How to dehumidify your workshop

Here are some tips that will help you keep your workshop moisture-free and ready in the battle to make everything you own last longer.

Many homeowners assemble a workshop in their homes. It's a great place to pursue hobbies, such as woodworking or model making, as well as an ideal space to repair and maintain your possessions.

But a rust problem in a workshop is not uncommon, as many basements are damp. This can damage your tools and machines, and in turn damage the items they work on.

• If moisture is a problem in your workshop, store your small metal hand tools, small electric tools, and your steel hardware in airtight containers.
• Toss in a packet or two of desiccant (clay or silicon) for good measure.

• A dehumidifier is a smart way to protect your tool investment if your shop is in a damp basement. It will prevent rust from forming on the surfaces of your hand tools and inside power-tool motors.
• Choose one that's large enough for the job. You can find the manufacturer's sizing recommendation in the owner's manual or on the company's website.
• For most basements, you'll need a 15 litre (30 pint) unit. For extremely large or damp basements, you may need a 20 or 25 litre (40 or 50 pint) unit.

• You can't expect a dehumidifier to last long if it's straining to dehumidify the great outdoors. So keep your windows closed.
• Also make sure your clothes dryer is not venting into the basement. Keep doors to unused areas closed as well.
• To eliminate the nuisance of having to empty your dehumidifier by hand, install a hose so that it empties automatically into a floor drain.
• Keep your dehumidifier working longer by washing the air filter frequently and cleaning dirt and lint from the coils.