Guitars are made with wood, which can be sensitive to significant changes in humidity levels. Wood, being a porous organic material, readily absorbs water when the air is too moist or releases water when the air is too dry. Too high and too low humidity levels can both damage the wood in guitars and other instruments, causing it to expand, warp, or crack.
Excess moisture causes a swollen guitar body and rusty strings, which can negatively impact the sound quality. The longer the exposure, the more severe the damage to the instrument itself. To keep your instruments in good condition year-round, humidity levels must be always kept within the ideal range of 45% to 55% RH. The most effective solution is by using a dehumidifier and humidifier system.
Whether you store your instruments in one closet, in a small room, or simply inside their individual cases in a corner of your room, there is a dehumidifier fit for your needs. There are mini dehumidifiers, full-size units, and moisture absorbers in small bags. Whatever type of dehumidifier you need, we have covered the necessary information when choosing. You can find our top six picks below as well as a guide to the features you must consider.
Top 6 Best Dehumidifiers For Guitar
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Editor's Choice  |
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Runner-up  |
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Best Mini Dehumidifier: Pro Breeze Mini Dehumidifier
For any small room with moisture problems, this Pro Breeze Mini Dehumidifier can go a long way considering its size and price. Pro Breeze uses the Peltier effect or thermoelectric cooling technology in a compact dehumidifier built for low-consumption and whisper-quiet operation. This dehumidifier works by passing the moist air from one (cold) side of the Peltier module to the other (hot), producing water.
This small dehumidifier can remove up to 9 ounces (250 ml) of moisture per day in rooms up to 215 square feet. It has a tank capacity of 16 ounces (450 ml), which can hold at least two days of moisture. It is useful for many other different applications in small spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and music rooms due to its quiet operation.
It is easy to operate with a single button to turn the unit on and off. Pro Breeze also has the auto shut-off function and the corresponding full indicator light to alert the user when the tank is full. It is incredibly easy to use and maintain. To drain the water, simply slide the tank out from the bottom part of the unit, pull the drain plug, and empty the content into your sink or drain or save it in a bucket for later use.
Running on 23 Watts, you can leave it running all day on hot and humid summer days without worrying about your utility bills. On the downside, this unit and all other Peltier dehumidifiers are not built for heavy use in highly humid spaces. They are recommended to use at temperatures between 59℉ and 86℉. In any case, for small rooms or large closets with minimal moisture, Pro Breeze is one of the best-selling and top-rated mini dehumidifiers today.
Pros
• Small, lightweight, and portable
• Low energy consumption
• Whisper-quiet operation
• Simple one-button controls
Cons
• Manual draining
• Only ideal for warmer climates
Runner-up: Gocheer Mini Dehumidifier
If you liked Pro Breeze but want something a little higher in capacity, this mini dehumidifier may be for you. The Gocheer portable dehumidifier uses the same Peltier technology to dehumidify spaces up to 480 square feet. It can remove up to one liter (33 ounces) of moisture per day while the tank can hold two liters (64 ounces). When running, it produces less than 40 decibels of noise.
This unit has the standard auto shut-off to prevent water overflow, as well as an LED indicator light to tell you when you need to empty the tank. When the tank is full, simply pull it out, open the lid, and empty the water into the sink or drain. Although it’s a much larger unit than Pro Breeze, this Gocheer Peltier dehumidifier has the same simple controls with just one button at the back for the power switch and light indicators on the front.
Running on 48 Watts, this unit only consumes a total of 1.15kW of electricity after 24 hours of continuous operation. Compared to other Peltier dehumidifiers, this is one of the most cost-efficient units you can find. However, note that its performance and coverage cannot compare to that of the standard compressor dehumidifiers.
Pros
• Small, lightweight, and portable
• Low energy consumption
• Whisper-quiet operation
• Higher capacity
Cons
• Manual draining
• Limited operating temperature range
Best Mid-Sized Dehumidifier: Inofia PD161C
For compressor dehumidifiers, the capacity typically ranges from 20 to 50 pints. This small 30-pint dehumidifier from Inofia is ideal for small spaces up to 1,500 square feet with light to moderate humidity. However, Inofia is not Energy Star rated, so the 30-pint capacity is actually measured at 90% RH, 90°F. This means you should expect a much smaller capacity in actual use.
Like other regular compressor dehumidifiers, you can set the humidity level between 30% and 80% with the digital humidistat on the control panel. It will show the current humidity, temperature, and timer status, along with the auto-defrost and full bucket indicators. With its small 4-pint (0.5 gallons) water tank, this Inofia unit is likely the lightest and smallest “30-pint” dehumidifier today. To avoid emptying the tank manually, you can utilize the continuous draining option by attaching the included 6.56 ft (2 meters) drain hose to the outlet.
This Inofia 30-pint dehumidifier consumes less electricity compared to similar dehumidifiers but usually works at a slower rate. While it’s not Energy Star certified, it’s a good budget dehumidifier for small rooms with severe moisture problems.
