Korean Job Discussion Forums

[theevilgenius]

hey! I've been living in korea for the last 5 months and recently i've been noticing mould growing on two walls in my apartment (only a small one bedroom). Does anyone know any good ways of getting rid of it or stop it from spreading? I've already noticed it spreading to the back of one of my tables that are against one of the mouldy walls.

[swinewho]

bleach, plastic gloves and pref wear a face mask:

or something similar:

http://www.approvedgasmasks.com/suit-BR450.htm

[akcrono]

Posted about this last year.

The key to removing it is a solution that is maybe 1/5th bleach to water with an average amount of soap. Spray the solution on the surface and let it sit for a minute or two, so that the mold/mildew has time to soak in it. You'll notice that the black becomes faded and usually brownish (that means it's working). Before it dries scrub with a cloth, brush or sponge, and rinse. Depending on the surface, this will remove it completely or lighten it and prevent it from spreading (the bleach kills the mold/mildew).

I've been painting houses over the summer every year for about 14 years. We use a solution of maybe 4-8 cups bleach for a 5 gallon tank with about a cup or 2 of liquid TSP (a type of soap). We can always get the mold to stop growing and usually we can get the mildew off altogether.

[nathanrutledge]

To add to that -

It's better to prevent the mold in the first place. Move all the furniture away from the wall, just an inch or two so air can flow. Use a fan to keep the air moving. Use a dehumidifier/air conditioner in the summer to keep the moisture content down.

My first apartment here had mold growing pretty quickly and by doing all this, I didn't have any more trouble. Just keep on top of it and you'll be fine.

[whitestboyalive]

There are tiny black specks of mold all over my air con unit (but on the inside). Do you think it's worth it to clean? Or will I be fine if I just leave it? It doesn't look like the mold is alive or something... it's been there like a year. Is it a problem or should I get rid of it?

[nathanrutledge]

[uklathemock]

[towl]

This has been happening to me.

I put bleach into a spray bottle and I just hose it down. I have defeated it on one wall already. I don't even bother wiping it away, it just goes white and disappears from the bleach.

[pangaea]

Definitely use the bleach water. Also, I second the idea of letting air circulate. Use a fan, and leave the windows open for a little while each day if you can. I have problems with mold in my apartment, I think mainly because it's freakishly well insulated from the outside. It holds in heat and moisture and I get mold growing everywhere if I don't leave the window open to allow for some circulation.