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9 Products to Fight Mold in Japan on Rainy Days
Summer season in Japan brings in the rainy season called “tsuyu” (梅雨). The rainy season usually starts from early June and ends on the third week of July. It doesn’t happen every day, nevertheless, there can be days when the skies are consistently gray and overcast.
During the rainy season, coupled with high humidity, molds can become prevalent in your apartment. These stubborn contaminants add to the challenges of managing the wet weather and rising humidity levels.
Luckily, there are affordable and readily available products and ways that can help in managing humidity and removing mold, bacteria and other pollutants.
Kobe Nadeshiko Management runs four businesses in Kobe: Share House, Rental Space, Rental Kitchen, and Monthly Furnished Apartments. We offer places for people to live, gather, and create memories. Need space to start your own restaurant, pub, or cooking class? We’ve got you covered. Enjoy easy living in Kobe with us!
1. Dehumidifying Agents
In Japan, popular products like Mizutorizou-san (水とりぞうさん) are widely used. These come in various types such as tank type, sheet type, and tetra type, suitable for spaces prone to mold like closets and shoe boxes. Other brands like ドライペット and ドライウェル also offer effective moisture-absorbing solutions.
2. Desiccant Packs
The most common desiccant is silica gel, which are the small white packets you usually see in dried food products – even on newly bought shoes or shipped furniture.
Utilize desiccants like silica gel, commonly found in small white packets. These absorb moisture from the air, helping to reduce humidity levels and prevent mold in enclosed spaces such as closets, shelves, and drawers.
3. Mold Killing Products
Use specialized mold-killing products or gels like “kabitoru desu” in areas prone to moisture buildup, such as kitchen and bathroom sinks.
4. Ethanol
Ethanol is ideal for tackling stubborn mold on carpets or tatami mats. Prevent mold growth on these surfaces by spraying ethanol, wiping it clean, vacuuming any remaining dirt, and applying a second coat of ethanol. Lastly, wipe until the area is completely dry.
5. Natural Solutions
White vinegar and baking soda can be used as natural alternatives for killing mold. They are effective and safe for most surfaces.
6. Dehumidifier Machines
While more expensive, dehumidifiers are effective for controlling humidity levels throughout larger areas or entire rooms.
7. Squeegee
Use a squeegee to remove excess water from bathroom surfaces after showers to prevent mold growth.
8. Screen Doors
Installing screen doors can help improve ventilation and airflow, reducing humidity levels indoors. You can purchase a magnetic screen door and easily install in your home.
9. Bedding Pad
Ensure bedding pads are kept dry and aired regularly to prevent mold and mildew buildup.
We, the staff, in cooperation with the share house residents aims to prevent mold growth during the wet season in Japan.
For single people living in Kobe, we recommend staying at a share house.
And if you’re a family, a couple, or even friends, we will serve you information about our monthly furnished apartment.
Where to Stay in Kobe
Share House Palette Kobe Sannomiya is a 5-minute walk from JR Sannomiya Station, Living Place Kobe Hanakuma is only a 3-minute walk from Hankyu Hanakuma Station!
Please click here for more details about the share house with furniture, electric appliances and free wifi!
Reservations for tours are always welcome!
Reno Style Nunobiki is a 5-minute walk from Shin-Kobe Station!
Click here for details of the monthly apartments with furnished kitchen!
Please feel free to contact us if you’re looking for a place to stay for your homecoming, business trip, travel, workcation, training, etc.
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Are Share Houses in Japan Safe for Women?
Pros and Cons of Renting a Monthly Furnished Apartment in Japan