Kirisuchina

It's our first rainy season in Penang and I am now officially terrified to open any closet or cabinet door for fear of discovering patches of powdery mildew. Despite investing heavily in TESCO's "Penyerap Lembapan" dehumidifiers (was resistant at first considering the cost to local landfills), washing or wiping everything with oxygen bleach, and turning on the AC periodically even though we don't otherwise feel the need here on the 21st floor, the mildew still seems to be winning. Any advice? And please tell me this is just a rainy season phenomena...

bakedbean

Cannot say we have ever experienced mildew here, though we do have the aircon on a fair bit. Let's hope someone else has a recommendation for you

JC3

Hi,

We use a combination of Thirsty Hippo moisture absorbers and a Mold and Mildew spray, such as Mr Muscle Mold & Mildew. With the sprays, be sure to read the instructions first, especially for what surfaces not to use it on.

JC3

TikkaMasala

Have you tried mothballs? They've always worked for me.

Kirisuchina

Thanks very much for the helpful replies. I checked the mold and mildew spray recommended and indeed it is not to be used on many surfaces including wood, fabrics, books. I will try mothballs in bins that are shut away (e.g. winter clothes) but will be careful to air that clothing before wearing again because I have heard the chemicals in them are are quite toxic--so please take care TikkaMasala.

JC and TikkaMasala, can you tell me if this is mainly a seasonal issue, or will I need to be vigilant all year long?

JC3

Sorry - you'll need to be vigilant all year.
Good ventilation helps a lot, so open the windows and leave the cupboard doors open often - maybe overnight when you can't see them.

JC3

TikkaMasala

Sorry mate, Malaysia is hot and humid all year round.

What JC3 said; pop a few mothballs into the wardrobe and air once a week.

rusty747

Pardon my ignorance here but how do moth balls prevent mildew? Genuine question from a 'domestically challenged' Brit.

JC3

Mothballs is a solution suggested by TikkaMasala rather than me. I wondered about this too. The answer is probably that for fungus such as mold and mildew to grow, moisture must be present, and that moth balls will absorb moisture. That said, I think moth balls can be toxic, so other solutions such as the Thirsty Hippos may be preferable.

JC3

TikkaMasala

Mothballs absorb moisture (which is a catalyst for mold to form) as well as prevent pests from finding their way into your cupboard.

Hope this helps.