Singapore’s monsoon season is a trying, dreary time. You’re dealing with wet weather, traveling is a pain, your clothes aren’t drying properly, and worst of all… you suddenly notice thin, fuzzy layers of mould on your walls, ceiling, and furniture.
Life is even harder for homeowners living near large bodies of water or those whose flats don’t receive much natural sunlight. If you’re someone struggling with an awfully humid home right now, here are some hacks you can try to prevent mould from completely taking over.
Why is there mould in my home?
Image: familyhandyman
As a homeowner who has been faced with the problem of mould before, this was the exact same question I asked myself when I noticed black spots growing on the ceiling of my 3-room HDB flat. Understanding why you’re facing this issue begins with identifying the favorable conditions that allow mould to thrive.
Consistently high levels of humidity
Like regular living things, mould needs an environment rich in water/humidity ti grow. Research has shown that mould variants tend to grow rapidly when an environment’s relative humidity (RH) is as high as 70%.
And I know you’re probably thinking, “But I don’t have any leaks in my home.” However, humidity can be contributed by everyday things like:
- Drying your clothes indoors
- Heavy use of air conditioners
- Poor ventilation
- High moisture from bathing and cooking
If there are no obvious leaks in your home, then tackling mould is a slightly easier fix. In my case, my 3-room flat didn’t receive much natural sunlight, and we frequently cooked and dried our laundry indoors because of the rainy weather. Given that my kitchen had limited ventilation beyond the window by the rubbish chute, it was no wonder that mould started to develop.
How to I deal with mould at home?
Image credit: The Mold Fix
Think of it this way. No humidity, no mould. Before you control the conditions to deter mould growth, you’ll want to make sure your home is free from those toxic spores. You can engage professional mould removal companies to get the job done. Most of these companies have specially formulated products that are designed to kill and deter future mould growth.
| Company Name | Unique Selling Point | Reviews |
| Big Red | 24/7 mould remediation services by trained specialists | 4.5 stars on Facebook, positive reviews |
| 1A DECON | Uses eco-friendly, industry-approved products | 4.9 stars (79 Google reviews) |
| Luce Maintenance Group | Uses ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to kill spores | 4.8 stars (800+ reviews) |
| The Mold Fix | three-step process: inspection, remediation, and prevention. 2-year warranty. | 4.8 stars (379 votes) |
| Mold Medic | Alcohol-free anti-microbial mist; advanced air scrubber | 5.0 stars (436 Google reviews) |
DIY methods to remove mould
| Method | Materials Needed | How It Works | Effectiveness |
| Vinegar and Water Solution | White vinegar, water, spray bottle | Spray undiluted vinegar on mould and let it sit for an hour, then scrub off. | Effective for small mould patches, non-toxic |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | 3% hydrogen peroxide, spray bottle | Spray hydrogen peroxide directly onto mould and let sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing. | Effective for most surfaces, disinfectant properties |
| Tea Tree Oil Solution | Tea tree oil, water, spray bottle | Mix 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil with 1 cup of water, spray on affected areas. | Effective, natural anti-fungal agent |
| Bleach and Water Solution | Bleach, water, sponge, gloves | Mix one part bleach to ten parts water, apply to mould, scrub, and rinse off. | Highly effective, but harsh on surfaces |
| Alcohol (Isopropyl) | Rubbing alcohol, cloth or sponge | Apply rubbing alcohol directly to mould and scrub off after a few minutes. | Effective for non-porous surfaces |
In an attempt to save money, I opted for the bleach and water method. Using a paint tray and roller, I applied the bleach solution to the ceiling but failed to wear goggles or gloves, which resulted in minor bleach burns on my skin. Did the mould disappear? Yes. But did it return after some time? Unfortunately, also yes.
While these DIY methods can be effective, they require additional precautions to prevent mould from returning. Always prioritise safety when cleaning mould—wear protective gear, ensure proper ventilation, and avoid scrubbing dry mouldy areas, as this can release spores into the air, posing a health risk if inhaled.
How to prevent mould growth in my HDB flat or condo?
1. Invest in a dehumidifier for high-moisture rooms
Image credit: @winixturkiye
When you’re dealing with high-humidity levels at home, the dehumidifier will be your best friend. They work by simply removing moisture from the air and pumping it back into your space. It’s ideal to use dehumidifiers in closed off rooms that see high levels of moisture, like bathrooms, kitchens and even service yards.
Most dehumidifiers also allow you to set your ideal humidity level and will work to control the level of humidity in that particular space. You’ll want to set the humidity levels to below 50% to prevent mould growth. You’ll be shocked at just how much water you’ve “sucked” from the air when you clear out the water tank!
2. Dry wet areas immediately
Mould spores spread and grow fast. It takes as little as a day for mould to start growing, so you’ll want to nip any leaks in the bud and dry wet spots as soon as you can. Mould loves to grow in natural conditions like on wooden furniture, organic soft furnishings and even paper—protect those Akari table lamps with your life!
3. Discard mouldy items that are beyond salvaging
If mould has infiltrated your favourite tapestry or carpet and even spot washing with detergent can’t salvage it, it’s best to throw it out. Allowing mould to linger in your home not only enables it to spread rapidly but also poses serious health risks, such as triggering asthma and irritating your nose, throat, skin, and eyes.
4. Use mould-resistant paints
Image credit: @gush.usa
After cleaning, it’s a good idea to invest in high-quality anti-mould paint from brands like Gush, Nippon, Dulux, or Berger. These paints are designed with special properties that repel water and prevent dirt and moisture from clinging to surfaces, significantly reducing the likelihood of mould growth in your home.
Hacks to preventing mould at home
In humid and recently very rainy Singapore, mould is becoming a serious issue for unsuspecting homeowners. But knowledge is always the first step to prevention. Remember to maintain proper ventilation at home to avoid stagnant air, and regularly clean moisture-prone areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. Additionally, investing in a few anti-mould essentials like a dehumidifier can help you manage Singapore’s unpredictable wet spells in the coming months!
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Cover image adapted from: bhg ,@senelux
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