Methods and systems for capturing carbon dioxide from dilute sources are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: (a) directing a first substantially gaseous stream including a first amount of carbon dioxide to a primary scrubber; (b) in the primary scrubber, removing a portion of the first amount of carbon dioxide thereby forming a second substantially gaseous stream including a second amount of carbon dioxide; (c) directing the second substantially gaseous stream to a secondary scrubber; (d) in the secondary scrubber, removing a portion of the second amount of carbon dioxide thereby forming a third substantially gaseous stream; (e) mixing substantially all of the portion of the second amount of carbon dioxide removed in step (d) with the first substantially gaseous stream before it enters the primary scrubber; and (f) repeating steps (a) thru (e).