Humidity

November 6, 2025

How does a moisture absorber work? Simple guide

Discover how a moisture absorber works, its advantages, limitations, and more effective solutions to regulate humidity in the air.

A moisture absorber is a device designed to reduce ambient humidity in an enclosed space. Its operation is based on an absorbent salt, calcium chloride, capable of capturing water vapor contained in the air.

When it comes into contact with moisture, this salt gradually turns into a liquid brine. The device then collects this water at the bottom of the tank, making it possible to maintain drier air.

The operating principle of a moisture absorber

A moisture absorber consists of three main components:

  • A tank intended to collect the brine,

  • A tray on which the calcium chloride tablet is placed,

  • An openwork lid that allows air to circulate.

Humid air enters through the openings in the lid and then comes into contact with the dehumidifying tablet. Hygroscopic salt captures water from the air: the tablet liquefies gradually, and the brine falls into the lower container.

The result: the air comes out partially dried up, which reduces the relative humidity.

The pros and cons of conventional moisture absorbers

Advantages:

  • Simple and inexpensive solution;

  • Works without electricity or complex maintenance.

Disadvantages:

  • The pellets need to be replaced regularly;

  • The container must be emptied as soon as it is full;

  • The effectiveness remains limited for sudden variations in relative humidity, such as condensation on cold walls;

  • Occasional use, not very suitable for large volumes or very humid environments (e.g. containers, garages, warehouses).

Towards more efficient solutions: innovative humidity regulation

Conventional absorbers have their limits. For long-lasting humidity control, new generation humidity regulators, such as Air Sponge, offer a more effective alternative.
Unlike single-use tablets, Air Sponge quickly adsorbs water, regenerates naturally without energy, and ensures continuous humidity regulation, ideal for storage containers, confined spaces, or humid areas.

To remember

A moisture absorber is a simple solution to reduce ambient humidity, but it requires regular maintenance and is not very efficient in environments subject to strong variations.

For optimal humidity control, regenerable solutions such as Air Sponge allow continuous and sustainable regulation, without manual intervention.

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