The main reason for the mold in the wardrobe is the wall behind it, which may be adjacent to the toilet or an outer wall. During the rainy season, water seepage can cause dampness on the walls, leading to mold growth in the wardrobe. The key to solving this problem is to address the water leakage in the walls. To prevent dampness and mold, there are many methods available, with a variety of products specifically designed for this purpose, such as dehumidifiers like Ke Chao Ling. These small items can be placed in various areas of your home. Other common methods include burning candles to reduce dampness and using household appliances for dehumidification. This article introduces several practical methods for the current season, both modern and traditional, that you can adapt according to your own situation.
As we enter the plum rain season, preventing mold and dampness becomes essential for daily living. Here, our HOLA experts will introduce several effective methods for preventing dampness and mold at home.
Single-item Dehumidification
● Dehumidifier/Ke Chao Ling: As the name suggests, these are excellent dehumidifiers. They can be placed in various cabinets, wardrobes, shoe racks, and even pianos, and can be positioned almost anywhere. Wooden and cotton items are especially vulnerable to moisture, as are audiovisual products, paintings, documents, and archives. Mold thrives in damp environments, and prolonged exposure to dampness can lead to mold growth. Placing these small items inside not only prevents dampness but also mold. Some products also have insect-repellent and natural fragrance-enhancing functions, making them indispensable for home dehumidification.
Purchase Guidelines: Many dehumidifying boxes and bags appear similar in size and volume, but their prices vary. This is because the active ingredients in dehumidifying products, such as calcium chloride or water-absorbing resins, directly affect their moisture-absorbing capacity. When purchasing, pay attention to the content of calcium chloride or water-absorbing resin, the amount of moisture they can absorb, and the applicable space size indicated on the packaging. Additionally, note that chemicals 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. Known as a natural green dehumidifier and odor remover, its function mainly relies on its porous nature to adsorb odors, release negative ions, regulate humidity, and improve the damp and moldy conditions in various cabinets. Some products combine elements from coniferous plants to eliminate and neutralize odors, making them multi-functional eco-friendly products.
Purchase Guidelines: Currently, the market offers various types of Binchotan with different uses and shapes. Some are used for rice storage to prevent pests and dampness, others for shoe odor removal, and some for closet dehumidification. Choose the appropriate product based on your needs.
● Candles: Not only beautify the room but also serve as practical dehumidifiers. Most candles have a certain dehumidifying function, though this point is often overlooked since candles are primarily associated with lighting. There are many candles available that beautify the room and provide functional benefits, such as aromatherapy 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: preventing water vapor from condensing, thereby reducing indoor humidity. Additionally, if your home already has a musty smell, you can choose candles containing natural plant essential oils, which dry the air and remove the musty smell.
Usage Guidelines: Before lighting the candle, make sure to remove any outer packaging and keep it away from flammable objects and areas accessible to children or pets. It is recommended to use a candlestick or candle plate to ensure safety and keep furniture surfaces clean. Trim the wick to 0.5-0.7 cm before each lighting to avoid black smoke during combustion. Avoid placing the candle in windy areas to prevent uneven burning. When extinguishing the candle, if you don't have a candle snuffer, place your index finger in front of the candle and blow; the airflow will bypass the finger and extinguish the flame from both sides more easily than blowing directly. If wax drips onto furniture, use an iron to melt and absorb the wax cleanly without scratching the surface. For carpets, place kraft paper underneath and lightly iron to remove the wax.
Before placing the candle in a candle cup or holder, add a little water to the cup first, making it easier to replace the candle later and avoiding damage to the holder. Adding a few salt grains near the wick while the candle burns enhances the flame's brilliance and extends burning time. Scented candles can utilize the candle principle by first burning odors and then dispersing aromatic molecules into the air, but they are not suitable for dining occasions as they might mask food aromas. Avoid lighting candles of different scents simultaneously in the same space. It is suggested to stop burning the candle every 2-3 hours.
Appliance Dehumidification
● Airflow Fans: Regarding airflow fans for dehumidification, some people may not take it seriously. However, through the rotation of the fan, indoor air circulation is promoted, effectively removing dampness. Especially for those choosing to renovate during the plum rain season, airflow fans are cost-effective and highly functional dehumidifiers. Whether helping paint dry faster on walls or removing dampness and odors from wooden furniture and floors, they are helpful.
Purchase Tips: Currently, airflow fans with 360-degree rotation, computer-controlled digital speed adjustment, and negative ion freshening functions are available, enhancing dehumidification and odor removal effects.
● Air Conditioners/Dehumidifiers: How strong is the dehumidifying function of air conditioners? People who work in air-conditioned rooms certainly understand. Besides using air conditioners for dehumidification, specialized dehumidifiers can also be used. Clothes are hard to dry during the plum rain season and can develop a musty smell. Powerful dehumidifiers have a drying function and can effectively remove moisture from kitchens, laundry areas, and bathrooms, keeping the indoor environment dry.
Purchase Tips: Dehumidification capacity, water tank capacity, and drainage systems are important hardware indicators for dehumidifiers. When selecting, pay attention to whether the product has intelligent humidity regulation, what kind of drainage system it uses, if it has a protective cover, how many wind speed adjustments it offers, if it has a visible water level, and whether the air filter can be replaced. Additionally, if the dehumidifier will be used in different rooms, consider buying one with wheels or handles for easy movement.
Small Tips for Dehumidification:
● Close windows in the morning and evening. The most critical times for preventing dampness are mornings and evenings when humidity levels are higher than midday. If windows and doors are not closed promptly, moisture will severely penetrate every corner of the home.
● During the plum rains, close south or southeast-facing (i.e., upwind) windows and doors, and only open downwind ones to reduce moisture entering the room. Once the weather clears, all windows and doors can be opened to accelerate moisture evaporation.
● If you feel that tightly closed windows hinder indoor air circulation, consider short-term ventilation at noon.
● Lime is an adsorbent; 1 kg of quicklime can absorb about 0.3 kg of moisture from the air. During the plum rains, wrap quicklime in cloth or burlap and place it indoors to keep the air dry.
● Sofas, carpets, quilts, pillows, and plush toys are prone to dampness. For fabric sofas and carpets, regularly remove surface dust, and if necessary, gently blow them with a hairdryer to disperse moisture. Take advantage of sunny weather to quickly sun-dry damp furnishings.
● Iron furniture should be wiped with clean water or a mild cleaner. In humid weather, use a dry cloth for cleaning. For solid wood furniture, apply a dedicated cleaner and gently wipe it. Another good method for wooden furniture is to attach moisture-absorbing paper or plastic sheets on the surface. For leather sofas, appropriately place desiccants to maintain dryness.
● For families undergoing renovation, place charcoal or camphorwood blocks under the laid floorboards. Charcoal has moisture-absorbing properties, keeping the floor dry and preventing deformation, while camphorwood has insect-repellent properties, effectively preventing insect infestation in the floorboards.