Damp absorbing egg

[jazzactivist]

Hi all. The vestibule of the house that we rent smells and feels damp. As it isn't our home there isn't a lot that we can do, other than try to dry it out. Therefore, I bought something that looks like a ceramic ostrich egg from Lakeland that you place in the room and it collects the moisture. It really seems to work, but once the egg has absobed its weight in moisture you have to dry it out in the microwave or oven. I don't have a microwave and think that I could dry it out in the Aga. However, I've lost the instructions! Does anyone have one of these, or can think of how long I need to put it in the oven for and at what temperature? Thanks.

[Clunkshift]

You need about 80% power for 10 - 12 minutes in a microwave to make your pink egg dry and white again.

[franbee]

I think I'd be tempted to leave it in the Aga for a spell during the day, and put it in the vestibule each night.
I know it's not entirely ideal, but we use a de-humidifier in our garage where lots of things are stored, and it makes a huge difference. It's not on all the time, but collects a lot of water, which I use to water my plants.

[jazzactivist]

Thanks, clunkshift and fran. I don't have a microwave, so am wondering about the Aga or gas cooker? Do you leave the crystals inside or take them out for the 'firing'?

[canaryjane]

I have 2 of these that I use to keep cupboards damp free. The instructions say put the "egg" only in a conventional oven for 30 minutes, but does not state a temperature. I put them in at 160C or if I have had the oven on higher I place it in once the oven is turned off and leave it for longer, so far it seems to work. You have to leave the crystals inside the egg.

[Cathie_W]

Re "egg" drying - I recently came across the idea (somewhere!) that if you have a damp room just fill some tins with salt and place them in the four corners of the room and they will absorb the damp and of course you can dry off the salt and re-use. I havent tried it out yet but intend too at some point.

[jazzactivist]

Thank-you so much, canaryjane. I tried putting my egg in the Aga, but it didn't work to dry it out, but perhaps it is because an Aga doesn't allow steam to escape. Good for cooking, but not for fake eggs! I'll try the salt suggestion too, Cathie W. The vestibule is smelling a lot less damp now, but I am expecting that it might get worse in winter. Thanks again for everyone's help with this.

[dinger]

Is it condensation causing it Jazz or has there been a water leak somewhere .