A TOC analyzer for determining a carbon content of a sample includes: a processing unit for removing carbon dioxide gas from the carrier gas before the oxidation of the sample, wherein the processing unit has a binder for binding the carbon dioxide gas from the carrier gas, wherein a defined water content is provided within the binder, wherein the processing unit is configured for moistening the binder by means of water vapor contained in the carrier gas; a condensation unit for condensing the water vapor resulting from the vaporization and/or oxidation of the sample to form a condensate, wherein the condensation unit has an outlet for the condensate toward a moistening unit; and the moistening unit for moistening the carrier gas by means of the condensate. A method for moistening a binder using such a TOC analyzer is further disclosed.