Salt has a strong ability to absorb water from its surroundings. Above a relative humidity of about 75 percent salt will even become deliquescent, meaning it takes up so much water that it becomes a solution.

Is salt good for absorbing moisture?

If solving your moisture problem is something you’d like to do inexpensively, rock salt may be your answer. Because rock salt is hygroscopic it absorbs moisture from the air. If your plan is to get rid of the humidity in a damp basement, start with a 50-pound bag of sodium chloride to make your rock salt dehumidifier.

Does salt draw moisture out of the air?

Answer: Technically, salt draws out moisture through the process of osmosis. This is the basis for all the theories about drying and toughening properties of salt when in contact with foods. However, salt does not create this moisture loss to a considerable degree in many cases.