10 Best Ukulele Humidifiers 2024

Today we’re going to look at the best ukulele humidifiers on the market. Having a humidifier will keep your uke in better working order for longer, and it works out to be much cheaper than prematurely replacing your instrument.

With that said, here’s our top ukulele humidifier picks.

 

D’Addario Humidipak Automatic Humidity Control System

So let’s start with the best. The D’Addario Humidipak is the most hands-off ukulele humidifier on this list, and keeps the instrument at a reliable 45% to 55% relative humidity. This system is a combination of packets that either release or absorb water, depending on the humidity level inside the case. These packets must be used inside of a hard case. When playing the instrument, keep the case closed to increase the longevity of the Humidipaks.

• Place the packets inside the provided mesh or fabric bag.
• Place one packet under the headstock of the ukulele.
• Place one packet in the soundhole.
• Use a hygrometer to assure yourself that the packets are working.
• When the packets become hard, discard and refresh with new packets.
• Packets will last anywhere from 2 to 6 months depending on climate.

In arid climates, some users have found it helpful to also include a tube-style humidifier during the driest months to increase the life of the packets. This is only necessary for the most extreme climates, and if you find that the packets are becoming dry in a very short amount of time, making the system more expensive. Alternatively, keep the instrument stored in a humidified room and use Humidipaks in the case to keep conditions ideal.

Boveda 2-Way Humidity Control Kit For Wood Instruments

Boveda is the manufacturer of the previously mentioned D’Addario Humidipaks. They also make this excellent 2-Way Humidity Control Starter Kit.

The D’Addario company has brand-labeled these packets and created a different mesh pocket design for the packets to slip into before placement.

Before purchasing, you may choose to look at the offering from Boveda, to see if you like the original packet design better. The material design is different. Also, rather than sliding into the soundhole, you drape the packet over the strings and down into the soundhole. Whether you purchase the packets from D’Addario or direct from Boveda, you’ll need to use two packets in your case at all times.

Oasis Ukulele Humidifier

The Oasis Ukulele Humidifier is an easy, and inexpensive option for keeping your ukulele in top condition. This humidifier is a small cylinder that contains water-absorbing crystals. The company calls these “Humigel Crystals.” These crystals absorb water and then safely release it back into the atmosphere through evaporation. This evaporative action keeps the humidity at ideal levels inside the ukulele.

• First, install the stabilizer tab on the neck of the humidifier. This piece is included to keep the humidifier in place during use and avoid any wood-to-water contact. This tab is cut specifically to fit in-between the two middle strings without bending them or causing damage.
• Then fill the tube with water using the provided syringe. Always use distilled water to ensure the longevity of your humidifier system. Tap water can contain minerals that build up on the crystals and make them less absorbent.
• Screw the cap on, and place the humidifier into the hole of the ukulele, between the two middle strings.
• The stabilizer tab has two little cutouts that serve as clips to keep the humidifier down inside and between the middle two strings of the ukulele without touching any parts of the instrument.

After the initial water fill, the humidifier needs to be checked and refilled weekly. Due to the water-absorbing crystals, the user does not need to worry about water escaping the humidifier and ruining the instrument.

Over time and with repeated use, the gel crystals will degrade and need to be replaced. The company sells replacement Humigel crystals along with measurement devices and instructions to properly and safely refill and recharge your Oasis Ukulele Humidifier.

Oasis Case+ Humidifier

This is a tube-style humidifier, with a larger capacity for very dry climates, or areas that experience very dry winters. This humidifier also uses water-absorbent crystals and has a refill kit available to use when the crystals wear out and need replacement.

• If your regular humidifier does not seem to be keeping the humidity high enough for the health of your instrument then consider a case humidifier. It clips inside the case, rather than inside the instrument, increasing the overall humidity rather than focusing on the soundhole.
• If your instrument needs therapeutic humidity to rehydrate the wood, then this may be a good temporary measure to increase the water content in the wood fibers. It may be too much humidity for a healthy instrument in an average climate.
• This type of humidifier includes a clip for the inside of your case and can be used in conjunction with a smaller humidifier in extreme cases.
•  Use a hygrometer to make sure that you are not getting too much humidity inside your case, especially if you choose to double up.