PROS
• Small, light, and portable
• Custom humidity control
• Easy to use control panel
• Continuous draining with hose included
CONS
• Small tank capacity
• Not Energy Star rated
Best Dehumidifier for a Guitar Room: Vremi VRM010184N
In a room for your guitar or other musical instruments, a regular portable dehumidifier is your best option to get the entire room humidity levels regulated. This 22-pint unit is Vremi’s smallest compressor dehumidifier recommended for small spaces up to 1,500 square feet. The Vremi dehumidifier has all the standard features and functionality you can find in any of the top-rated dehumidifiers today. It is also Energy Star certified for greater energy savings.
This Vremi dehumidifier features the usual buttons on its control panel along with a digital humidistat for custom humidity control. You can choose Turbo speed for quicker moisture removal, Comfort mode to automatically adjust the humidity based on the ambient temperature, and Continuous mode for nonstop dehumidification. Standard functions like auto shut-off, auto restart, and auto defrost are also included for your convenience. This 22-pint unit comes with a 1-gallon or 8-pint tank as well as optional continuous drainage (hose not included).
Being the smallest Vremi dehumidifier, this unit comes in a light and small build with a side exhaust, four wheels, and a handle on each side for easy movement. Overall, Vremi is not too different from other top-rated portable dehumidifiers with average quality such as hOmeLabs. If you have a larger guitar room or music room, this unit’s also available in 35-pint or 50-pint capacity.
Pros
• Energy Star certified
• Powerful moisture removal
• Custom humidity control
• Easy-to-use controls
• Continuous drain option
Cons
• Not the best build quality
Best Dehumidifier for Guitar Closet: Eva-Dry E-333 Mini Dehumidifier
If you those your guitar(s) and other instruments in a closet or cabinet, then you may need one of these small, wireless dehumidifiers to keep moisture levels down. Perhaps the most popular among them is the Eva-Dry E-333 renewable mini dehumidifier. It is a type of desiccant dehumidifier which uses silica gel to extract water vapor from the air in a tiny, enclosed space. It is completely safe and non-toxic and it doesn’t require batteries or electricity to start working.
The silica gel beads change color from orange to green once they hold the maximum capacity of 4 to 6 ounces. This usually happens in 20 to 30 days. To recharge, just plug the unit into an outlet for 8 to 10 hours or until the silica gel is fully dried out. You can recharge it repeatedly and reuse the silica gel for up to ten years, guaranteed for five years.
The Eva-Dry is designed to fit in almost any small space that needs moisture control, including a closet, bathroom cabinet, kitchen pantry, gun safes, and even cars. Note that it can only cover areas up to 333 cubic feet. For maximum coverage, you can opt for the twin pack Eva-Dry E-333 or the slightly bigger E-500 unit. Although, remember that this type of dehumidifier does not impact humidity levels in a regular room but is only meant to prevent moisture buildup.
PROS
• Compact and portable
• Requires no batteries or cords
• Renewable and eco-friendly
CONS
• Small capacity
• Can take a while to recharge
Best Dehumidifier for a Guitar Case: Vergali Bamboo Charcoal Moisture Absorber
Hard and soft cases are meant to protect your guitar in transport or storage. However, they won’t protect the instrument from sudden changes in the environment. Going from hot to cold temperatures quickly, for example, will cause the moisture inside the case to condense, which the wood in the guitar then absorbs. To prevent moisture buildup inside your guitar case, you must keep a few of these moisture absorbers in hand at all times.
These bamboo charcoal bags help eliminate musty odors as well. Activated bamboo charcoal is commonly used for this purpose since it is highly porous, readily extracting moisture and odors from the air through the process of adsorption. This keeps the air inside your guitar case purified and deodorized. One purchase of this product includes ten bags containing 100 grams of bamboo charcoal. It also comes with ten hooks so you can hang the bags in a closet, cabinet, or car if needed.
To keep your guitar and cases moisture-free, place one or two bags inside the case and recharge them once a month by placing them under direct sunlight for two hours. You can recharge and reuse the bags for up to two years. They are kid and pet-safe, non-toxic, and environment-friendly. They also come with a lifetime guarantee. However, note that these little bags are only meant for tiny, enclosed spaces on their own.
Pros
• Light and compact; can fit anywhere
• Easy to use and recharge
• Reusable for up to two years
Cons
• Very small capacity and coverage
Why You Need to Control Humidity Level for Guitar
Electric guitars and acoustic guitars are string instruments with wooden bodies. The wood that makes them up, commonly referred to as tonewoods, is used to make a certain sound for each type of guitar. Wood, as we all know, is a porous surface and is highly susceptible to the changes in moisture levels within its environment.
