How to use a dehumidifier to control moisture

High humidity in the home can be a big problem. It’s uncomfortable, and it’s not good for our health. Plus, it can encourage mould growth, which, in addition to causing infections and other health problems, can affect the structural integrity of the home.

If you're new to the topic, easily understand what humidity is, why it occurs and ways to prevent it, by exploring our 101 guide to decrease humidity at home.

For those who've had the unfortunate encounter with excess moisture at home, this article will share how to use a dehumidifier at home to control moisture effectively and conveniently.

What is a dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier, also known as a moisture absorber or humidity absorber, is a device that reduces the level of humidity in the air. In simple terms, it takes the dampness out of the air in a room.

Dehumidifiers vary from large, electrical devices, to small, non-electric units that utilise tablets or granules. The dehumidifier you require depends on the extent of excess moisture in the home, your budget, your sustainability concerns, and the size of space where you need to position the moisture absorber.

If you're looking for a device that is compact, built from recycled materials, uses tablets containing no perfumes or colourants and can fit into small spaces, look no further than Bostik Breathe.

Breathe is our best dehumidifier for home use. It's a non-electric dehumidifier, perfect for the home and family environments since it contains no harmful contaminants. This compact device can fit into wardrobe or cupboards where excess moisture can be hiding, whilst covering areas up to 25m2 if required!

Benefits of a dehumidifer

Before understanding how to use this moisture absorber at home, it's important to know the benefits of a dehumidifier:

  • First and foremost, its effective - Breathe reduces the relative humidity in a room
  • No electricity required as it uses 1 or 2 tablets depending on the coverage required
  • Tablets contain no colourants or perfumes and smart packaging means there's no contact with the skin, if preferred
  • 2 tablet system provides up to 33% more surface area than the market average: offering up to 25m2 coverage
  • Unit features soft colours to match most interiors, blending seamlessly with all asethetics
  • Compact design makes it suitable for all internal environments including bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, utility rooms and even wardrobes, cupboards, windowsills, and ledges
  • Depending on the relative humidity, a device can operate for up to 4 months before it needs refilling
  • Super easy to empty, wash and refill in just a few steps
  • Large 1.2L tank ensures there's no overflow and has a spillproof seal for safe transportation
  • Largely made of recycled plastic and food waste (scallop shell powder) and is supplied in recycled packaging

Now you know the benefits of Breathe, discover how to use our dehumidifier in just 5 simple steps:

How to set up a moisture absorber

1: Take out the tablets

Two 250g tablets are supplied inside every Breathe dehumidifier. Start by lifting the lid of the moisture absorber and removing the two tablets from the upper part of the system.

To remove the tablets from their individual packaging, simply tear one side of the wrapping open.

Did you know? Breathe's smart packaging allows you to take the tablets out of their individual wrapping without the need for any contact with your skin.

2: Slot the tablets into the device

Next, guide the tablet into the slots provided in the upper compartment of the unit. Insert one or two tablets as required and then replace the lid onto the upper compartment.

Please note: Breathe is designed to hold a maximum of two tablets which provides moisture absorption for areas up to 25m2. One tablet will remove excess moisture from smaller spaces of 12m2 or less.

3: Place the absorber in a suitable location

Place the dehumidifier in the desired room where the air circulates freely as this will ensure your moisture absorber works at its optimal level.

We recommend avoiding placing the dehumidifier in a corner or alcove, though it does work well in small spaces making it perfect for damp dressing rooms or kitchen cupboards with poor ventilation.

Good to know: Thanks to the subtle colours and design, the device will not look out of place on a windowsill or even coffee table in your living room - just mind little hands or pets! For busy households, and to avoid the risk of spillages, place the system in a position where it is not likely to be knocked over.

4: Empty the dehumidifier and clean

As you're using the dehumidifier, you'll be required to empty the 1.2L water tank at regular intervals depending on the level of humidity.

To empty the Breathe system, firstly remove the upper compartment by gently lifting it up from the lower compartment and set aside. Then, carefully pour the liquid collected in the lower compartment into a sink or toilet.

If cleaning is required, we recommend using warm soapy water and then give it a quick dry.

5: Refill the dehumidifier

Once clean, dry, and empty, refill the unit with new Breathe tablets by following steps 1 and 2.

That's it! Your system is once again ready to use. Breathe gets to work the moment the tablets are inserted into the system. Easily, conveniently, and most importantly, effectively, control the humidity in your home with no electricity required.

Unsure where to place your system? Explore our complete guide on where to place a dehumidifier at home.

OPTIMAL PLACE FOR YOUR DEHUMIDIFIER