Keeping Your Filament Dry: Why It Matters More Than You Think
If you’re just getting started with 3D printing, you’ve probably heard someone mention that filament needs to be kept dry. But is that really such a big deal? Short answer: Yes. Long answer? Let me explain.
Keeping your filament dry can mean the difference between a clean, crisp print and one that looks like a stringy mess. It’s one of those beginner tips that doesn’t sound like a big deal until you’ve wasted hours wondering why your prints are bubbling, brittle, or just flat-out failing.
Why Moisture Is the Enemy of Good Prints
3D printing filament is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. And once that happens, you’re likely to see:
- Popping or hissing noises during printing
- Stringy or inconsistent extrusion
- Weak or brittle printed parts
- Surface imperfections like bubbling
For someone who sells on Etsy (like I do), this is critical. When customers are paying for functional prints or aesthetic models, they’re expecting smooth finishes and reliable performance. A single spool left out too long in humid air can sabotage a whole batch of orders.
Do I Really Need to Keep My Filament Dry?
Absolutely. Even if you’re just printing for fun, poor print quality can be frustrating and expensive.
PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU — they all absorb moisture to varying degrees. While PLA might take a bit longer to degrade, materials like Nylon can absorb water in just a few hours. And wet filament doesn’t always look wet. It can feel completely normal and still cause a mess on your print bed.
That’s why even beginners should take filament storage seriously from day one.
How Dry Does Filament Need to Be?
Ideally? Bone dry. But realistically, aim for a relative humidity below 15% inside your filament storage container.
I personally use airtight plastic bins with reusable silica gel packs inside. You can also find filament dry boxes with built-in heating and humidity control — handy if you’re printing daily or live in a particularly humid area.
Another pro tip: weigh your filament with a filament calculator before and after drying to see how much moisture it lost. Sometimes you’ll be shocked by the difference.
Signs Your Filament Is Wet
Not sure if your filament has soaked up too much water? Here’s what to look for:
- Bubbling or steaming from the nozzle
- More stringing than usual
- Reduced layer adhesion
- Parts that snap easily when flexed
If you see any of these signs, it’s time to dry your filament. Some makers use food dehydrators; others bake it in the oven at low temps (just be cautious — not all ovens are accurate or safe for plastics).
My Setup: Drying for Etsy Success
When I first started selling prints on Etsy, I didn’t realize how much moisture could affect print quality. I learned the hard way after sending out a batch of phone stands that started cracking after a few weeks.
Since then, I keep a dedicated dry box for all active spools and store backups in vacuum bags with desiccant. It’s added maybe 5 minutes of effort to my workflow — and saved me hours of customer support and refund drama.
If you’re even thinking about selling prints, this is one of those “better safe than sorry” steps you should absolutely build into your process.
Quick Tips for Storing Filament Properly
- Keep filament in airtight containers when not in use
- Use silica gel packs and recharge them regularly
- Store rarely used spools in vacuum bags
- Monitor humidity with cheap hygrometers
- Dry filament before use if you suspect moisture
For more helpful maintenance ideas, check out the 3D Printer Maintenance Checklist.
Final Thoughts
If your prints are struggling and you’ve ruled out leveling and temperature issues, don’t forget to check your filament. A wet spool is a silent killer of quality prints.
It might seem like a hassle now, but trust me — dry filament is one of the easiest ways to avoid frustrating print failures. Whether you’re printing for fun or fulfilling Etsy orders, keeping moisture at bay is one of the smartest habits you can build.
Need more beginner tips? Head over to the Beginner Tips section to level up your printing game one simple fix at a time.
🧠 FAQ: Keeping Filament Dry
1. How long does it take for filament to absorb moisture?
It depends on the material and your local humidity, but some filaments (like Nylon or PVA) can absorb enough moisture to affect print quality in just a few hours. PLA is a bit more forgiving, but even that can degrade over time if left out.
2. Can I dry filament that’s already wet?
Yes! You can use a filament dryer, a food dehydrator set to a safe temperature (usually 40–50°C), or even a regular oven if it maintains a low and steady heat. Just be careful — some ovens can fluctuate wildly.
3. What’s the best way to store filament long-term?
For long-term storage, vacuum bags with desiccant packs are ideal. You can also use airtight containers with silica gel and a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels.
4. Is there a difference in moisture absorption between filament types?
Absolutely. Nylon and TPU are much more moisture-sensitive than PLA or PETG. Always check your filament type and take extra care with those known to soak up water quickly.
5. Can moisture in filament damage my printer?
Moist filament won’t directly damage your printer, but it can cause clogs, under-extrusion, and nozzle pressure issues — which can lead to more wear and tear over time. So while it won’t fry your printer, it can create annoying maintenance problems.
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