Korean Job Discussion Forums

elliemk · Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Location: Sparkling Korea!

Amazing. I looked at my windows tonight (usually closed and covered by the wooden sliding windows). Black mold all over them, in the tracks, etc. So, I promptly washed everything with bleach and then went hunting on the Net for tips to prevent mold. I'm putting them here (compliments of Web MD) and am wondering if anyone has any other tips for preventing mold. I don't know where all the humidity in my apartment is coming from. Any ideas on what to do there will also be appreciated.

Here they are:

* Keep the house dry -- don't let water build up anywhere, ventilate damp rooms, wipe shower walls and doors after use.
* Don't leave wet clothes in the washing machine where mold can quickly grow.
* Wash shower curtains and bathroom tiles regularly with mold-killing products.
* Don't have too many indoor plants -- especially in the bedroom; mold can grow in plant soil.
* Fix any leaks or seepage in the house, indoors and out
* Put plastic over dirt in crawlspaces and keep them well ventilated.
* Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms.
* Turn off humidifiers if you see condensation on windows.
* Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners in basements and other areas of the house where mold tends to grow, especially in hot humid climates.
* Clean dehumdifiers and humidifiers every week.
* On concrete floors, remove carpet and use area rugs that can be lifted and washed, or install a vapor barrier over the concrete.

The Hammer · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 2:42 am Post subject:

Disclaimer: Currently not available in Korea.

elliemk · Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Location: Sparkling Korea!

Well, THAT was really helpful. Any ideas on what IS available in Korea?

Saram · Joined: 11 Mar 2007

I just noticed the same thing growing in my apt. It's around the front door and back veranda window. It seems to have grown through the wallpaper. Tried cleaning it myself today but the products I bought at Emart don't seem to work. I'm calling the landlord to see what can be done as soon as I can find her number.

elliemk · Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Location: Sparkling Korea!

I used hot water and bleach to clean mine, then am promptly washing the towels in hot water and more bleach, because evidently it can spread through the house if you don't discard or clean the rags right away. Good luck with yours. My washer only has cold water hooked up, so I used my shower hose to fill the tub with hot water.

the eye · Joined: 29 Jan 2004

Ah, i'm glad my B.A.S. degree is finally coming in handy...

Korean apartments are almost completely made of concrete.
This inhibits air flow and moisture transfer.

1. You need to keep your windows open a crack. At least for a few hours every day.
2. The most mold prone areas (aside from bathrooms) are those behind large furniture such as closets. Pull your closet away from the wall as much as possible to promote airflow.
3. There is a desicant product you can buy. It's a liquid in a plastic container that goes by the name
"Mool Mung Neun Han Ma".... it's available in most supermarkets.

elliemk · Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Location: Sparkling Korea!

I'm glad your degree is coming in handy as well Smile

Thanks for the good advice.

aarontendo · Joined: 08 Feb 2006 Location: Daegu-ish

Yeah i had some killer mold here, had to clean it last night. Was behind my closet, and inside it *yuck*

I got the mool mok neun ha ma stuff (the hippo that drinks water) tossed those into my closets, drawers, etc.

Hopefully it helps out, did move my closet to another area of the room...the one wall is just plain cold, I guess it's the one that the wind blows against or something most the time who knows.

Now I've got a god awful mold stain on the wall though...

laura-and-ryan · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 3:47 pm Post subject:

anyone know how to help condensation? Our apartment is horrible for it.

elliemk · Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Location: Sparkling Korea!

Leave your windows cracked to help with that (per previous poster) and get a towel and wipe it all off. I did that last night and no condensation this morning.

the eye · Joined: 29 Jan 2004

laura-and-ryan · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 4:11 pm Post subject:

awesome thanks, I'll do that when i leave for school in the morning. Anything else I can do when I'm home so I don't freeze?

the eye · Joined: 29 Jan 2004

laura-and-ryan · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 5:20 pm Post subject:

we're on the 15th floor and get good sun on one side...

I'll def look into the space heater...we were thinking of buying on anyone and heres the kick in the but to do so!

elliemk · Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Location: Sparkling Korea!

From OP - my apartment is on the second floor of a new house. It gets indirect sunlight all day. So, still can't figure out where the condensation is coming from, but leaving my windows open last night helped a lot.