I get the appeal of “low-tech wins,” but I’m not totally convinced the tubs are always the best value, especially if you’re dealing with a bigger space or long-term humidity. Those disposable tubs add up over time—like, I did the math once and realized I was spending way more per year than I would on a small plug-in dehumidifier.
They’re always running out of juice at the worst time, and I swear the tubs just quietly do their job.
I had the same frustration with the rechargeable ones, but a regular plug-in model (even a compact one) has been way less hassle for me. I just empty it every week or so, and it’s been keeping the closet dry without the dust or the ongoing cost of refills. Plus, no more mystery puddles when the tub overflows... which happened to me more than once.
I guess it depends on how much you want to spend upfront versus over time, but for me, investing in a decent dehumidifier has actually saved money—and my shoes—from all that extra dust.
I hear you on the tubs—mine always seem to run out right before a rainy week, and then I’m left scrambling for a refill while my shoes start plotting their escape. But can we talk about the noise factor? My last dehumidifier sounded like a jet engine in a shoebox. Have you found any that don’t drown out your thoughts, or is that just the price of dry air? Also, does anyone else end up with random socks stuck to the intake vent, or is that just my luck?
Noise is the worst part, honestly. I’ve been through a handful of dehumidifiers over the years—some of them sound like they’re prepping for takeoff, others are just a low hum. The smaller “quiet” models are usually less powerful, but if you’re just trying to keep a closet dry, they’re not bad. I’ve had decent luck with the Eva-Dry units; they’re more like big silica packs than machines, so zero noise, but you have to recharge them every couple weeks.
As for socks on the intake... yeah, that’s not just you. I’ve pulled everything from dryer sheets to a rogue cat toy off those vents. If you can swing it, try putting a little mesh screen over the intake—just something from the hardware store. Keeps the socks out and doesn’t mess with airflow much.
If you ever want to go nuclear on closet dampness, I’ve seen folks install tiny vent fans or even run a duct from their main HVAC. Bit of work, but it’s basically set-and-forget after that. Just depends how much you hate moldy shoes and frizzy hair, I guess.
Moldy closets and frizzy hair—two things I never thought would be linked until I started buying rental properties in the southeast. Humidity is a silent assassin for both real estate and hairstyles, trust me. Here’s my “battle plan” after a few too many tenants called about their shoes turning into science experiments.
Step one: Accept that most dehumidifiers are basically white noise machines with a drinking problem. I’ve had the “jet engine” models and the ones that sound like a polite librarian. The trick is, if you’re just targeting a closet, those Eva-Dry units are actually pretty solid. I toss one in each closet between tenants. Sure, you have to remember to recharge them, but at least you’re not waking up the whole house.
Step two: Sock-proofing the intake is non-negotiable. I once found a Barbie shoe in there—don’t ask me how. Mesh screen from the hardware store is a lifesaver. Just cut it to size, slap it on with some zip ties, and you’re golden. Air still flows, socks stay out, and your dehumidifier doesn’t die a slow, lint-choked death.
Step three: If you’re feeling ambitious (or just really hate mold), those little vent fans are game changers. I put one in a basement closet that was basically a mushroom farm. Wired it to the light switch so it only runs when someone’s in there—no need for it to hum away 24/7. Not gonna lie, running ductwork from the main HVAC is next-level stuff... but if you’re already tearing up drywall, might as well go all-in.
One thing I’ll mildly disagree on: sometimes those “quiet” models are so weak they’re basically decorative. If you’ve got serious moisture, don’t be afraid to go up a size and just put it on a timer so it’s not running all night.
Anyway, if anyone figures out how to keep humidity out of closets without any gadgets or maintenance, let me know. Until then, it’s mesh screens and rechargeable bricks for me... and maybe investing in some anti-frizz serum on the side.
Honestly, I’d skip the rechargeable bricks and go straight to passive ventilation if you can. Louvered doors or even just drilling a few discreet holes at the top and bottom of closet doors makes a bigger difference than people expect. Less stuffy, less mold, zero gadgets to babysit.
