[Home Tips] How to effectively prevent moisture when indoor humidity is too high?

🥼 Why is the indoor humidity in Hong Kong so high?

Hong Kong has a subtropical maritime climate with an average annual humidity of about 75%, which is particularly severe in spring and summer.

  1. Return of the South Wind phenomenon🌫️

    • When cold walls meet warm, humid air, moisture condenses into water droplets, causing the walls and floors to "sweat."

  2. Humid air flow near the coast

    • The sea breeze brings a lot of moisture, which is especially noticeable in coastal areas or low-lying units.

  3. Insufficient ventilation 🪟

    • Indoor air circulation is poor and moisture is retained for a long time.

  4. Indoor activities generate water vapor🍳🚿

    • Cooking, showering, hanging clothes, etc. will increase indoor humidity.

🔍 The impact of high indoor humidity

  • The walls and ceilings are moldy🦠
  • Deformation of wooden floors and furniture🪵
  • Clothes are moldy and have a musty smell👕
  • Dust mites breed, causing nasal allergies and asthma🤧
  • Increased risk of short circuits in electrical appliances due to moisture ⚡

🧹 Instant moisture-proofing method (short-term effect ⚡)

1️⃣ Turn on the air conditioner's dehumidification mode❄️

  • Most air conditioners in Hong Kong have a "Dry" mode, which consumes less power and can quickly reduce humidity.
  • Suitable for the return of the south wind or humid days after rain.

2️⃣ Use a dehumidifier 🌀

  • A must-have in Hong Kong's humid season.
  • Buying tips :
    • The dehumidification capacity (L/day) should be adjusted to the room area. For example, for a 200-square-foot room, it is recommended to use ≥10L/day.
    • It is preferred to choose an automatic humidity control function, set at 50%-60%.

3️⃣ Close windows to prevent moisture + use exhaust fans to exhaust🪟

  • On humid days (relative humidity > 80%), windows should be closed to prevent outdoor moisture from entering.
  • Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove moisture.

4️⃣ Moisture-proof agent & moisture-absorbing box📦

  • Mothballs, activated carbon bags, and calcium chloride moisture-absorbing boxes are commonly found in Hong Kong supermarkets.
  • Suitable for confined spaces such as wardrobes, shoe cabinets, and storage boxes.
  • Remember to replace it regularly to prevent it from absorbing water and becoming a "water box".

🛠️ Long-term moisture-proof solution (lastingly effective💪)

1️⃣ Improve ventilation system

  • Install an exhaust system or fresh air system to maintain air circulation.
  • Units on higher floors can use cross ventilation to reduce humidity.

2️⃣ Use moisture-proof building materials

  • When renovating, you can choose moisture-proof paint or wall materials treated with anti-mildew .
  • Choose materials with good moisture-proof properties for the floor, such as waterproof plastic flooring and ceramic tiles.

3️⃣ Furniture moisture-proof treatment

  • Place moisture-proof pads or raise the bottom of furniture to avoid direct contact with the ground.
  • You can stick a moisture-proof mat or place an activated carbon bag on the inside of the wooden cabinet.

4️⃣ Reduce indoor moisture sources

  • Cover the pot and turn on the range hood when cooking.
  • Turn on the bathroom exhaust fan or open a window immediately after showering.
  • Avoid hanging large amounts of wet clothes indoors (use a dryer or dehumidifier).

🌿 Natural moisture-proofing tips

  • Bamboo charcoal bag : absorbs moisture and removes odors at the same time, and can be repeatedly exposed to the sun to restore its moisture absorption capacity.
  • Tea leaves : After drying, put them into a gauze bag to absorb moisture and remove odors, suitable for shoe cabinets.
  • Newspaper : Place on the bottom of the cabinet or shoe cabinet to absorb moisture, but it needs to be replaced regularly.

💡 Editor's Tips

  • 🌟 As the south winds return to Hong Kong in spring, closing windows and using a dehumidifier are the best ways to prevent moisture.
  • 🌟 Remember to clean the dehumidifier tank daily to avoid bacterial growth.
  • 🌟 The ideal indoor humidity is 50%-60% . Too dry will dry out the skin and cause wooden furniture to crack.
  • 🌟 Moisture-proofing agents are only suitable for small spaces and cannot replace dehumidifiers.
  • 🌟 If the humidity is high for a long time, check for leaks or seepage. Otherwise, moisture-proofing will only treat the symptoms and not the root cause.

💬Editor’s summary :
Hong Kong's high humidity is a result of a combination of weather and lifestyle habits. To prevent moisture lastingly, a three-pronged approach is essential: immediate dehumidification, long-term ventilation improvements, and reducing the source of moisture . For immediate relief, use a dehumidifier and moisture-proofing agents. Long-term, adopt moisture-resistant building materials and adjust your lifestyle to say goodbye to mold and moisture. 💦🏠✨

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