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It is possible to remove moisture and unnecessary odours in your car with the use of a quality dehumidifier designed for travel. For a small amount of money and very little effort, you can easily achieve the results you desire with the best car dehumidifiers.
What Causes Condensation in the Car?
Condensation is what happens when the temperature and/or moisture levels inside or outside the car are different. Inside the car, you have a closed environment which leads to dampness buildup. When the moisture meets cold air from your windscreen, the vapour forms into water droplets. These then stick to the glass and hamper your vision.
Sometimes, it only takes breathing to make your car start producing condensation. Then, we leave damp items inside our vehicles such as dog towels, umbrellas and jackets which only further contribute to condensation.
Condensation and moisture can also be caused by a blocked air filter. In the most extreme circumstances, you could be facing a leak in the door or sunroof seal.
Fighting Back
If you want to fight back against the car condensation, you should consider purchasing one of the best car dehumidifiers. Otherwise, here’s a list of suggestions that could be used in conjunction to alleviate condensation.
- Clean the windows inside and outside. Dirt allows moisture to attach itself easier, only making your problem worse. Use a cleaner that’s specifically designed for windows and wipe clean with a microfibre cloth.
- Allow the car to breathe. Simply giving the cabin more air will help you to absorb more moisture. When the vehicle builds up with excess moisture, leave your windows down for a few hours (if safe) and let the car air out.
- Turn on the blower and direct it toward the windscreen. You will want to keep the temperature cold at first, maybe even switch on the A/C. This helps to keep the air inside the vehicle dry. Then, gradually increase the temperature until the windows have cleared.
- If your car has heated windscreens, use them.
Things to Check
If you seem to have consistent issues with moisture in the vehicle and one of the best car dehumidifiers isn’t keeping a handle on it, here are some things you’ll want to check.
- Remove car covers. Some of these aren’t as breathable as they claim to be.
- Look inside the boot of your car to see if there is water lying inside from a leak.
- Examine the windscreen washer spray pipes for leaks.
- Inspect all the door seals for tears or breaks.
- Look in the drain holes for the sunroof or lower windscreen panels to ensure they are free from blockage.
Bag Moisture Absorbers
Silica Gel comes to the rescue in this first choice as one of the best-selling dehumidifiers. Simply take these two, portable sacks and put them anywhere that moisture, odours and mould might be bothering you. Then, it will go to work absorbing an amazing 800g of moisture. Once it’s reached it maximum, simply recharge it. To do this, keep a close eye on the colour of the gel. As it changes colour, you’ll know it’s time for a recharge. Then you can slip it into the microwave for three minutes to dry it back out. They are brand new again!
- non-slip design keeps the dehumidifier securely on your dashboard *****
- Large approx 850 filled and capable of holding up to 60% of its own weight in moisture (800 g/L) *****
- The Damp Eater is also fitted with a unique carrying handle for storage or to place in an additional place for multiple usages in the home, camping, boating, etc.*****
Pingi Dehumidifier
This dehumidifier has become one of the most popular options on Amazon and it’s no surprise why people love it so much. The Pingi dehumidifier is capable of removing moisture from your vehicle but is also ideal for the home or other enclosed spaces.
The Pingi helps to keep your windscreen clear and safer for driving. Just like the Bag Moisture Absorbers, you don’t have to worry about transporting water and this can be regenerated after use. Just stick it in the microwave for 6 minutes and it is like new again. The coloured, patented indicator will let you know when it is time.
You can absorb up to 60ml per cycle with the Pingi and it is completely safe to use around children or animals. The fact that it is non-toxic also makes it ideal for the environment. Use this to remove excess humidity, odours and condensation in your car, home, boat or caravan. You will quickly see for yourself why this is a great option as one of the best car dehumidifiers available.
- CANCEL CONDENSATION: Escape the nuisance of clouded, unclear windows and excess moisture with PINGI's vehicle dehumidifier bags. The innovative PINGI Car Dehumidifier battles this problem valiantly, attracting excess moisture like a magnet, and effectively absorbing it. Our dehumidifier bags eliminates excess moisture, ensuring the comfort and safety of starting your daily commute with a clear windshield. Safeguard yourself and your valuables with our expert dehumidifier bags!
