DampRid Fresh Scent Hanging Moisture Absorber 15.4 oz: problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-17

Summary

A disposable calcium-chloride bag that pulls moisture from the air in closets, laundry rooms and other small enclosed spaces, with no electricity or batteries needed. The recurring cautions are that it is slow next to an electric dehumidifier, is not refillable, loses effectiveness in well-ventilated spaces, and had one mold-on-crystals report in a humid Florida RV [5][3][6][10]. The only running cost is replacement bags at roughly $4-5 each; no yearly total is published. It is a good buy for small enclosed spaces where a dehumidifier cannot go, and the wrong tool for whole-room or serious damp [5].

Common problems and fixes

Slow compared with an electric dehumidifier — CHOICE measured about 2 ml of water per hour at 65% humidity against 113 ml/hour for the worst dehumidifier and 388 ml/hour for the best in its 2025 test; it is not a substitute for a dehumidifier beyond low-level damp in enclosed spaces [5].
Disposable, not refillable — the FAQ states the hanging absorber is a disposable product; buyers expecting a reusable system will be disappointed, since a separate DampRid Refillable Moisture Absorber line exists [3].
Effectiveness drops in well-ventilated spaces — the label says it works most efficiently in closed areas and places that stay that way; an open room is the wrong use case [6].
Mold growth on the crystals — one r/GoRVing user in Florida reported mold growing on the crystals in a humid environment with no water collected in the bottom chamber; a single report, but a caution for consistently very humid climates [10].
Collected liquid damages leather and metal — the US label warns not to let the brine contact leather or metal, and the DampRid AU site says not to hang the bag near or above leather items [6][16].
Irritant and pet hazard — calcium chloride can cause eye and skin irritation and is harmful if swallowed; the concentrated brine is more dangerous to pets than the dry crystals and can cause salt poisoning or electrolyte imbalance, so contact Poison Control if ingested [6][26].
Hardened crystals and ice-like lumps are normal — crystals harden into a solid mass as part of normal operation and should not be broken up; ice-like crystals can form in the collection chamber during rapid temperature changes and should not be squeezed or disturbed [3].
Listing size ambiguity — some marketplace listings for this product point at 16 oz bags claiming 14% more absorbing power, while this 15.4 oz bag claims 10% more; verify the bag weight before ordering [15].

Parts and consumables

DampRid Fresh Scent Hanging Moisture Absorber 15.4 oz (product code FG83FSSB) — about $4.89 per bag at Kroger (checked 2026-10) [19] and $12.48 for the 46.2-oz Fresh Hanging 3-pack at Lowe’s, roughly $4.16 per bag (checked 2026-10) [20]. Replace the bag when all crystals dissolve: the manufacturer claims up to 60 days depending on temperature and humidity, and replacement comes sooner in high-humidity or high-temperature conditions [1][24]. A Walmart 3-pack of the 16 oz bags is listed at $18.29, but that is the 16 oz variant, not this product [14].

Yearly running cost

Not enough data. There is no power draw, no refill and no accessories — the only cost is replacement bags at about $4.89 each (Kroger) or about $4.16 each in the Lowe’s 3-pack (prices checked 2026-10) [19][20]. Bags last up to 60 days in moderate conditions and saturate faster in high heat or humidity, but no owner-reported lifespan distribution exists, so no yearly dollar total can be computed [1][24][5].

When it is a good buy

Kroger lists the 15.4 oz bag at about $4.89 (checked 2026-10) [19]; Lowe’s lists the 46.2-oz Fresh 3-pack at $12.48, about $4.16 per bag (checked 2026-10) [20]; Walmart lists a 3-pack of the 16 oz bags at $18.29 [14].
At about $5 per bag it is a low-cost option for closets, gym lockers, laundry rooms, storage areas and stored boats or RVs, where an electric dehumidifier is impractical [1][5][8].
It is not cost-competitive with an electric dehumidifier for whole-room or serious damp: CHOICE measured 2 ml/hour against 113-388 ml/hour [5].