Which Closet Dehumidifier Solution Works Best? Here's What We Know

Nothing is worse than reaching into a closet of supposedly clean clothes and being met with something gross. In high humidity, enclosed wardrobes and closets can accumulate moisture, making the clothes stored in them feel damp over time. If you have ever opened your closet and encountered damp clothes or a musty smell, you know the reasons you should consider adding a small dehumidifier to your closet. So, which closet dehumidifier solution works best? Classic dehumidifiers and hanging dehumidifier bags can both be good options for your closet. You will need to assess your needs in order to make the best choice, so here is everything you need to know about these two solutions.

Dehumidifiers are devices that draw in and remove moisture from the air. Some dehumidifiers are electronic and require batteries or cords. These work by pulling air in with fans, exposing the air to cool coils that collect moisture through condensation, and then heating the now-dry air to send it back into the room. Meanwhile, hanging bags use naturally occurring hygroscopic materials like calcium chloride crystals or silica gel, which effectively attract and hold moisture. Both types of dehumidifiers have pros and cons, especially depending on how and where you plan to use them. 

Portable dehumidifiers are effective at removing moisture from the air in a wide variety of room sizes, depending on the capacity of the humidifier you use. You just need to know how to choose the right size dehumidifier for your space. Use a hygrometer to measure the humidity in the air and use this number and the size of your space to determine the capacity you need. Most closets are under 100 square feet, and a small 12-liter dehumidifier should be more than enough. The speed at which dehumidifiers work is another bonus. They can remove between 250 milliliters and 7 liters of water from the air per day in a room under 100 square feet, depending on the humidity level.

Hanging bag dehumidifiers designed for wardrobes, on the other hand, may last up to 60 days, depending on the specific product and conditions. Given that these products typically have a capacity of 500 milliliters, the total time they take to fill up suggests that they remove moisture from the air at a significantly slower rate than portable dehumidifiers. Their smaller capacity is also not enough for larger spaces and may not even be suitable for a small closet with a very high humidity level. Once either type of dehumidifier reaches its capacity, it will need some maintenance. For portable dehumidifiers, that means emptying the tub where the water collects. For hanging bag dehumidifiers, this usually means disposing of the whole unit and replacing it with a new one, which may add up in cost over time.

Hanging bag dehumidifiers are fairly affordable, like these highly reviewed Vacplus Moisture Absorbers that cost $21.99 for a pack of 10. Of course, depending on your circumstances, this will add up very quickly over time, especially because they are not reusable. For a non-disposable silica gel option, this Rechargeable Desiccant Dehumidifier Bag 3-Pack costs $17.99 and is designed to be heated in the microwave and reused. 

Though hanging bags are affordable, it may ultimately work out cheaper to buy a portable dehumidifier. The price of dehumidifiers varies based on size and features, but typically starts around about $37. Some extra features for portable dehumidifiers can include auto restart, a hose connection to drain the tank, a timer, frost sensors, easily accessible tanks, and even quiet modes. There are even wireless options that can work in a closet without electrical outlets. 

While a portable dehumidifier technically works best as an overall product, particularly if you have a larger closet, hanging bags can certainly do the trick if you need a simple solution that takes up little space in a small closet. Ultimately, both options work well, and you should consider your personal needs to make a decision. If you are tired of humidity throughout your home and are willing to spend more, consider installing one device to efficiently dehumidify your whole house: a whole-house dehumidifier.