How I tested
I tested the Bostik Breathe Humidity Absorber in a cold corner of my home over the course of 10 weeks in late summer and autumn. Taking detailed notes on quality, effectiveness and user-friendliness, I measured how long it took for the moisture absorber to fill with liquid, comparing it with similar products like the Unibond Aero 360.
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Bostik Breathe Humidity Absorber: my verdict
Performance: 15/15
Quality and durability: 13/15
Ease of use: 15/15
Value for money: 10/15
Refill value for money: 5/10
Plastic waste: 10/10
Style: 7/10
Scent: 10/10 (unscented)
Total: 85/100
It's a rare UK home that doesn't have the odd damp or mould-prone corner, and mine is no different. Although I use my Meaco Arete One dehumidifier when drying washing indoors, there are certain parts of the house that need the more constant, low-level maintenance of a moisture absorber.
The Bostik Breathe is a slim, effective moisture trap in a subtle colour that'll blend in with pretty much any room. I placed it on a bookcase at the chilly end of a bedroom, and was surprised at how much moisture it collected.
As with any moisture absorber, the Bostik Breathe is silent and doesn't use any power whatsoever. Once placed inside the unit, the white tablets attract moisture in the air, converting it into a clear liquid that's collected in the lower chamber of the moisture absorber.
It's quick and clean to empty and refill with tablets - it takes two small tablets at a time for rooms up to 25m², or one for small spaces. I like that, unlike the Unibond Aero 360, the liquid collected is clear, so I didn't end up with blue on my fingers or splashed on my sink - and I wasn't worried about spilling on the carpet, although the design makes mishaps like this unlikely.
The unit is reusable and made partly from recycled plastic, so it's much kinder to the environment than disposable moisture traps. While the tablets do leave some residue inside the top of the moisture absorber, I found it quick and easy to wipe away.
The one drawback? The price of refills. The Bostik Breathe is designed to take two tablets at a time if you're using it in a room up to 25m², and they're priced at roughly twice Unibond Aero 360 refills. For smaller spaces, one tablet at a time is recommended for the Bostik Breathe.
The Bostik Breathe took 25 days to fill up with moisture (this will vary depending on room size, temperature and humidity), which is about the same as the Unibond Aero 360's 29 days. While they're both £12 at the time of writing for a starter unit, the upkeep of the Bostik is that much more expensive, with a pack of 4 costing £10. While a 4-pack of Unibond Aero 360 refills also costs £10, these are used one at a time, with each refill lasting roughly one month.
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