As with all humidifiers that use an absorbent material, be sure to not overfill with water. Also, give the material a few minutes to fully absorb the water before placing the container in the instrument or case. This will help to make sure that you don’t have any issues with water leaking and damage in your instrument or case.

Little Dampit Humidifier for Violins (Works For Ukuleles)

The Dampit humidifier was invented by concert violinist, Ralph Hollander. His invention was born from his own heartache at awakening one morning to a valuable old Italian violin that was cracked despite his efforts to maintain humidity around the instrument. He realized that the humidity has to be maintained inside the soundhole, where the unvarnished wood is exposed to humidity fluctuations.

He invented the Dampit to maintain humidity within all stringed instruments, solving a conundrum that has plagued musicians for centuries. The small-sized “Little Dampit” for violins can be used inside of a ukulele.

This product has amazing testimonials and great reviews from professional musicians from all over the world. The Dampit company has been producing humidifiers since 1960. No other product is endorsed by as many professional and concert musicians for providing the level of protection needed to keep instruments sounding optimal. Further, the Dampit is acclaimed for restoring the original voice of the instrument over time.

The Dampit is very unique because it can remain installed in most instruments even when playing. In fact, some concert musicians claim that the presence of the Dampit during play brings out the best sounds that the instrument has to offer. Certainly worth a try for any ukulele player.

• Soak the Dampit in distilled water for about 20 seconds. The Dampit is made of a latex-type outer layer with a spongy interior to hold the water. The outer material stays dry and does not harm the instrument.
• Pinch the stopper end of the Dampit to squeeze out excess water and wipe the outside material dry with a towel.
• Place it inside the instrument with the provided clip.
• Check the Dampit every couple of days at least, to make sure it isn’t dry.
• Most instruments can be played with the Dampit inside.
• Dampit includes a simple to read hygrometer.

Dampit recommends that for ultimate instrumental wood integrity, instruments should be stored in climate-controlled rooms, and away from heating elements such as wood-burning stoves or radiators. The Dampit should be used during especially arid times of the year. It may not be necessary to use the product in climates with humid summers or in more temperate coastal climates.

D’Addario Ukulele Humidifier Pro

This humidifier also fits into the soundhole of the instrument and is held in place by the two middle strings. This placement ensures that the moisture is getting into the exposed wood, without touching it to cause water damage. There are many variations by different brands that use this same overall design.

• Open the rubber cap to expose the hydrophilic sponge.
• Soak the hydrophilic sponge with distilled water and allow it to sit for a minute to finish absorbing water, and let excess water run out.
• Place the sponge inside the humidifier and replace the cap.
• Shake the unit to be sure that there is no excess water that can leak out.
• Place the unit in the soundhole and secure it using the two middle strings of the instrument.
• Check the unit frequently to make sure it is not dry.
• The sponge holds 12 times its own weight in water, but depending on your climate and season, that may not be enough to leave it for many days in a row.

This style of humidifier is very inexpensive, but it is less precise and requires that you are checking on your instrument often. If you are leaving the instrument for storage, it is recommended that you do so in a climate-controlled room. However, for those who practice daily and use the instrument for gigging, this type of humidifier is a very simple and inexpensive way to keep the ukulele in top shape.

Music Nomad Humilele Ukulele Humidifier

This is another hydrophilic sponge humidifier. It measures two inches wide by two inches deep, so it fits comfortably inside the ukulele hole and rests on top of the strings.

The nice thing about this particular humidifier is that you can flip open the rubber cap and check the water by touching the sponge. When it needs more water, the top will be hard and dry. Be sure to remove the humidifier before refilling it with distilled water.

Another thing to monitor when using any type of sponge humidifier is the quality of the sponge. It should be completely removed periodically and carefully checked for signs of mold or mildew. These will manifest as blue, gray, green, or reddish spots or patches inside or on the outside of the sponge. Inspect the inside of the humidifier case as well and the rubber seal around the lid.

• Discard the sponge at the first sign of mold or mildew.
• Sterilize the humidifier container carefully and thoroughly with sanitizing wipes or some product that will not damage the plastic or rubber seals.
• Allow the container to fully dry.
• Replace the sponge with a brand-new hydrophilic sponge soaked in distilled water.
• Always check for leaks or drips before installing the humidifier.

