Mould Problems

petitepiper · 01-05-2012, 03:29 PM

Hi all,

This is my first time living in Hong Kong. We are developing a real mould problem. First it started with the bathroom - in between the tiles - despite my best efforts I cannot get rid of the mould. I have used Mr. Muscle (useless) then I used bleach+ water and then straight bleach soaked cotton balls left over-night. Nothing works.
I'm not sure what to do with the bathroom - the landlord will not be impressed I think.

Now, to my horror, our clothes are starting to grow mould!
I'm only in HK for another 6 months - is it really necessary to buy a dehumidifier?
What's more expensive anyways - running a dehumidifier or running the aircon 24/7. All of it seems to be a waste of energy but what can you do when it's so humid?

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

petitepiper · 01-05-2012, 03:35 PM

Upon closer inspection of our apartment walls and ceiling - it's possible that there's mould growing in these areas as well! This is no good!

Sunfire · 01-05-2012, 03:37 PM

A decent dehumidifier will use about 300-400W when the compressor is running. Air conditioner, anywhere from 1kW upwards, depending on the model.

Is a dehumidifer necessary? Depends. Do you want to continue having a mold problem, or would you rather not?

100LL · 01-05-2012, 04:16 PM

Excuse me if I don't back this up with links, I am on a mobile device. But: a 12,000 BTU air conditioner may be indeed around 1000 Watt, but under full load on the lowest temp setting.

Since there is a thermostat and they cycle on and off automatically, their real power consumption is less. And more importantly, you don't need to set them to a very low temperature if your target is to keep the rooms dryer than without.

A single dehumidifier will be no use for a whole flat and you will have to empty the water tank frequently.

I'd run the air conditions at 25C or more at lowest fan speed and keep doors open. You might not even have to run all of them in all rooms, and not on days when the humidity is lower outside. Some also have a dry mode, check the manual.

And get a hygrometer, often cheaply available at stationary shops combined with thermometers.

You'll be gone in 6 months anyway...

of having them