- 100% LEAK PROOF: For a completely moisture-free, damp-free and condensation-free vehicle or boat, select PINGI's humidity absorber. Our car dehumidifier contains silica that seamlessly eliminates condensation and moisture from the air creating and maintaining an incredibly fresh environment! The moisture absorber is 100% leak proof meaning you will never have to contend with leakage or stains, only a dry interior and gleaming windshields!
- DIRECTIONS OF USE An intelligent design, PINGI's dehumidifier bags are incredibly easy to use. Once placed in the desired vehicle or boat, the water-retaining dehumidifier fills with moisture present in the air. The humidity indicator will then slowly change from blue to pink. Once the indicator has changed colour, it has reached absorption capacity & must be put into the microwave (2x6 minutes).
ThoMar Airdry Car dehumidifier
The ThoMar Airdry dehumidifier works a little differently than the two above but is still a valuable tool for moisture. The natural granulate can absorb moisture for up to 2-4 months. On top of that, the re-usability of this dehumidifier makes it ideal for supporting the environment.
This ThoMar Airdry can absorb up to 600ml water and helps to ensure a dry interior of your vehicle, cellar, boat or even motorbike. It prevents the windows from becoming steamed up and keeps your electronics free from damage. It also is capable of preventing mould and mildew stains on your upholstery and leather. Finally, you will be able to remove all those musty odours that you haven’t been able to free yourself from.
To regenerate this dehumidifier, you will need to dry it on a heater with the foil side down. The downside to this process is that it can take much longer than the options that go in the microwave. If you would prefer a faster drying process, you’ll want to opt for one of the first two choices instead.
- Air Dry car air dehumidifier with unique natural granulate, for cars, caravans, motorcycles, safes, gun cabinets, etc
- With especially long effective period for dry interior and anti-fog windows. The granulate absorbs moisture (approx. 2-4 months depending on use)
- Replenishes as many times by drying on the heater
Gold Tec 12V Car Dehumidifier
If you are looking for one of the best car dehumidifiers and you don’t mind purchasing the separate 12V adaptor, you can use this Gold Tec 12V car dehumidifier. As far as the design goes, the Gold Tec is tiny and best in enclosed environments, just like a car.
It comes with a water tank that holds 500ml, so it shouldn’t need to be emptied often. There is also an automatic shut off when the tank fills up. Even with the purchase of the 12V DC cable, this is still cheaper than most full-size dehumidifiers.
Ideally, you’ll want to use this when the vehicle isn’t moving as you could face some spillage otherwise. As a bonus, you can easily unplug this and take it inside for use in your closets or cabinets that suffer from moisture.
- Voltage: DC9V or AC 100-240V, Power:24W±10%
- De-humidification amount: APP.200- 300ml/day( 25oC 85%RH)
- Mini size-small enough for cupboards and window sills. Good for small rooms- sufficient for damp area of up to 70 sq ft. Larger rooms will require one mini dehumidifierat each end of the room. Operate for one week to allow for running in process and gradually reduce air humidity
Kontrol Krystals
Much like our homemade car dehumidifier option listed above, this product is made of anhydrous flakes of calcium chloride. They have a high affinity for water so they easily extract humidity from the surrounding air. Simply place them in a moisture trap and they will coagulate while developing a discoloured crust. After a few weeks, dampness will collect in the moisture trap.
Overall, they function for about two to three months before needing to be replaced. They are superior at not just removing condensation but also preventing musty odours from occurring. Without the need for batteries or a power source, you can place them just about anywhere. In fact, many people also find success with Kontrol Krystals when placed on a window sill in the home as well as kitchens, cupboards, bathrooms and utility rooms.
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Choosing One of the Best Car Dehumidifiers
Making the right choice when looking for the best car dehumidifiers can be tricky. With so many on the market, here are some of the considerations to take into account.
Type
There are two common choices for a car dehumidifier: a 12V powered unit or moisture absorbing bags. Most times, it is best to purchase the moisture absorber option instead. That’s because they passively suck the water right out of the air and collect it with ease. There is a range of materials that are used in these dehumidifiers. You’ll find silica gel in many of the leading brands.