On-Stage GA250 Ukulele Humidifier

This is a very inexpensive sponge-style humidifier that is likely to be available from your local music store or can be purchased online. This is the simplest, no-frills ukulele humidifier to be found anywhere. It perches in-between the strings, and hangs down into the soundhole, releasing moisture into the ukulele cavity.

The sponge is enclosed inside the case, which does not open. Rather, it has a hole on the top to be placed under your tap for filling to soak the sponge. For the longest life on your humidifier, it is best to use distilled water to avoid mineral buildup on the sponge, depleting the lifecycle of the absorbent material.

The only real negative about this product is that you are unable to replace the sponge if it becomes degraded or moldy. Instead, the entire unit must be discarded and replaced with a brand-new unit. Also, you will be unable to check the moisture level of the sponge inside. If the unit seems dry, you’ll simply fill it back up through the top hole.

When using this type of humidifier, a hygrometer will be a big help in determining if the humidifier needs a refill or not. Either a digital or numbered face hygrometer will give you a quick snapshot of the humidity level inside your instrument, and tell you if the humidifier needs a refresh.

Milisten Guitar and Ukulele Humidifier and Hygrometer

Do you wish there was a two-for-one hygrometer and humidifier that you could use to confidently keep your ukulele in tip-top shape? Then you might want to try the Milisten Guitar and Ukulele Humidifier and Hygrometer. This is a slightly more expensive humidifier that also relies on a hydrophilic sponge to release humidity into the cavity of the ukulele.

It is somewhat harder to refill because the unit does not have a flip-top for hydration and sponge access. Instead, it comes with a pin-tipped refill container, which you use to squeeze water in through a tiny hole on the sponge container. This also means that you must replace the entire unit when the sponge goes bad.

What makes this one stand out is the fact that it has an attached hygrometer on the top. Further, the hygrometer is a very attractive one, which adds some class to it. This clips onto the wood inside of the ukulele cavity, which makes it super convenient to continually monitor the moisture level inside of your case and add water when the humidity is dipping too low.

For those who don’t want to touch the ukulele wood with any instrumentation, then instead of this all-in-one, you should choose a separate case-mounted hygrometer and string-mounted humidifier.

As with all other sponge-based humidifiers, never fill with water without removing it from the case. Use distilled water for longevity, and allow it to sit for a bit before checking for leaks and drips and replacing it back into the instrument. Also, it may end up not being enough humidity for extremely arid climates or seasons.

D’Addario Planet Waves Small Instrument Humidifier

These small instrument humidifier refill packs are designed to stay inside the instrument case, giving off an even amount of moisture over time through evaporation. This particular humidifier is recommended to be used in conjunction with a sound-hold humidifier when it is persistently unable to keep the humidity high enough.

This is a sponge-based humidifier, with a case that fully opens for sponge removal.

Simply soak the sponge in distilled water, squeeze out the excess, replace it into the plastic case and make sure everything is dry and leak-free. Place it into your instrument case and check it every few days to see if the water needs to be refreshed.

The nice thing about this humidifier is that the case fully opens so that you can make sure that both case and sponge are remaining clean and mold-free. This is essential in maintaining the cleanliness and integrity of the wood to ensure that it sounds as golden, lovely, and clear as it should.

Additional Ukulele Humidifier Info

To take the best care of your ukulele, make sure that the wood is not suffering from the effects of humidity swings. Use a hygrometer inside your ukulele case to monitor the humidity. It should be between 40% and 55%. If it’s dipping lower than 40%, then adding a humidifier is an inexpensive and easy way to make sure that your ukulele will last and sound its best for years to come.

Most hygrometers and humidifiers work inside both hard and soft cases. For the best humidity control, use a hard case, and/or store your ukulele in a humidified and climate-controlled room. An instrument that needs therapeutic humidity will absorb more water into the wood fibers at first, causing your humidifier to dry out more frequently. Once the wood is more healthy, this maintenance frequency will lessen.

Ukulele Humidifier Brands

While there are a number of humidifier makers around, once such brand is Dampit.

Top Ukulele Humidifiers, Conclusion

So there you have it, some of the best ukulele humidifiers on the market. Which did you go with? Let us know, I hope this guide was useful. Be sure to check out the rest of the site for more ukulele related advice and entertainment.