The main reason for mold growth in wardrobes is due to the wall behind it being adjacent to the toilet or an external wall, which leads to water seepage during the rainy season and causes the wall to become damp, resulting in mold growth inside the wardrobe. The key to solving this problem is to address the water leakage from the wall. For moisture and mold prevention, there are many methods available. There are quite a few products on the market specifically designed for moisture and mold prevention, such as dehumidifiers like Ke Chaoling. These small items can be placed in various locations around the house. Eventually, you will feel liberated; there are also general methods, such as lighting candles to remove moisture or using household appliances to dehumidify. This article introduces many practical methods for the current season, including both modern and traditional approaches. The charm of life lies in its unpredictability and adaptability, so you can choose methods based on your own situation. As we enter the plum rain season, preventing mold and moisture becomes essential for daily living. We have invited HOLA's lifestyle experts to introduce several practical methods for home dehumidification and mold prevention.
Single-item dehumidification
● Dehumidifier Master / Ke Chaoling: The Dehumidifier Master / Ke Chaoling, as the name suggests, is a master at absorbing moisture. They can be placed in various types of cabinets, wardrobes, shoe racks, and even pianos. Items made of wood or cotton fear moisture most, and audio-visual products, calligraphy and paintings, cultural relics, documents, and archives cannot withstand prolonged exposure to moisture either. Mold grows best in humid environments, and things that stay damp for too long tend to develop mold. Placing these small items not only prevents and removes moisture but also prevents mold. Some products even have insect repellent and natural fragrance-enhancing functions, making them indispensable for home dehumidification and anti-mold living.
Shopping tips: Many dehumidifying boxes and packets may look similar in size and volume, but their prices differ. At this point, pay attention because the active ingredients in dehumidifying products are mainly calcium chloride or water-absorbing resins, whose content directly affects the amount of moisture they can absorb. When purchasing, be sure to check the packaging for the content of calcium chloride or water-absorbing resin, the milliliters of moisture that can be absorbed, and the applicable space size. Additionally, note that chemical substances like calcium chloride are toxic, so these products should be kept out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
● Binchotan: A very effective dehumidifier. Binchotan is praised as a natural green dehumidifier and deodorizer. Its dehumidifying principle mainly relies on its porous nature to adsorb odors, release negative ions, regulate humidity, and improve the dampness and mold issues in various cabinets.
Some products combine needle-leaf plant deodorizing elements to swallow, neutralize, and decompose odors. These products are natural multi-functional eco-friendly products.
Shopping tips: Currently, Binchotan products on the market come in different uses and shapes. Some are used for rice box dehumidification and pest control, some for shoe deodorization and dehumidification, and others for closet dehumidification. Choose the appropriate single item based on your needs.
● Candles: Not only beautify the room but also serve as practical dehumidifiers. Almost all candles have some dehumidifying function, but this point is often overlooked because candles are more commonly associated with lighting.
There are many candles on the market that beautify the room and have functional properties, such as scented candles, jelly candles, floating candles, tea lights, and dinner candles. If you find the room too humid, lighting candles can help reduce indoor air humidity. The principle is simple: it prevents water vapor from condensing, thereby reducing indoor humidity.
Additionally, if your home already has a moldy smell, you can use scented candles containing natural plant essential oils. Such candles can dry the air and remove the moldy smell from the room.
Usage tips: Before lighting the candle, make sure to remove the outer packaging and keep it away from flammable objects and areas accessible to children or pets. It is recommended to use it on a candlestick or candle plate to ensure safety and keep the furniture surface clean. Trim the wick to 0.5-0.7 cm before each ignition to prevent black smoke during combustion. Do not place it in a windy area to avoid uneven burning at the edges of the candle, forming unattractive candle liquid or drips. To extinguish the candle without a snuffer, raise your index finger in front of the candle, and the airflow will bypass the finger and extinguish the flame from both sides, making it easier than direct blowing. If wax drips onto furniture, use an iron to melt the wax and absorb it cleanly to avoid scratching the furniture surface. If it drips onto the carpet, lay down kraft paper and gently iron it to remove the wax easily. Before placing the candle in a candle cup or stand, add a little water to the cup, making it easier to replace the candle and avoiding damage to the candlestand. Adding a few salt grains near the wick while the candle burns makes the flame more vibrant and extends the burning time. Scented candles can use the candle principle to burn odors first and then disperse aromatic molecules into the air, but they are not suitable for use during meals because the food aroma might be covered. Avoid lighting candles with different scents in the same space at the same time. It is recommended to stop burning candles after every 2-3 hours.
