How to Make Your Own Dehumidifier (That Actually Works)

The steps are simple, and hardly any tools are required to make it. Take a look and get started on the construction of your very own DIY dehumidifier.

What You Will Need

Step by Step Instructions for Making Your Own Homemade Dehumidifier

Step 1: Use The First Bucket To Create The Base of Your Dehumidifier

Take one of the buckets and drill a hole in the bottom of it. The hole itself should be at least a quarter of an inch in diameter. If you don’t have a drill, you can use a screwdriver to make the hole instead.

It may take longer using this method, however. Please note that for health and safety reasons, you should also be wearing safety goggles while performing this task.

Step 2: Now Use Mesh/Wire at The Botttom Of The DIY Dehumidifier

Now, take the chicken wire (or mesh) and place a piece at the bottom of the bucket to cover up the hole.

You can easily make it the correct size to fit by placing the mesh at the base of the bucket (underneath) and tracing the perimeter using a marker pen. You can then use the wire cutters to get the mesh down to the correct shape.

Step 3: Rock Salt Will Be Added to Allow Moisture to Drip Through

Now, fill the bucket with rock salt – this is the kind that is used to melt ice – and then place it on the stand.

It is very important that the stand you choose is resistant to being dried out or corroded by the rock salt, and it must be porous enough for moisture to drip through.

Ideally, your stand would be similar to a stack of plastic crates, like the ones that are used for milk. The stand can be any height you desire - it all depends on the space you have available.

Step 4: The Second Bucket Will Catch Excess Moitsure from The First Bucket 

Of course, you need something that will be able to catch the excess moisture that drips out of the first bucket.

Take the second bucket and place it under the stand so that it can catch the moisture easily. This bucket does not require any alteration, it’s simply there to act as a basin.

Step 5: Be Patient when Getting Things Working - It May Take a Few Days 

It can take a few days for it to start working, so make sure you give it time to get started.

Due to the fact that the salt is industrial strength, it should work to pull the moisture from the air, and then release it – dropping the moisture into the bucket under the stand.

It can take a few days for it to start working, so make sure you give it time to get started. Due to the fact that the salt is industrial strength, it should work to pull the moisture from the air, and then release it – dropping the moisture into the bucket under the stand.

Step 6: Be Sure To Do Regular Checks on Your New Dehumidifier

Now that your dehumidifier is up and running, you need to make sure you check it regularly so that you know it is functioning correctly.

You can test the relative humidity of a room by investing in a hygrometer, which is available at most DIY stores and garden centres. You can also increase the size of the dehumidifier, which will further increase its effectiveness.