【Spring Episode】5 Mould Prevention Tips to Fight Humidity

Don't we all want a comfortable and dry home? Unfortunately, living in a humid area like Hong Kong can make that a challenge. The walls, bathrooms, and even the entire indoor space can become a breeding ground for mould, which not only affects the air quality but also our health. As we approach the hot and humid season, let's talk about how to get rid of mould from walls and bathrooms, and share some tips to reduce indoor humidity, so your home can stay dry even in March!

How does Mould Affect Our Health?

Mould may seem like a harmless grey patch, but we must not underestimate the harm it can cause to our bodies. Aside from affecting the appearance of our homes, the extensive presence of mould can act as an allergen, triggering various allergic reactions such as skin allergies and respiratory infections. It can range from mild nasal allergies to severe asthma or even pneumonia.

Having mould in your home means coexisting with allergens on a daily basis. If you already have sensitive skin or respiratory issues, it is crucial to pay attention to cleaning mould in your home. Otherwise, mould can worsen your allergic symptoms. Worse still, if you are exposed to a large amount of mould over a long period, your body may inhale a significant amount of mould toxins, which can not only affect your immune system but also cause harm to your nervous system.

5 Tips to Dehumidify Your Home

Make Good Use of Dehumidifiers and Bathroom Thermo Ventilators

Using a dehumidifier is the most direct and effective way to reduce indoor humidity! During the hot and humid season, it's best to close windows and turn on the dehumidifier to absorb excess moisture from the air, in order to keep your indoor environment dry. If you need to dry your laundry indoors, it's even more important to use a dehumidifier or bathroom thermo ventilator to speed up the drying process. Waiting for clothes to air dry naturally in spring may result in slow drying and the moisture will be trapped indoors, leading to mould growth.

On particularly humid days, it's recommended to turn on a bathroom thermo ventilator after taking a shower. The bathroom environment is naturally more humid, and if the moisture is not dispersed, it can lead to accidents of slipping and contribute to mould growth.

Regular Ventilation is Key

Although we should keep windows closed to prevent moisture from entering the house during humid weather, keeping windows closed for a long time can result in stale air. Do not miss the sunny days to open your windows and curtains for ventilation and let the sunlight kill bacteria and viruses for you. On days with relatively low humidity, you can open windows and use fans for regular ventilation. After all, air that enters the indoor space through air conditioning does not count as fresh air. If you want to maintain good health and reduce respiratory discomfort, do not overlook the importance of proper ventilation.

In addition to windows, exhaust fans are also helpful for ventilation! This is especially important for households that do not have thermo ventilators. Remember to turn on the exhaust fan after taking a shower to remove residual steam.

Put Dehumidifier Boxes in Cabinets or Enclosed Areas

Closing the cabinet door seems to trap the moisture inside. But fret not, we've got some solutions for you. One option is to open the cabinet door and let the moisture out to prevent that pesky smell. However, if you're concerned about dust settling on your favourite clothes in the wardrobe, we have another solution for you - a dehumidifier box.

Most of these dehumidifiers are made with either silica gel or activated charcoal, both of which are excellent at absorbing moisture from the air and reducing indoor humidity. With these trusty companions, you can finally bid farewell to that damp and humid environment!

Now, let's talk about another situation - storing food in sealed containers at home. We all know how frustrating it is when our uncooked pasta or favorite cookies become damp and lose their freshness. But fear not! You can place small packets of dehumidifier inside these containers to keep the moisture at bay. It's a simple yet effective way to protect your food from the dreaded dampness.

Just remember, to maintain the dehumidifying effect, it's important to regularly replace the dehumidifier packets. Trust us, your food will thank you for it!

Pay Extra Attention to Your Kitchen and Bathroom

These spaces tend to be prone to humidity, which can lead to mould growth. After cooking or taking a shower, it's important to take immediate action to let out the steam. Simply turn on the vent hood or use the exhaust fan to ventilate the space and keep your indoor spaces fresh and dry. Additionally, don't forget to check for any standing water near the sink and make it a habit to regularly clean these areas. By doing so, you can prevent the growth of mould and maintain a healthier environment.