When humidity is too low, the air absorbs moisture from the wood, causing the wood to shrink little by little, and even crack or split. In this case, you need the best guitar humidifiers to maintain proper humidity inside the room and improve indoor air quality. Look for the right electric guitar or acoustic guitar humidifier, soundhole humidifier, or room humidifier depending on which one you need.
On the other hand, when humidity is too high, the wood absorbs too much moisture from the air. When exposed to excess moisture for a long time, the wood in the guitar may swell, expand, or warp. This can cause the glue joints to fail or change the neck angles. High humidity can also cause the strings to rust and break. As the wood absorbs more moisture, its weight and structure may change, thus changing the guitar’s sound. Over time, you may notice the guitar finish or paint peeling off.
While guitar cases are meant to protect your instruments, case sweat can pose another potential risk. Moisture is always in the air, even inside your guitar case. However, exposing your instruments to fluctuating temperatures will cause the moisture to condense.
Excess moisture can create serious damage to a guitar that may require repairs. Some damages may even leave permanent distortions in the wood. The longer the guitar is exposed to humidity, the more likely you’ll have to replace it completely. To avoid this, it’s essential to keep humidity levels within the ideal range of 45% to 55% RH. If you’re in a region with a humid climate, you need a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels down. In the winter, the air is typically cold and dry and you may need a humidifier to maintain proper humidity for your guitar and other instruments.
How To Choose A Dehumidifier For A Guitar
To find the best dehumidifier for the purpose of maintaining your guitar and other musical instruments, you need careful consideration of the following factors before purchase.
Dehumidifier Type
There are two main types of dehumidifiers based on the moisture removal method they use: refrigerant and desiccant dehumidifiers. These two types are further classified based on the size, each of them suitable for different purposes and rooms. Refrigerant dehumidifiers have the highest moisture removal rate, ranging from 20 to 50 pints per day. They remove water from the air through condensation and then collect it in a tank or push it out through a hose.
In smaller, less humid rooms, a mini Peltier dehumidifier is recommended for low-energy, quiet dehumidification. The capacity is only a fraction of that of a standard refrigerant dehumidifier, but it’s often good enough unless you’re in a highly humid climate.
Lastly, for tiny, enclosed spaces like closets, cabinets, and even cases or gig bags, a reusable desiccant or moisture absorber is commonly used. This type does not have a significant impact on humidity levels but is quite effective in eliminating moisture and odors by preventing condensation inside the enclosed space. You can learn more about the different types of dehumidifiers and their differences here.
Moisture Removal Capacity
The dehumidifier capacity is the maximum amount of moisture that the unit can remove from the air per day, usually measured in pints or ounces. Standard refrigerant dehumidifiers are rated at 65°F and 60% relative humidity under government-recognized organizations. However, the actual amount of moisture they can remove varies depending on the room size and humidity. With desiccant dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers, the capacity is usually not as important.
Coverage Area
The dehumidifier capacity typically directly relates to the total area the unit can effectively dehumidify. The manufacturer provides a range of coverage areas for each unit. You can expect a dehumidifier to complete its task more quickly in a smaller space than a large one with similar conditions. To get the right dehumidifier size, measure the dimensions of the space to get the square feet or cubic feet area, be it a closet or a full room. Standard 20- to 35-pint refrigerant units are recommended for spaces between 500 to 2,000 square feet while Peltier dehumidifiers are ideal for spaces within 200 square feet. Manufacturers of mini desiccant or moisture absorbers usually indicate the coverage area in cubic feet since these units are used in tiny, enclosed spaces such as closets instead of full-sized rooms.
Drainage Options
Portable dehumidifiers collect moisture in a built-in bucket. Refrigerant dehumidifiers have buckets just large enough to fill up within several hours of continuous operation. You will then need to empty the water manually or you can use the continuous draining options that your dehumidifier offers. Attach a drain hose (which may not be included) to the outlet port and position the unit above a low-level drain. Peltier units, on the other hand, only work with manual drainage but have tanks large enough to hold a few days of moisture collection.
On the other hand, desiccant units require very little maintenance and no drainage. Just place them inside the case, bag, closet, or anywhere else you need them and they will start working without electricity and without ever producing any condensate.
Conclusion
You have learned about the negative effects of too little and too much humidity on a guitar and its sound quality. To keep your guitar and other musical instruments in their ideal environment, a portable electric dehumidifier helps keep humidity down to the ideal range between 45% and 55% RH. Alternatively, put a wireless dehumidifier or moisture absorber like bamboo charcoal bags with your guitar(s) inside its case or closet to prevent moisture buildup.
Whichever type of dehumidifier you choose, make sure to consider the size and condition of the space you need to dehumidify. Don’t forget to perform proper maintenance so your dehumidifier works exactly as needed for a long time. For best results, you can also keep a digital hygrometer with your instruments in storage to monitor the humidity levels and be able to use the necessary device–a guitar humidifier or dehumidifier. If you have high humidity, take your pick from our list above or use our buying guide to help you choose your own dehumidifier.
