In the manufacturing of a total heat exchanger element of laminate structure composed of, alternately superimposed, sheet-shaped partition members having a water-soluble moisture absorbent added thereto and spacing members bonded with an adhesive to the partition members so as to provide a gas stream channel in cooperation with the partition members, water retentivity is imparted to the spacing members, and an adhesive being insoluble in the water-soluble moisture absorbent or aqueous solutions of the water-soluble moisture absorbent is used as the above adhesive. Accordingly, it can be facilitated to obtain a total heat exchanger element that facilitates buildup of, for example, a ventilator or air conditioner of high reliability realizing a high latent heat exchange efficiency.