The Best Car Dehumidifier and Moisture Absorber

Why you need a car dehumidifier and how to pick one that is right for you.

Whether it’s from a humid climate, condensation, or spills, the air in your car is likely to have some degree of moisture which can cause mold and nasty odors. The best way to reduce moisture in your car is with a good car dehumidifier or moisture absorber. Besides improving the air quality of your car, the best car dehumidifiers also remove condensation on windows during winter. Easy-to-use, highly affordable, and reusable, these small, portable car humidity absorbers make driving in any weather a breeze.

• Top pick: Zarpax Reusable car dehumidifiers
• Natural moisture absorber: Moso Activated Charcoal Bag
• Best value: Wisedry Reusable Moisture Absorber Bag
• Most effective: DampRid refillable moisture absorbers
• Long-lasting: Eva-Dry Wireless Mini Dehumidifier

Should I use a moisture absorber or dehumidifier?

Most people use the terms dehumidifier and moisture absorber interchangeably, but there’s a slight difference. Moisture absorbers, also known as damp traps, are cheap solutions for trapping excess moisture. They use absorbent materials such as silica gel, bamboo charcoal, or calcium chloride to absorb moisture from the air. Some, like the charcoal-based pouch absorber, are often combined with an air freshener. So, moisture absorbers for cars can help with light moisture issues.

However, you want a dehumidifier if your car has been exposed to a highly damp environment. In such cases, you want to be sure that all the moisture has been absorbed so you don’t get stuck with a build-up of mold and mildew. These handy gadgets come various in all kinds of capacities, types, and sizes. Some mount under the driver’s seat or rear passenger seats, some run on electricity while others are powered by rechargeable batteries.

So, if your car has AC and stays indoors most of the time, you don’t need to buy an expensive dehumidifier – a moisture absorber will do just fine.

Read also: Choosing the best dehumidifier for your garage or workshop

How do I get rid of excess moisture in my car?

• First, remove any damp clothing, wet towels, or umbrellas. Avoid leaving any liquids in your vehicle, including coffee, soda, or water bottles.
• Make sure that you air out the car by cracking the windows open (whenever possible).
• Moisture removal can be as simple as turning on your car’s air defroster or air conditioner. This quickly forces moist air from your car.
• Then, find a good car moisture absorber. This could be portable dehumidifier bags, moisture absorber bags, or an electric dehumidifier- depending on your needs.

The Best Car Dehumidifiers and Moisture Absorbers Reviews

Zarpax Reusable Car Dehumidifier Bags

Pop these car moisture absorbers in your front panel, console, or in the glove compartment to keep humidity at bay. This reusable dehumidifier for cars has an indicator that turns pink when the gadget is at absorption capacity. Reactivate the dehumidifier bag by popping it in the oven for 6 minutes to evaporate the moisture. Its stylish carbon-fiber print design complements any modern car interior.

Features

• Humidity indicator turns pink when the absorption capacity is reached
• Stylish carbon fiber print
• Rechargeable via microwave or drying out in the sun
• Compact: designed to fit in tight spaces (1.42 inches by 7 inches by 4.33 inches)

Eva-Dry Wireless Mini Dehumidifier

This super-absorbent silica gel dehumidifier for cars will eliminate musty odors and dampness from your car’s interior and small spaces of up to 333 cubic feet. Spill-free and rechargeable, this portable dehumidifier for car has a holder so you can conveniently clip it on any surface in your car. We also like that it is non-toxic, pet and child friendly so you can use it on those long family road trips.  

Features

• Absorb four to six ounces of moisture per recharge
• Long lasting (up to 10 years)
• Cordless and rechargeable – dehumidifier unit lasts 20-30 days before recharging the silica gel beads. 
• Zero risk of leaks or spills
• Versatile: Useful as a car dehumidifier, gun safe dehumidifier, closet or bathroom and more

Damprid Refillable Moisture Absorbers

If your car gets rained in, use DampRid, a most efficient dehumidifier, to get rid of lingering moisture and odors. If you have just an odor problem, use Odor Genie to control excess moisture and strong odors. Odor Genie is also great for when your car is in storage These DampRid Hanging Bag refillable moisture absorbers are milder, so they’re good for regular use. Place a few Damprid in car under each seat. Initially, the scent may be a tad strong, but driving for a couple of days with your windows down will take care of it.

