I just renewed my dehumidifier for my gun safe. It inspired me to refresh and update this article which I originally wrote a few years ago (but is still quite valid!).
(Renew means the occasional drying of the internal silica. Read on for the review and details…)
Eva-dry Renewable Mini Dehumidifer
Best is subjective. I have been using this particular dehumidifier (for gun safe – or any safe) for several years with great success.
Here’s what I like about this dehumidifier and why I think it’s one of the best for a medium size or larger gun safe (or any safe).
Why Dehumidifier for Safe?
Firearms. Do you keep rifles or pistols in a upright gun safe? Do you live in a humid climate? Even if you don’t, you need to keep your firearms dry (common sense!).
Do you keep cash in a personal safe? Important documents? You might want to keep them dry! If they’re sitting in there for a long time, they’re probably going to get a bit soggy.
If you have a medium size safe or larger, this dehumidifier is perfect. Here’s why…
‘Eva-dry’ Renewable Dehumidifier for Gun Safe (or any safe)
No Cords, No Batteries
You don’t have to plug in this dehumidifier while in use!
Simply place it inside of a gun safe (or any safe) without issue. It has excellent capacity to absorb moisture and will remain active for a long time before the silica becomes fully absorbed with moisture.
Dehumidifier Moisture Gauge
The unit will adsorb approximately 8 to 10 ounces of moisture!
It’s super easy to know when it’s time to renew the silica beads. Simply compare the color of the beads (viewable through a window) to that of the humidifier color gauge.
There are three colors from dry to wet. A quick look and you will know whether or not it needs to be renewed.
PINK – Time to renew
BLUE – Nice and dry!
When renewing, you’ll know it’s ‘done’ when it turns blue.
How To Renew the Silica Beads
To renew the silica beads you just plug it in to any outlet!
It does not need to be plugged in or powered during normal operation. Instead, it’s renewable. Every once in a while when it’s time to renew (pink beads) you simply plug the dehumidifier into an ordinary wall outlet.
When it’s plugged in, it heats up internally which removes the moisture as the silica beads dry out. It takes about 8 hours.
Eva-dry Dimensions
The ‘Eva-dry’ dehumidifier is referred to as ‘mini’. However it’s not real small as you can see in the photo. In other words it won’t fit into a small personal safe or typical pistol safe (along with the contents).
That said, it’s great for any medium size or larger gun safe or personal safe.
Approximate dimensions: 5 x 6 x 1.5 inches
Maximum Area To Absorb Moisture
This dehumidifier is actually designed to work in closet size spaces.
The specifications indicate 333 cubic feet.
A typical upright gun safe (volume – cubic feet) is much less than that. So this dehumidifier will last a long time in there before needing a renew.
Eva-dry Renewable Mini Dehumidifer
NOTE: It’s common sense to lightly coat the critical surfaces of one’s firearms with appropriate oil for long term storage. Taking them out once in awhile and cleaning them will likely avoid issues with humidity. However a dehumidifier provides extra insurance against such issues.
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We use to have a dehumidifier which was nothing more than rock salt suspended in a strainer over a vessel so that the water would collect below. Eventually the salt had to be replaced as it clumped.
Recently I found a corrosion resistant product that is made of lanolin and wax which I use on the table saw surface and various tools but a little too messy for a firearm, perhaps. Good article.
We use these same dehumidifiers in each of our gun safes. They work great. Good Christmas present….very affordable.
Timely article as my Mauser’s butt plate has turned into a mass of rust. Barrel of my pellet rifle has also developed a blemish. Should I gasket the door opening before starting to use one of these?
No need to gasket the door. The model I’ve reviewed here is more than capable of handling it.
Interesting
Well, thank you Ken. Since I have been reading MSB DH and DS have been receiving presents that they are thrilled with. I shall be ordering two of these for this year’s birthdays.
Stay frosty.
I’ve used these for years they do work good. I did end up putting a dehumidifier that self pumps in my safe room. I also have a electric dehumidifier rod in the safe as well. It got to a point I was not checking on the one shown here, and they were soaked. Now I’m off to go plug those back in…..
Thanks, Ken, I ordered one through your site. What I’ve been looking for.
You won’t regret it. I’ve been using mine for years…
Ken
Not at home so can’t check the brand. Bought mine years ago at Costco. It was also listed as fire safe. Later I came to understand that many fire resistant safes are that way because of built-in humidity.
Do you know if that’s the case? Would adding a dehumidifier make the safe less or non-fire resistant?
PS Still not saving name and addresss
Fire resistant safes are that because of the fire-resistant insulation built-in to their walls. Adding a dehumidifier won’t make a difference one way or the other regarding fire resistance.
Good Article Ken.
I live in an area that receives 7-8 inches of rain a year, and an average humidity of 15%.
But at $15, why the help not drop one in each safe?
VERY cheap insurance for many $k of firearms and documents
Thanks
NRP, Didn’t you lose your firearms in some boating accident awhile back?
blackjack 22;
Yes Sir, tis a fact, BUT I need go keep all those greenback $$$$$ dry and fireproof.
💵 🌧 ♨️ 😨
NRP Why?…there not worth anything. Didn’t you change them for something tangible yet?
Costco is selling these in a pack of two for $15 (ie., half the price on Amazon).