How Effective are Home Moisture Removers?
Author: lewispeck | Posted: 06.08.2012Moisture absorbers and moisture removers are terms used interchangeably for products or strategies to remove moisture from the home in an attempt to prevent mold from growing or to stop mold that has begun to grow already. Mold is a fungus that grows and thrives in damp areas in the home like the basement, bathrooms and kitchen. While mold is "natural" outdoors and actually is beneficial because it destroys decaying, dying things, it's not something you want to have in your home. It smells terrible and can be a health hazard because it releases allergens, respiratory irritants and mycotoxins (toxic substances) into the air that you and your family breathe. A room moisture absorber will help rid your home of mold, and using various moisture absorbent products will keep your family safe from the harmful effects of this very unwanted houseguest.
Silica Gel
Silica Gel is an effective home moisture remover that is not a gel but actually a solid that comes in a grainy or beady form. Silica gel is typically put in airtight containers to prevent moisture from destroying the other contents of the containers. Since silica gel is poisonous, it cannot be ingested. To ensure that the product does not get eaten, manufacturers usually place a warning on the silica gel’s plastic container. Silica gel is fairly expensive so it's not generally used for large areas like damp basements.
Clay Absorbers
Clay absorbers are an ineffective way to absorb the moisture that may lead to mold in your home. Bricks made of clay are used because they absorb moisture and will prevent the growth of mold. The amount of moisture clay can absorb is relatively small compared to other methods, so they're not recommended for high humidity areas. Coal and charcoal also absorb moisture similarly to how clay absorbs household moisture.
Calcium Chloride
Calcium Chloride, a compound that is a mixture of chlorine and calcium, is probably one of the best moisture absorbers available. Because of its high moisture absorbent quality, it can be used in places with very high humidity. Calcium chloride is usually used in shipping goods and does a good job in keeping these goods dry during the whole duration of the trip. Calcium Chloride works well in humid basements, kitchens, closets and cabinets and when used with a fan, it becomes even more effective in absorbing a room's moisture. Rock salt can also be used instead of calcium chloride, but rock salt is not quite as effective in absorbing the moisture as calcium chloride. But it's easy to find and fairly inexpensive.
Moisture removers may keep your home safe from mold, and with the right room moisture absorber, you and your family will not have to suffer the harmful effects of breathing in dangerous mold fumes daily.
About Author:
Control musty odors in your home by reducing humidity with moisture absorbent products from DampRid. Lewis Peck wanted to find moisture prevention products when he started worrying about the air quality in his home.
Control musty odors in your home by reducing humidity with moisture absorbent products from DampRid. Lewis Peck wanted to find moisture prevention products when he started worrying about the air quality in his home.
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