Features

• Efficient car moisture collector
• Range of car dehumidifiers for different applications
• 10.5oz/ 5.33 x 7.79 x 2.23 inches

Barska Car Moisture Absorber

Made from highly absorbent silicon dioxide material, this car dehumidifier is great for sucking up moisture in small spaces. Watch out for when the indicator turns from blue to pink- this is your cue to recharge the moisture absorber. This is done by drying it in the microwave for four minutes- and it is good for the next 20-30 days.

Features

• Has recharge alert
• Rechargeable via microwaving or sun-drying
• Filled with moisture absorbing silicon dioxide (SiO2)

Moso Natural Activated Charcoal Dehumidifier

Filled with highly absorbent eco-friendly bamboo charcoal, this car dehumidifier bag absorbs moisture and odor keeping your car fresh and mold-free. With zero chemicals and fragrances, this organic moisture absorber for cars is safe to use even in small spaces. To recharge, simply dry it out in the sun once a month. Overall, one of the best car moisture removal accessories in humid areas – plus it is re-usable for up to 24 months.

Features

• Natural car moisture collector that is 100% fragrance free and chemical free.
• Can last up to 24 months
• Metal grommet means you can hang or place the Moso Bag in any small space.
• Attractive, spill proof packaging

Wisedry Reusable Moisture Absorber Bag

If you want to keep your car dry and free of odors, get this amazon top seller dehumidifier moisture absorber. It is made from silica gel dehumidifier crystals – an odorless and non-toxic material with a high absorption capability that will protect your car from mold and rust. Reactivate your spent car dehumidifier by microwaving or drying it in the sun.

Features

• Package includes 500g x 2 Packs
• Rechargeable via microwaving for 16 mins or dried in the sun
• A 500g desiccant bag can absorb moisture about 175g

Read also: The Best Tool Kits for Car Window Tinting

Where Should I Place My Car Dehumidifiers?

There are a couple of strategic places you can place your moisture absorber for car to maximize the amount of moisture extracted from your vehicle. Here are a few tips:

• The dashboard near the windshield is a good spot to prevent moisture build-up and condensation on your windscreen
• The glove compartment or center console is another effective location for a small car dehumidifier, as it will reduce the moisture in enclosed areas within the center console.       
• You can also place your moisture remover for car in crevices like behind seatbacks, door panels, and armrests.
• Pop a dehumidifier for car interior in the trunk too, especially if thats where you store your gym gear and grocery bags.
• Another good option is to place your leak-proof dehumidifier close to your air vents or air conditioning where they will be able to dry out the moisture faster

 How to Get Rid of Mold in the Car

There are some steps that you can take to deal with mold in your car. But if the mold infestation is severe, you might want to hire a professional- it’s not always safe to clean up mold yourself for health and safety reasons.

First, remove everything from the car that can be dried in the sun. This includes seats and floor mats. Also, remove anything that may be harmed by water or was not properly stored over winter. Next, using a spray bottle, drench the surfaces with a solution of 50/50 white vinegar and water solution and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then wipe away the mold and let the car air dry until all the moisture is gone. This may take hours or days, or you can use fans, blowers, or wet vacs to speed up the process. Finally, wipe down all surfaces with a soft dry cloth to prevent streaks.

If you want to avoid another infestation of mold and mildew, you should buy reusable car dehumidifiers. Also, use the tips outlined above to avoid excess moisture in your car.

You can also use tea tree oil – a natural, chemical-free way to get rid of mold. Mix 10-20 drops of tea tree oil with water and soak the moldy surface with the solution. Leave it for ten minutes, then wipe it away

COMPARISON TABLE OF THE BEST CAR DEHUMIDIFIER AND MOISTURE ABSORBER

Best Moisture Absorber for Cars Brands	Type	Qty	Weight
Zarpax best moisture absorber for car	Moisture absorber bag	2 pack	1 lb
Eva-Dry Wireless car moisture absorber	Rechargable mini dehumidifier	1 pc	1.2 lb
Damprid Refillable Moisture Absorbers	Refillable/disposable moisture absorbers bags	Various	Various
Barska Reusable small dehumidifier	Moisture absorbing bags	1 pack	0.4 lb
Moso best moisture absorber for cars	Activated charcoal dehumidifier bag	4 pack	1.8 lb
Wisedry Reusable Moisture Absorber Bag	Gel dehumidifier crystals	2 pack	2.2 lbs

Final thoughts

Just having a dehumidifier or moisture absorber in your car at any time in any weather increases the overall air quality. Our car dehumidifier reviews determined that the Zarpax Reusable car dehumidifiers were the best overall pick for cars. Looking for a natural, chemical-free option? Go with the Moso activated charcoal moisture absorber.