What household items can dehumidify a room?

Simple Household Items to Reduce Room Humidity

Excess humidity can make a room feel stuffy, encourage mold growth, and damage furniture over time. While commercial dehumidifiers are effective, you don’t always need a machine to make a difference. Several common household items can help pull moisture from the air—naturally and affordably.

Baking soda is one of the easiest solutions. Place an open box on a window sill or shelf in the damp room. Not only does it absorb moisture, but it also helps neutralize musty odors. Baking soda works best in smaller spaces like closets or bathrooms, though it won’t tackle high humidity on its own over time. Replace it every few weeks for continued effectiveness.

Another natural moisture magnet is rock salt. Like baking soda, it’s hygroscopic, meaning it draws water from the air. Place a large bowl of rock salt in problem areas—basements or laundry rooms, for example. It’s especially useful in enclosed spaces where airflow is limited.

For a more powerful effect, calcium chloride is a go-to. Often found in products like DampRid, it’s highly effective at soaking up water and can collect several ounces in a single day. While not typically kept in every kitchen, it’s worth having on hand for persistent dampness.

Keep in mind that while these solutions help, they work best as short-term fixes or supplements to better ventilation. Running exhaust fans, opening windows when possible, and using fans to circulate air remain essential for long-term humidity control. But when you need a quick, low-cost boost, a box of baking soda or a bowl of rock salt might be all you need.