Winter in Australia is when we all become experts in keeping warm, dry, and (hopefully) mould-free. You’re not alone if you’ve ever found yourself battling mysterious damp patches, musty-smelling wardrobes, or shoes that seem to sprout fuzz overnight.
Condensation and moisture are the silent invaders of the season, and for many of us, the annual fight against mould is as much a part of winter as footy finals and hot cuppas.
But what if we told you there’s a clever, cost-effective hack that could save you money and keep your home fresh, all thanks to a humble Kmart find?
One savvy shopper has done just that, and her discovery is making waves among Australians looking to keep their homes dry without breaking the bank.
Let’s face it: Australian winters can be damp, especially in older homes or apartments with less-than-stellar ventilation.
When the windows stay shut and the heater’s on, moisture has nowhere to go. That’s when condensation forms on windows, and before you know it, your clothes, furniture, and even your shoes can become breeding grounds for mould and mildew.
While dehumidifiers are a great solution, they can be pricey and aren’t always practical for every nook and cranny.

Enter the humble moisture absorber—a simple, affordable product that quietly works in the background, drawing excess moisture from the air and helping to keep pesky mould spores at bay.
Kmart has long been a go-to for affordable home essentials, and their 300g moisture absorbers are no exception, coming in at just $3 a pop.
These little containers are perfect for wardrobes, cupboards, and other damp-prone spots. But here’s the real game-changer: you don’t have to keep buying new ones every time they run out.
Angeli Yuson, a Kmart shopper always looking for a bargain, recently discovered that Kmart also sells massive 2.5kg refill bags for just $9.
That’s enough to refill eight 300g containers—saving you around $15 compared to buying new ones each time.
‘I didn’t know the refills existed, to be honest,’ Yuson said. ‘I actually just found them in the store, walking around.’
This saves money and is also suitable for the environment. Instead of tossing out empty containers, you top them up and keep them working.
‘I’ve already refilled four containers so far,’ she said, adding that she wishes she’d known about the refills sooner.
How to refill and reuse
Refilling your moisture absorbers is as easy as emptying the old beads, topping up the new crystals, and replacing the paper or fabric layer.
If you’ve lost the original filter, don’t worry—fellow Australians have shared their clever solutions:
- Use a Chux cloth as a replacement filter.
- Pop a piece of paper towel between the beads and the lid.
- Try an oil filter sheet for extra spill protection.
And if you’re looking for something a bit bigger, Kmart also offers purpose-built refillable moisture absorbers in 600g ($8) and 1.2kg ($12) sizes. These are perfect for larger spaces or extra-damp areas.
Of course, moisture absorbers aren’t the only tool in your arsenal. Some readers swear by dehumidifiers—while the upfront cost can be steep (around $300), they’re highly effective and can pay for themselves over time.
Others recommend simple lifestyle tweaks, like airing out your home regularly, investing in moisture-loving houseplants, or picking up a giant bucket-style absorber from Bunnings for bigger jobs (great for caravans or sheds).
Keeping your home dry isn’t just about comfort—it’s about health. Mould can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues, especially in older adults. By taking a few simple steps, you can protect your belongings, home, and well-being.
Have you tried Kmart’s moisture absorber hack, or do you have your tried-and-true method for keeping winter damp at bay? We’d love to hear your stories, tips, and tricks—share them in the comments below.
Also read: New coat, old error—here’s what really here’s your winter look