Moisture is the enemy of 3D printing. If you’ve ever struggled with layer adhesion issues, brittle prints, or weird stringing, moisture is likely the culprit. Many filaments, especially hygroscopic ones like PLA, TPU, and nylon, absorb moisture from the air, which significantly affects their print quality.
Today, we’re going to cover the best ways to dry your filament and, more importantly, keep it dry for better print results.
Why Does Filament Need to Be Dried?
Filament absorbs moisture, and that trapped water inside the filament can cause several issues, including:
• Inconsistent extrusion leading to blobs or gaps in prints
• Poor adhesion between layers
• Brittle and weak prints prone to cracking
• Excessive stringing and oozing
• Mechanical failure in functional prints
By properly drying filament before you print, you can prevent these issues and ensure higher-quality, stronger, and more reliable prints.
Best Methods for Drying Filament
1. Use a Filament Dryer (Best Overall Option)
A filament dryer is the most effective and convenient way to remove moisture from your filament. These devices use gentle heating to evaporate absorbed water while maintaining a consistent temperature. Some filament dryers even allow you to print directly from them, ensuring your filament stays dry during the entire print process.
What to look for in a filament dryer:
• Adjustable temperature settings for different filament types
• Ability to hold multiple spool sizes (1 kg, 3 kg, etc.)
• Rotating function for even heating
(Thermal Image of Evenly Heated Filament - © MakerBuildIt.com)
• Compatibility with printing directly from the dryer
For example, the EIBOS Polyphemus Filament Dryer offers a flexible design, allowing it to hold multiple spool sizes. It even has 360-degree rotation, which helps evenly heat the filament, reducing the risk of residual moisture.
While a single-spool filament dryer may work for you now, future-proofing with a more flexible dryer is a smart investment.
2. Use Your 3D Printer’s Heated Bed (DIY Solution)
If you don’t have a dedicated filament dryer, your 3D printer’s heated bed can serve as a makeshift drying solution.
How to dry filament using your heated bed:
1. Preheat the bed to the correct drying temperature (see the guide below).
2. Place the filament spool on the bed and cover it with an enclosure or tent to trap heat.
3. Rotate the spool every couple of hours for even drying.
4. Let it sit for 4-12 hours, depending on the filament type.
Some newer printers, like the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon, have a built-in filament drying mode. But if you have an older printer like an Ender 3, you can still use its heated bed as a budget-friendly drying method.
3. Store Filament with Desiccant (Prevention Method)
While desiccant won’t dry wet filament, it prevents moisture absorption, keeping your filament dry over time.
Best desiccant options:
• Silica gel packets (reusable, absorbs moisture effectively)
• Calcium chloride (found in DampRid, absorbs even more moisture)
To store filament properly, place it in an airtight container with desiccant packs. You can also use a hygrometer to monitor humidity, keeping it below 20% relative humidity.
4. Use a Dehumidifier (Best for Large Filament Storage)
If you store multiple spools of filament in your workshop, a room dehumidifier can help keep the entire space dry.
What to look for in a dehumidifier for filament storage:
• Capacity & coverage area – Match it to the size of your shop.
• Daily moisture removal – The higher, the better.
• Tank capacity or drain option – Continuous drainage is ideal.
• Humidity control – Set it to maintain 20% or lower humidity.
• Automatic shutoff – Saves energy when the desired humidity is reached.
• Energy efficiency & noise level – A quieter dehumidifier is better for a workshop.
I use an old shop dehumidifier that’s been running for years. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done. If you’re buying a new one, go for an energy-efficient model with humidity control for the best results.
5. Food Dehydrators (Alternative DIY Option)
Some makers use food dehydrators to dry filament. These work similarly to filament dryers but were originally designed for food. If you go this route:
🚨 DO NOT use the same dehydrator for food and filament! Buy a separate unit for each purpose.
I’ve even seen people drying filament in their kitchen ovens—which seems like a bad idea. Ovens don’t maintain consistent low temperatures, and you could easily overheat or warp your filament.
Recommended Drying Temperatures & Times
Each filament type has an optimal drying temperature and time range:
Download the Filament Temperature And Time Guide for Free.
Always check your filament manufacturer’s recommendations for best results.
Keeping your filament dry is one of the easiest ways to improve print quality, prevent failures, and extend the lifespan of your materials.
If you regularly print with hygroscopic filaments like Nylon, TPU, or PETG, investing in a filament dryer or dehumidifier is a smart choice. And even if you’re using PLA, moisture can still degrade your print quality over time.