimal electricity
Cover Pots When Cooking
A simple lid keeps steam inside the pot rather than releasing it into your kitchen. This reduces cooking moisture by a significant amount and also cooks food faster.
Cost: Free (you already have lids)
Take Shorter, Cooler Showers
Less time under hot water means less steam. You don't need to take cold showers, but moderating water temperature and duration reduces the moisture load on your bathroom.
Cost: Free (also saves on water and heating)
Spread Out Towels and Mats
Wet towels bunched up take longer to dry and keep releasing moisture. Spreading them out speeds drying and reduces how long they add humidity to your home.
Cost: Free
Air Out Your Bed
Pull back blankets and sheets in the morning to let your bed dry. You release moisture while sleeping, and bedding absorbs it. Letting it air before making the bed helps that moisture evaporate.
Cost: Free
Move Furniture from Exterior Walls
Leaving a gap between furniture and exterior walls prevents trapped moisture and allows air circulation. This is especially important in corners and against cold walls.
Cost: Free
Start here: These free methods often make enough difference that you don't need to spend anything on products or equipment.
Low-Cost Products
If behavioral changes aren't enough, these inexpensive products can help.
Hygrometer
A basic digital hygrometer costs under $15 and tells you exactly what your humidity level is. This takes the guesswork out of humidity management and helps you know whether your efforts are working.
Cost: $8-15
Calcium Chloride Moisture Absorbers
Products like DampRid contain calcium chloride crystals that absorb moisture from the air. They're ideal for closets, bathrooms, and small enclosed spaces. Expect to spend a few dollars per container, with refills available.
Cost: $3-8 per container
Silica Gel Packs
Small packets of silica gel absorb moisture in drawers, storage containers, and small spaces. You can buy bulk packs cheaply or save the ones that come with shoes and electronics. Some are rechargeable—you dry them in the oven or microwave and reuse them.
Cost: $5-15 for a large pack
Charcoal Briquettes
Plain charcoal (not the kind with lighter fluid added) absorbs moisture and odors. Place some in a container with holes and put it in problem areas. Not as effective as commercial products, but extremely cheap.
Cost: A few dollars for a bag
Rock Salt
Coarse rock salt absorbs moisture from the air. Place it in a container—a bucket with holes drilled in the bottom works, set inside another container to catch the water. It's a DIY approach that costs very little.
Cost: $5-10 for a bag
Baking Soda
Baking soda absorbs some moisture and odors. It's not a powerful dehumidifier, but it's something you may already have. Place open boxes in problem areas like under sinks or in closets.
Cost: $1-2 per box
Small Portable Fan
A basic fan improves air circulation, helping moisture distribute rather than accumulate in stagnant areas. You can direct it toward windows or exhaust vents to help move humid air out.
Cost: $10-25
DIY Solutions
Rock Salt Dehumidifier
Materials: Rock salt, two 5-gallon buckets (or similar containers)
- Drill small holes in the bottom of one bucket
- Fill it with rock salt
- Place it inside the second bucket
- The salt absorbs moisture, which drips into the bottom bucket
- Empty the water periodically and add more salt as needed
This won't match a powered dehumidifier, but it provides passive moisture absorption for closets or small rooms.
Charcoal Odor and Moisture Absorber
Materials: Charcoal briquettes (plain, no additives), breathable fabric or container
- Place charcoal in a mesh bag, cloth pouch, or container with holes
- Put it in closets, under sinks, or in corners
- Replace or refresh (leave in sun to dry) periodically
Maximizing Free and Cheap Methods
The key to budget humidity control is consistency. These methods work through cumulative effect over time.
- Combine multiple methods: Ventilation plus exhaust fans plus moisture absorbers works better than any single approach
- Be consistent: Daily habits matter more than occasional effort
- Target problem areas: Focus your efforts on bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-humidity spots
- Monitor results: A cheap hygrometer tells you if your methods are working
When to Consider Spending More
Budget methods work for many situations, but sometimes you need more. Consider investing in a proper dehumidifier if:
- You've tried free and cheap methods consistently without adequate results
- Your humidity stays above 60% despite your efforts
- You live in a very humid climate where outdoor ventilation doesn't help
- You have a specific problem area (like a basement) with persistent dampness
A basic portable dehumidifier costs $100-200 and can make a real difference when simpler methods aren't enough. But try the budget approaches first—you may not need to spend that money.