How To Dehumidify Your Garage With A DIY Solution That Really Works

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A damp, musky garage is a problem, and the high humidity in the area is to blame. Whether the issue stems from poor ventilation, insulation, or the climate beyond your control, lowering the air's moisture content will help. A dehumidifier is a great way to prevent mold growth, rust, and avoid funky odors. However, instead of buying an electric dehumidifier that will need to be plugged in 24/7, or using disposable moisture absorbers that aren't always effective in larger spaces, you can make your own dehumidifier with rock salt.

Rock salt contains sodium chloride, which is a natural mineral. It has strong moisture-absorbing qualities, called hygroscopic, and is often utilized to de-ice snow and ice on roads. Thanks to its hygroscopic properties, rock salt is a great option for reducing humidity in garages because it draws water molecules from the air. For your DIY dehumidifier, you'll need two 5-gallon buckets, a drill, a brick, and a 50-pound bag of rock salt, like Morton Safe-T-Salt from Home Depot. This project is highly effective, comes together in minutes, and requires little maintenance. Plus, it dehumidifies your home on a budget.

Making a dehumidifier to protect your garage from mold growth is fairly simple. First, drill a few small drainage holes in the bottom of one bucket. If you don't have a drill, a hot glue gun (without the glue sticks) can also melt holes into the plastic. Or, use pruning shears to make a tiny puncture, then widen it with regular scissors, or punch holes with a screwdriver. Next, place a brick in the bucket without holes and put the perforated bucket on top. The brick creates space between the two buckets to collect more water. Then, fill the perforated bucket with rock salt, and that's it! To empty the water, remove the interior bucket and pour out the water before reassembling everything.

You will need to refill the bucket with salt once in a while, as the absorbed water dissolves the minerals over time. Make sure to store any leftover rock salt in an airtight container. With this same concept, you can also make mini dehumidifiers to banish musty closet smells or reduce moisture in your bathroom. If it's going to be in plain view, consider decorating the outer bucket or using thrift planters instead for a dehumidifier that's functional and aesthetically pleasing.