If you’ve ever bought electronics, shoes, or even certain food items, you’ve probably seen those little “Do Not Eat” packets. They’re filled with silica gel beads, designed to keep things dry by absorbing moisture. But what if you run out or want to skip buying those pricey packets altogether? Luckily, you can make your own DIY desiccants using common materials you may already have at home. Let’s look at 11 desiccant alternatives that might just work better than silica gel.
1. Rice: The Old-School Absorber
You’ve probably heard of the trick where you bury a wet phone in a bowl of rice to help dry it out. That’s because rice is surprisingly good at soaking up moisture. While it’s slow and not perfect for long-term storage, rice can work in a pinch. However, it’s prone to attracting pests, so make sure to keep it sealed and in rodent-proof containers!
2. Salt: Cheap and Fast-Acting
Salt is not just for seasoning your food – it’s also a fantastic moisture absorber. Place a bowl of salt in any damp area, and it’ll work quickly to draw moisture from the air. As it absorbs, salt starts to clump up, so you’ll need to give it a shake now and then to keep it working. Once fully saturated, it can turn into a salty slurry, so be prepared to swap it out regularly.
3. Activated Charcoal: For Moisture and Odor
Activated charcoal is like a superhero desiccant: it not only absorbs moisture but also fights bad smells. This makes it perfect for use in musty closets, basements, or even stinky gym bags. Just be aware that activated charcoal can get a bit pricey, so if you already have some around the house, put it to good use. Keep it contained, though, as it can be very dusty.
4. Baking Soda: Humidity Helper
Baking soda is another multi-tasker. While it’s best known for absorbing odors, it can also handle humidity in small spaces. It’s not as powerful as some other materials on this list, but if you’re looking to maintain dryness in a small area (like a cupboard or drawer), baking soda will do the trick. Just remember to replace it regularly, as it can lose its effectiveness over time.
5. Diatomaceous Earth: Prepper’s Best Friend
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is made from tiny, fossilized aquatic organisms and is a go-to material for preppers. Not only does it absorb moisture effectively, but it also helps keep pests at bay. The key is to use food-grade DE, not the kind made for pool filters, as that can be hazardous if inhaled. Store it in a perforated container, and let it do the work in keeping your space dry and bug-free.
6. Calcium Chloride: Powerful But Potent
If you need a serious moisture buster, calcium chloride is a great option. This stuff works fast and can even lower humidity levels in an entire room. However, it’s super reactive. It can cause burns and damage surfaces if not handled carefully, so make sure you contain it properly. Also, be aware that once it’s saturated, calcium chloride will release water, so be ready to switch it out before things get messy.
7. Cornstarch: The Kitchen Desiccant
Cornstarch is more than just a kitchen ingredient; it also acts as a decent DIY desiccant. While it doesn’t lock away moisture as effectively as other materials, it can still help in smaller, confined spaces. It’s safe, cheap, and easy to find, making it a convenient option for keeping moisture at bay. Just be mindful to replace it regularly to avoid mold.
8. Bentonite Clay: Kitty Litter’s Hidden Secret
If you’ve ever cleaned a litter box, you’re already familiar with bentonite clay—it’s one of the main ingredients in kitty litter. This absorbent clay is great for soaking up moisture and keeping it locked in. It’s perfect for small spaces like toolboxes or storage containers. Since it’s naturally dry and safe to handle, you can pack it in cloth bags or even socks for easy moisture control.
9. Quicklime: Handle With Caution
Quicklime, or calcium oxide, is a moisture-absorbing powerhouse, but it comes with a lot of risks. This material heats up as it absorbs water, and that heat can actually ignite flammable materials if you’re not careful. If you decide to use quicklime, be extremely cautious with how you store and handle it. While effective, the potential for accidents makes it a last-resort option for severe moisture problems.
10. Cement: A One-Time Solution
Powdered cement can absorb moisture well, but it’s a one-and-done kind of solution. Once it hardens, it’s no longer useful as a desiccant. Still, if you have leftover cement powder from a project, you can put it to work in damp areas like basements or sheds. Just be sure to keep it contained, as you don’t want the cement turning into a solid mass inside your storage space.
11. Montmorillonite Clay: The French Absorber
Montmorillonite clay, native to France, can absorb up to 25% of its weight in water, making it one of the most efficient desiccants out there. You can reuse it by gently heating it, which makes it more eco-friendly than many other options. However, once overheated, it stops working, so you’ll need to be careful if you plan to recycle it for future use. Though effective, it’s on the pricier side, so it might not be the best choice for those on a budget.
Pick Your Desiccant
There you have it – 11 alternatives to silica gel that can help you keep moisture under control, whether you’re protecting electronics, food, or tools. Some materials are safer and easier to handle, like rice or baking soda, while others, like quicklime and calcium chloride, pack more punch but come with extra precautions.
The next time you need to dehumidify a space, skip the silica gel packs and try one of these DIY desiccant options. You’ll be surprised at how well they work, and your wallet will thank you!
Which One Is the Most Practical for Your Home?
Which of these DIY desiccant alternatives do you think would be the most practical for your home, and why? How could using DIY desiccants help reduce waste and promote more sustainable living? Do you think any of these desiccant alternatives could become a better long-term solution than store-bought silica gel packs?
Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.