I use this cheap salt trick to get rid of condensation – without a dehumidifier (2024)
I will be the first to admit that condensation is not the most exciting topic in the world – and before moving to my apartment, I never gave it a second thought. Sure, I had heard about dehumidifiers, but the strong desire to invest was never really there – until I found myself living alone.
After a few months in a small apartment, the importance of condensation began to show, and (as sad as it is) I started thinking about mundane tasks, like how to get rid of condensation inside windows and how to get rid of black mold in my bathroom. The extent and effects of condensation were more significant than I'd ever cared to believe, and the need for one of the best humidifiers on the market was suddenly evident.
It goes without saying that a humidifier is one of the most powerful ways to control condensation in a home, and it's a method that experts love. So, of course, if you're thinking of making the investment, I have no doubt that you will be satisfied with your purchase. However, in my case, I needed something smaller (to fit discreetly into my small apartment), and I needed something that was fairly instant.
Using salt to get rid of condensation – what I learned in the process
After sharing my condensation woes with my father, he told me to consider using salt, at least as an experiment. Then, if it did not work, I would know I tried a 'smaller' alternative and pick up a dehumidifier with ease.
To follow the teaching, I filled a small bowl with salt and placed it on the ledge of my windowsill. However, I have also heard that you can sprinkle a little salt on windows and doors before you go outside – if you prefer to try this method with a bowl. Then, I left the bowl untouched and went on with my day.
Much of my routine involves condensation-heavy activities, such as showering in the bathroom that is close to my main living space – and using a bed sheet trick to dry clothes quickly without a dryer. Therefore, my space sees a lot of condensation.
While there was still condensation in my bathroom after my shower, I noticed my windows were much less cloudy in my main living space – and I haven't noticed any sign of mold anywhere in my apartment.
(Image credit: GettyImages)
'Salt has adsorption properties, which means that it can bind to moisture and prevent it from developing condensation. This is why salt is often used in the kitchen to stop water droplets from forming on dishes or silverware,' explains homecare expert and archeologist Barry Gray from The Tool Square.
In the discussion of the hack, Barry adds that salt is able to 'pull moisture out of the air, making rooms drier' and less damp. 'This can help to prevent mold growth and other harmful conditions in enclosed spaces like homes or offices,' the expert adds.
Alternatively, another simple way to prevent condensation is to ensure you have adequate ventilation in your home. 'Poor circulation often leads to high levels of moisture and humidity, which will cause condensation to form on windows and other surfaces,' he says.
To take this further, it can be a good idea to install air vents or doors into your entryway, bathroom, or kitchen ideas if necessary. Which method will you try?
If solving your moisture problem is something you'd like to do inexpensively, rock salt may be your answer. Because rock salt is hygroscopic it absorbs moisture from the air. If your plan is to get rid of the humidity in a damp basem*nt, start with a 50-pound bag of sodium chloride to make your rock salt dehumidifier.
Rock salt has absorbent properties and will draw damp to it so placing some in a bowl by the window can prevent condensation and mould. Baking soda is similar in that it absorbs moisture and will gradually become harder. When this happens, you'll need to empty the bowl and add fresh baking soda.
In the discussion of the hack, Barry adds that salt is able to 'pull moisture out of the air, making rooms drier' and less damp. 'This can help to prevent mold growth and other harmful conditions in enclosed spaces like homes or offices,' the expert adds.
Fill the bucket to the top with rock salt. Place the bucket in the area of your home you'd like to dehumidify. The bucket will begin to collect water, and that water will drip through the holes of the inside bucket. The water will then collect inside the outer bucket, trapping excess moisture.
Rock salt, calcium chloride, activated charcoal and even baking soda can be used to remove moisture and absorb odors. Keep in mind that baking soda isn't as powerful as the other solutions and should only be used in small, enclosed spaces – like your cupboards or kitchen pantry.
“I put one cup per window pane in every room in the house,” she said. “The windows used to drip with condensation, and we would have to wipe them every morning with a squeegee. “Since using the salt trick, we haven't had to wipe them once.
Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air, but be sure that the appliances themselves don't become sources of biological pollutants. Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation or storm windows.
To make a no frills rock salt dehumidifier, you're going to need rock salt and two buckets. Pop some holes in the first bucket and place it inside your second bucket. Next, fill the top bucket with salt and voila! - you have a dehumidifier.
The cheapest and more effective way to remove humidity from a basem*nt is without a doubt, a continuously operating dehumidifier. Select one that is sized to manage the amount of space you have, and try to keep it about 40% RH.
Certain salts, such as the rock salt used to melt ice, are very efficient at absorbing moisture, including water vapor. And the best among them is lithium chloride, a salt that is capable of absorbing over 10 times its own mass in moisture.
Open your salt container and pour in ¼-2 teaspoon (1-8 grams) of uncooked rice based on how wet the salt happens to be. Either mix the rice into the salt with a spoon or close the container and shake it up by hand. The rice will absorb the moisture in the salt and keep it from clumping up.
Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air, but be sure that the appliances themselves don't become sources of biological pollutants. Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation or storm windows.
The dinitrogen pentoxide compound reacts with chloride particles – which enter the air when rock salt is spread onto the pavement or driven over -- to form nitryl chloride, which is a gas. When the sun comes up, sunlight breaks apart nitryl chloride into chlorine atoms and nitrogen dioxide.
Introduction: My name is Duane Harber, I am a modern, clever, handsome, fair, agreeable, inexpensive, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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