Proper Use of Air Conditioning

In Hong Kong's hot and humid weather, many of us rely on air conditioning to stay comfortable and dry. It's not uncommon to use air conditioning as a way to dehumidify the indoor area. However, it's important to be mindful of a crucial step: after turning off the air conditioning, allow the indoor temperature to gradually rise and come closer to the outdoor temperature before opening the windows. By doing this, you can avoid creating a temperature difference that may actually increase the moisture in your home.

Remember, taking these simple steps can make a big difference in maintaining a more comfortable and mould-free living space. Stay proactive and enjoy a healthier and drier home!

Already Infested by Mould? Here are Some Mould Cleaning Tips

Mould on Smooth Surfaces

Our bathrooms and kitchens are frequent hotspots for mould growth. Luckily, mould in these areas are relatively easier to tackle! Grab an anit-mould cleaner or a bleach solution. Spray it onto the affected areas and let it sit for a while. Afterward, give it a good rinse and wipe with a cloth. That’s it! You'll see that removing mould from smooth surfaces is a breeze.

Mould on Walls and Wallpapers

When it comes to mould on walls and wallpapers, things can get a bit trickier. Mould tends to seep into these materials, making thorough cleaning a challenge. But we've still got some tips for you before the situation gets too serious. Take a damp cloth or toothbrush and dip it in disinfectant alcohol. Gently scrub the mouldy spots. The alcohol acts as a disinfectant and its evaporation helps reduce surface moisture on the walls. If your walls are white and there are no little ones or furry friends around, you can also try a 1:99 diluted bleach solution. However, do keep in mind that the bleach smell may linger or take a couple of days to completely fade away.

If the mould seems deeply and stubbornly embedded and the above methods don’t work, it might be time to call in the experts or consider some renovation. Professional help or options like re-plastering, re-wallpapering, or repainting could be the solution to restore a mould-free environment.

Spot On Featured Products

Cillit Bang Black Mould Remover

Let's face it, nobody wants to deal with mould. But with Cillit Bang Black Mould Remover, we can say goodbye to endless scrubbing! In just a few seconds, it deeply breaks down mould molecules and eliminates 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. Just rinse the surface afterwards and no scrubbing is required. Not only does it tackle mould, but it also effortlessly removes any pesky stains too!

What sets Cillit Bang Black Mould Remover apart from other cleaners is its fragrance formula, so there’s no more pungent bleach smell during and after cleaning. And guess what? It leaves behind a pleasant fragrance, giving you that truly clean feeling. Designed specifically for mould cleaning, its antibacterial ingredients also help prevent mould from coming back. Get it now and enjoy a mould-free environment!

DoDoME Dehumidifier Box (Baby Powder Scent) x3

We all know how frustrating it is to have clothes with that musty smell. But we've got you a solution for even the most humid seasons! DoDoMe Dehumidifier Box has an impressive 800ml capacity, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Plus, it does more than just absorb moisture—it also prevents mould and eliminates odours. It's like having a three-in-one solution for all your needs!

Using the DoDoME Dehumidifier Box not only removes odours from your clothes but also adds a subtle powder fresh scent to your wardrobe. And it's perfect for shoe cabinets too! No more unpleasant smells in enclosed areas and you can say hello to fresh and dry clothes all year round.

Speaking of laundry, let's not forget that there are a few steps to keep in mind to prevent those unwanted odours. If you're curious about how to remove odours from clothes, check out our article Deodourising Tutorial for Summer Days Vol.1 - Smelly Clothes to check out some tips and tricks for washing and drying your clothes!

S.T. Corporation BinchoTan Dry Pet for Drawer

Even our well-kept documents and books can become victims of moisture. That’s when you need S.T. Coporation BinchoTan Dry Pet that fits perfectly in any drawer, even the most packed ones. Whether it's clothes, documents, shoes, or your beloved collections, this little hero keeps everything inside dry and fresh. Just remember to check the contents regularly, and if it has turned into a gel-like substance, it's time for a replacement!

Living in a humid environment doesn't have to be a constant battle with mould and dampness. With these fantastic products, you can have a clean, fresh, and mould-free living space. So get them now and for a healthier and more comfortable home! Click here to check out more of our dehumidifying products.