Appliance dehumidification
● Airflow fan: Talking about dehumidification by airflow fans, some people may not take it seriously. In fact, through the rotation of the fan, indoor air circulation can be promoted, achieving a dehumidifying effect. Especially for those who choose to renovate during the plum rain season, the airflow fan is definitely a cost-effective and highly functional dehumidification helper. Whether it helps paint on walls dry faster or dehumidifies and removes odors from furniture, wooden floors, and decoration coatings, it is helpful.
Shopping tips: Currently, airflow fans on the market have 360-degree rotation, computer-controlled digital speed regulation, and negative ion freshening functions, providing better dehumidification and odor removal effects.
● Air conditioner/dehumidifier: How strong is the dehumidification function of an air conditioner? People who frequently work in air-conditioned rooms certainly understand. Besides using the air conditioner to dehumidify, you can also use a dedicated dehumidifier. During the plum rain season, clothes are hard to dry and often have a musty smell. A powerful dehumidifier has a drying function and can effectively remove moisture from the kitchen, laundry area, and bathroom, keeping the indoor environment dry.
Shopping tips: Dehumidification capacity, water tank capacity, drainage system are hardware indicators of dehumidifiers. When purchasing, pay attention to whether the product has intelligent humidity regulation functions, what kind of drainage system it has, whether it has a protective cover, how many wind speed adjustment levels it has, whether it has a visible water level, and whether the air filter can be replaced. Additionally, if the dehumidifier will be used in different rooms, it is recommended to buy products with wheels or handles for easy movement.
Dehumidification and mold prevention tips:
● Close windows in the morning and evening. The most important times for preventing moisture are in the morning and evening, when the air humidity is higher than at noon. If windows and doors are not closed in time, water vapor will severely penetrate every corner of the home.
● During the plum rain season, close the south or southeast-facing (i.e., upwind) windows and doors, and only open the downwind windows and doors to reduce water vapor entering the room. When the weather clears up, all windows and doors can be opened to accelerate moisture evaporation.
● If you feel that keeping windows and doors closed prevents proper ventilation indoors, it is recommended to briefly open the windows for ventilation at noon.
● Lime is an adsorbent; 1 kilogram of quicklime can adsorb approximately 0.3 kilograms of water from the air. During the plum rain season, wrap quicklime in cloth or burlap bags and place them indoors to keep the indoor air dry.
● Sofas, carpets, quilts, pillows, and even plush toys can easily absorb moisture. For fabric sofas and carpets, it is important to regularly remove surface dust, and if necessary, use a hairdryer to gently blow on them, which helps dissipate moisture. Once the weather clears up, seize the opportunity to put damp furnishings under the sun for drying.
● For iron furniture, it is best to clean it with clear water or a mild cleaner. If it encounters a humid day, it is best to clean it with a dry cloth. For solid wood furniture, apply a dedicated cleaner and gently wipe it. Another good method for wood furniture moisture prevention is to attach some moisture-absorbing paper or plastic sheets on the surface of the wood furniture. For leather sofas, it is appropriate to place some desiccants to keep them dry.
● For families currently undergoing renovation, you can place some charcoal and camphor wood blocks under the laid floorboards. Charcoal has a moisture-absorbing function, which can keep the floor dry and prevent deformation, while camphor wood has an anti-insect function. Appropriately placing some camphor wood can effectively prevent insect infestations on the floor.