With a 12V dehumidifier, you need to plug it into the dashboard of your car to remove water. They will perform the job faster, but you also have to empty them more often. Most of the time, this is a better option for when you are parked.
Design
The majority of car dehumidifiers are reusable. With a 12V unit, all you have to do is empty it and then you can place it back in the car again. With a moisture absorber, most of the time you simply need to recharge it in the microwave for a few seconds.
You aren’t going to want a non-reusable dehumidifier because it will cost you more money in the long run. The only time this would be a good option is if you temporarily need to remove moisture because you don’t expect the condensation to be an on-going concern.
Brand
As with any home purchase you make, you need to choose a reliable brand when looking for one of the best car dehumidifiers. Some of the top brands for a car dehumidifier include Pingi, ThoMar and Kontrol. It’s also becoming increasingly more important to ensure that the company you choose manufacturers products that are eco-friendly.
Price
Let’s be honest; price is an important factor when deciding on any new purchase. Many car dehumidifiers, homemade or manufactured, can be purchased inexpensively, so you are in luck. Decide on your budget before looking through your options so you’ll have a better idea which options are available to you.
How Do Car Dehumidifiers Work?
The best car dehumidifiers are going to remove excess moisture from the vehicle. They are small, portable and easy to maintain. Many of the best options include some sort of gel or substance that holds the moisture. Then, you simply have to recharge them and use over again.
With that said, there are some car dehumidifiers that you won’t want to purchase.
- You won’t want any dehumidifier that is large or takes up room.
- Stay away from anything that makes noises which could be distracting.
- Avoid spending too much as many of the best car dehumidifiers are relatively inexpensive.
How to Make a Homemade Car Dehumidifier
As we’ve highlighted before, making a homemade dehumidifier is simple and many options are perfect for your vehicle. While the options discussed in that article, won’t always make for the ideal homemade car dehumidifier, you are going to follow the same basic guidelines.
Making your dehumidifier offers you several advantages:
- Basic materials are all that is needed.
- They are simple to make.
- They won’t require the need for electricity.
- You won’t hear any noise.
- You can take them anywhere, so they are versatile.
Homemade Silica Gel Moisture Absorber
When you put this contraption together, you are basically making a desiccant dehumidifier of sorts.
You will need:
- A jar that contains a lid
- Something to make holes in the lid like a hammer and nail
- Silica gel (they come in different size packets but we recommend going with a 10-gram packet so you have less packaging to open)
Directions
- Hammer some holes in the lid.
- Fill up your jar with the gel.
- Screw the lid onto your jar.
- Place in a safe spot in your vehicle.
Homemade Calcium Chloride Dehumidifier
This has to be one of the easiest ways to remove moisture.
You will need:
- A lycra stocking or sock
- A string
- Medium-sized or large container or bowl
- Calcium Chloride
Directions:
- Put calcium chloride in the stocking or sock and tie a knot to close it securely.
- Tie a string around the knot you made and hang it in the vehicle.
- You should place a bowl or container under the stocking to collect any water that is produced.
- Simply replace the calcium chloride as needed.
Some people also find that using cat litter in a stocking has the same effect. It’s certainly worth a try if you have an abundance of cat litter at your home.
Homemade Coffee Whitener Dehumidifier
Try out this super easy to make dehumidifier that only requires two items.
You will need:
- Large container or bowl
- Coffee whitener
Directions:
- Fill your container or bowl with coffee whitener.
- Leave the bowl in a moist area of your vehicle.
- When the coffee whitener hardens, replace it.
Obviously, this method will cost more overall than the other options we’ve given you.
Take a look at this list to find the best car dehumidifiers currently available to tackle your moisture and mould issues.
Conclusion
With all the quality dehumidifiers available today, it does not make sense to drive around with steamy windows and musty smells any longer. Pick out your favourite from the list of what we consider to be the best car dehumidifiers and achieve maximum portability and lower moisture levels for your surroundings. Remember, these aren’t just ideal for the car. Use them anywhere you have dark and musty corners to help reduce the presence of mould and mildew.
If you’re looking for a larger dehumidifier, you may be interested in our Buyers Guide: The Best Dehumidifier
